Associate director waste engineer/procurement

Market Environmental

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This is a senior, visible role where your work will directly influence how communities manage waste for decades to come.

You will:

Guide UK local authorities through high‑profile waste procurements, shaping contracts, performance mechanisms and mobilisation strategies

Lead the design and delivery of complex waste facilities — from early feasibility through to handover

Drive innovative waste management approaches, from automated collection systems to major recycling and transfer infrastructure

Influence strategic decisions at master‑planning and development scale, embedding best‑in‑class waste solutions into major schemes

Be a trusted client advisor, translating technical complexity into clear, confident decisions

Mentor and collaborate within a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team, raising capability across the business

In short: your expertise will shape policy, places and infrastructure — and your fingerprints will be on projects that genuinely improve environmental outcomes and operational efficiencies.

Your work will span:

Waste procurement for local authorities — business cases, tender documentation, evaluation and mobilisation support

Design & Build leadership, including:Feasibility studies and optioneering of waste technologies and infrastructureEmbedded waste design within buildings and masterplans (across full RIBA stages)Coordinating with architects, MEP, structural, logistics and engineering teamsOversight of construction, implementation and post‑construction phasesWaste strategy development — producing robust, evidence‑based technical reports that support planning and design decisions

While the primary focus is the UK local authority market, you’ll be part of a wider Waste & Resource Efficiency Team, with exposure to international projects and best practice.

You’ll also have the autonomy and seniority to contribute to business development, helping shape the future direction of the service.

Here's what you'll need

Proven experience delivering waste procurement, waste strategy and design & build projects

A strong degree in waste management, engineering, environmental or natural sciences

Chartered status (or equivalent) – Environmentalist, Waste Management Professional or Engineer

Strong technical mastery of waste and resource management systems

A successful track record in client‑facing roles

Commercial acumen and confidence supporting business growth

Exceptional report writing, presentation and workshop facilitation skills

The ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences

Collaborative leadership style and commitment to safe working

Flexibility to manage multiple projects and work across offices when required

Desirable

Master’s qualification in Waste Management, Sustainability, Environmental Management or Engineering

Experience within the UK infrastructure environment

Comfort working within multi‑disciplinary design teams

Strong data analysis capability, including Excel

Openness to short‑term travel or overseas assignments

Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Waste Solutions?

If you want your expertise to matter, your decisions to shape real outcomes, and your career to move forward with purpose — we want to hear from you.

👉 Apply now and help design a more sustainable future

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