Associate or Associate Director, EIA - Nuclear (UK Wide) in Leeds

Nuclear power is a vital component of the UK’s clean energy mix—essential for achieving net zero and securing a resilient energy future. In support of the UK government’s vision for a revitalised nuclear industry, we are proud to be one of the leading engineering and environmental professional services consultancies driving progress across the UK nuclear sector. We have a long-standing track record of delivering work on some of the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects, including major nuclear developments such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, Sellafield, the Geological Disposal Facility, and more recently advising on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programmes.

As one of the largest environmental consultancies in the UK, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to these landmark nuclear projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. You’ll be encouraged to explore new ideas in a culture that values curiosity and diverse perspectives.

Role and responsibilities

• Playing a key role in growing our nuclear sector offer, working with sector leads and client account managers to drive thought leadership and win new business.
• Providing environmental advice and support to clients, project managers and colleagues.
• Working with colleagues, environmental specialists, clients and engineering teams to promote sustainable design and environmental enhancement.
• Leading large, multiple, and complex projects, overseeing our performance on technical, quality, commercial, and health and safety.
• Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities to support project strategy, resourcing and delivery.
• Undertaking activities to secure new work, including developing proposals for complex opportunities, delivering strategic level bids and framework opportunities, and undertaking business development opportunities.
• Champion innovation through approaches such as Digital EIA, Technical Excellence and Future Ready.
• Driving performance improvement and career advancement opportunities across team.
• Promote an inclusive and positive team environment, acting as a trusted advisor and mentor.
• Promoting an inclusive workplace, demonstrating an understanding of Health and Safety whilst living the values of our health, safety, and wellbeing culture.
• Undertaking actions that contribute towards the success of the WSP business strategy, whilst being self-motivated towards goals relevant to the role, team, and your projects.

Qualifications

• Relevant environmental or planning degree (or equivalent experience), with chartered status or actively working towards chartership.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for nuclear projects, including under a range of UK planning regimes such as the Town and Country Planning Act, EIADR and the Planning Act 2008.
• Awareness of the application of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) 2016 is beneficial.
• Familiarity with relevant consenting processes associated with nuclear and projects, including Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), Environmental Permit applications etc.
• Understanding of how these processes integrate with the planning system and EIA for nuclear projects.
• Capable of leading client communications and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, regulators, and the public, with a solid understanding of public consultation and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Knowledge of emerging environmental and planning policy trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong report writing and review capabilities, attention to detail, and a focus on quality assurance.
• Proven line management experience and a track record of developing and upskilling internal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic planning, win new work through bids and proposals, and enhance reputation in the nuclear sector.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

• Work-life balance - At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging - We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.
• Health & Wellbeing - We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
• Flex your time - To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
• Your development - We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.