Technical Director (Water Service Line) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Location: UK & Ireland (Severn Trent Water service line)

Job Overview

Provide strategic leadership to create, shape, and deliver the business strategy for the Severn Trent Water service line within the Asset Design discipline, ensuring WSP’s industry‑leading position is safeguarded and strengthened for future growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy that delivers business growth in line with agreed target levels and aligns the business to emerging market opportunities within the water sector.
• Lead and manage a team, focusing on people engagement and enhancing a sense of belonging.
• Provide leadership in Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Inclusion, with a commitment to a Zero Harm culture.
• Own the Service Line P&L and deliver to all key targets.
• Lead framework and project delivery – time, cost and quality.
• Coordinate with other service lines and disciplines to share best practice, innovation and project delivery skills.
• Ensure the team has the right competencies through the development and delivery of a training plan.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key clients and actively seek and act upon client feedback to differentiate WSP.
• Support strategic business‑unit level bids and lead tactical bids.

Team

Thriving Water Asset Design team delivering innovative solutions to a diverse client base, including Severn Trent Water, South West Water, Southern Water and key contractors. Play a pivotal role in delivering WSP UK’s 2025–2027 Strategy, where water is a key strategic growth area. Part of an ambitious team that genuinely cares about enhancing quality of life for clients and communities through sustainable engineering. Experience a people‑first culture that empowers individuals to flourish, grow and shape their careers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Leadership experience in the Water sector within a professional services environment, with a track record of delivering strategic outcomes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior client relationships, ensuring repeat business and high levels of client satisfaction.
• Excellent commercial acumen, including full P&L ownership and deep understanding of financial levers such as net revenue, operating margin, EBITDA and working capital.
• Recognised as a leader in your field, with experience leading international teams and delivering high‑quality professional services on a national scale.
• A growth mindset, with the ability to identify and develop opportunities beyond your core technical discipline.
• Skilled in cross‑selling and collaboration, enhancing client value by connecting them with WSP’s broader service offerings.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, safety and wellbeing, fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong and health and safety are prioritised through a Zero Harm approach.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy – flexibility to work from home two days a week.
• Inclusive culture that welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Health & Wellbeing programmes: Thrive, Virtual GP service, Gymflex, menopause support.
• Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” – one hour each day for personal activities.
• Part‑time, flexible working arrangements and additional leave options.
• Investment in professional development through training, mentoring and Chartership.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.