Associate / Technical Director - Flood Forecast Modelling in Birmingham

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role … Are you ready for the next step in your career? Are you eager to help deliver and grow our national programme of work? We are expanding our UK based flood forecasting capacity as part of our Sustainable Water Management team in response to growing demand from our existing clients and looking to recruit experienced flood forecast modellers and hydrologists at all levels. You will work alongside our existing hydraulic modellers and hydrologists to deliver a range of real time flood modelling projects.

Your work will be varied and challenging and is likely to include the following:

• Providing technical delivery (and where appropriate leadership) for flood forecast modelling and hydrology studies including developing Flood Modeller based flood forecast models (routing and hydrodynamic), preparing hydrology boundaries (PDM), performance testing, undertaking rating reviews and updates.
• Undertaking Quality Assurance and independent technical reviews of existing flood forecasting reports and products.
• Undertaking and supervising the production of high quality client- and public-facing deliverables, demonstrated through excellence in communication and an ability to present the visualisation and interpretation of complex data.
• Working with the wider fluvial and pluvial modelling leadership team to further develop flood forecasting service offering.
• Mentoring and providing technical support for less experienced flood forecasting modellers.
• Supporting (and where appropriate leading) high quality bid proposals and developing innovative solutions to meet our clients' needs.
• Providing project, commercial and financial management for projects.
• Undertaking client and stakeholder liaison.
• Displaying and promoting a 'safety first' attitude in line with WSP's health and safety policy and procedures.

Although primarily a UK based role, you will also be expected to work collaboratively with teams across WSP's global business.

Your Team: Our national fluvial and pluvial modelling team deliver flood modelling (real time and non-real time) to support a broad portfolio of work including flood warning improvements, FCERM studies and strategic infrastructure projects (including working across the energy, transport, government and water sectors). As an experienced flood forecast modeller, you will be a part of the growing UK based real time modelling capacity and support the development of more junior colleagues as well as being part of the WSP international Practice Area Network looking at flood and weather forecasting.

You will be responsible for technical oversight of projects, play a part in promoting and delivering high quality flood forecasting services as well as supporting the delivery of innovation in our sector. You will also play a part in the success of WSP through contributing to tenders and strengthening relationships with clients.

We offer a dynamic, but supportive environment for a motivated and talented individual to fulfil their potential. We recognise that our people are central to our success as a business.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate …

• Excellent understanding of UK flood forecasting techniques, rating review, Flood Modeller, PDM and performance testing as well as knowledge of recent updates and active fields of development with a proven track record in undertaking real time model development and testing.
• Excellent understanding and experience of carrying out reviews and calculations to satisfy UK statutory bodies (EA, SEPA, NRW or DfI).
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience of identifying and developing business opportunities as well as the preparation of winning proposals.
• A sound understanding of client needs, their opportunities and challenges, with a track record of leading and winning work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the potential to engage and influence at all levels.
• Excellent report-writing, technical review, numerical and analytical skills, with an eye for detail and enjoy solving challenging flood forecasting problems.
• Chartership with a relevant professional body (or commitment to work towards within an agreed period).
• Experience and flexibility to review non-real time modelling is an advantage.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

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. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• 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. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• 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. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• 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.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP 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.