At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our Ground & Water business while managing complex projects.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor teams and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects and collaborate with top professionals in the field.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental science or related field; experience in consultancy required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
We are seeking an Associate Director to play a key role in growing and leading our Ground & Water business in the North East. The role focuses on business development, client leadership, team growth, and technical and project delivery.
As an Associate Director, you will operate as a senior leader within the Ground & Water team, responsible for driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
This Role Requires a Balance Of:
- Business development leadership
- Client relationship management
- Project and commercial oversight
- People leadership and team development
- Technical direction and assurance
Key Responsibilities:
- Business Development & Growth (Primary Focus): Lead the identification, pursuit and conversion of new business opportunities across the North East and wider UK market, develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, act as a senior point of contact, drive sector growth across contaminated land and remediation, energy transition and industrial decommissioning, and infrastructure and regeneration. Lead or support strategic bids, including bid strategy development, commercial positioning, client engagement and negotiation. Contribute to regional and national business development plans and growth targets, expanding WSP’s market presence and strengthening its reputation within the Ground & Water sector.
- Client & Project Leadership: Act as Project Director on key projects, accountable for delivery to time, cost and quality, with responsibility for commercial performance, financial management, and effective risk management and governance. Provide strategic advice to clients across complex environmental and remediation challenges, maintaining high standards of technical excellence and client satisfaction, and ensuring effective coordination and leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
- Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor and develop teams within the Newcastle office and wider region, supporting recruitment, retention and capability development aligned to business growth. Build high‑performing, collaborative teams and foster a positive working culture, identify skills gaps and support effective succession planning.
- Commercial & Operational Performance: Take accountability for project and regional financial performance, including revenue generation and profitability through effective margin management. Support forecasting, pipeline development and reporting, ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with WSP governance, quality and health & safety requirements, and contributing to effective operational planning and resource management.
- Technical Leadership & Assurance: Provide senior technical oversight and maintain high standards of delivery, acting as a subject matter expert in contaminated land, hydrogeology or remediation (or related disciplines). Support innovation and continuous improvement across the service line, contributing to technical excellence and promoting knowledge sharing across the wider business.
Qualifications:
- A degree (and ideally postgraduate qualification) in environmental science, geology, engineering, or a related discipline
- Chartered status with a relevant professional body
- Significant experience in Ground & Water, contaminated land, or related consultancy services
- A proven track record in winning work and building client relationships, delivering complex projects, leading teams and developing people, and strong commercial awareness and understanding of consultancy delivery models.
Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an Associate Director in our Ground & Water team based in the North East, you will have access to unparalleled growth opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to lead impactful projects that shape the environment. Our commitment to employee development and a diverse workplace ensures that your career can flourish while making a meaningful contribution to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Wsp In The Uk & Ireland.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Wsp In The Uk & Ireland and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Wsp In The Uk & Ireland will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Associate Director – Ground & Water at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Wsp In The Uk & Ireland that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
