At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our Ground & Water business while managing complex projects.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in environmental consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to positive change in communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects and shape your unique career.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental science or related field; strong leadership and client management skills.
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, with a strong focus on business development, client leadership, and team growth alongside technical and project delivery.
A little more about your role… 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
You will be expected to operate as a trusted advisor to clients, a leader of teams, and a key contributor to regional and national growth strategy.
Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development & Growth (Primary Focus):
- Lead the identification, pursuit and conversion of new business opportunities across the North East and wider UK market, while developing and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and acting 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, and client engagement and negotiation.
- Contribute to regional and national business development plans and growth targets, while expanding WSP’s market presence and strengthening its reputation within the Ground & Water sector.
Client & Project Leadership:
- Act as Project Director on key projects, with accountability for delivery to time, cost and quality, alongside full responsibility for commercial performance, financial management, and effective risk management and governance.
- Provide strategic advice to clients across complex environmental and remediation challenges, while maintaining high standards of technical excellence and client satisfaction, and ensuring the 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, while identifying skills gaps and supporting 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, while 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, while contributing to technical excellence and promoting knowledge sharing across the wider business.
Your Team: You will be part of WSP’s Ground & Water Service Line, a national team delivering contaminated land, hydrogeology, and remediation services across sectors including infrastructure, energy, property, and industrial development.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
- 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
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of consultancy delivery models
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
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. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: WSP
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 contribute to impactful projects that shape communities. Join us to be part of a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in contaminated land and remediation during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered complex projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining WSP. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Ground & Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in business development and client management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Share specific examples of how you’ve mentored others or successfully delivered complex projects. This will help us see your potential fit within our Ground & Water team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show us what you can do without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our team there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contaminated land, hydrogeology, and remediation. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage client relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored team members in the past. Highlighting your leadership style will help you stand out.
✨Business Development Mindset
Since business development is a key focus, think about how you've identified and pursued new opportunities in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your strategies for building client relationships and driving growth. This will show that you understand the commercial side of the role.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
WSP values diverse perspectives and new ideas, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture. Share your thoughts on collaboration and innovation, and how you’ve fostered a positive working environment in your past experiences.
