Associate Director – Civil Water Engineer
Locations: Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, Swansea, Birmingham or Derby
Hybrid Working: 3 days per week office/site-based
Help shape the future of our cities, communities, and the environments we depend on.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director – Civil Water Engineer to join our growing Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) practice. This is a key leadership position within a multi-disciplinary team delivering innovative and high-impact projects across the UK water sector.
You’ll work with major clients such as Wessex Water, Welsh Water, Severn Trent Water, South West Water, the Environment Agency, and other regional water authorities, contributing to transformational infrastructure programmes.
If you’re passionate about engineering solutions that create meaningful change and want to work in an environment where every voice is valued, this role offers both challenge and opportunity.
Your Role
This senior position offers the chance to apply your technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking while developing your career within a forward-thinking engineering practice.
As Associate Director – Civil Water Engineer, you will:
* Lead teams of Civil Water Engineers delivering high-quality technical design across multi-disciplinary projects.
* Oversee design deliverables including calculations, reports, drawings, and scopes of work.
* Apply national design codes and project standards across hydraulics, wastewater and clean water networks, water reuse, pipelines, and related asset types.
* Work with project management teams to maintain programmes, manage budgets, and achieve key milestones.
* Provide technical leadership across the D&AT practice—regionally and nationally—driving improvements, best practice, and innovation.
* Develop, manage, and grow Civil Water Engineering capability within the business.
* Offer expert judgement in complex or challenging situations, guiding junior engineers and supporting wider project teams.
* Lead or contribute to bid proposals and work-winning activities.
* Support hiring, business development, client relationship management, and operational functions.
* Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across the UK and internationally to deliver integrated solutions.
About You
Qualifications & Professional Requirements
* Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
* Chartered Civil Engineer.
Technical Experience
* Proven experience delivering large-scale civil water engineering design within a consultancy environment.
* Ability to lead multi-disciplinary collaboration with clients, designers, and contractors across the full project lifecycle.
* Deep technical knowledge of water infrastructure design—including risk assessment, quality control, and proactive design management.
* Strong understanding of related disciplines such as MEICA, structures, geotechnics, and environmental design.
* Expert knowledge of design codes/standards (CDM, Eurocodes, NEC, water utility standards).
* Proficient in key analytical and digital tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, CDEs, ArcGIS, MS Office, and Power BI.
Personal Attributes
* A forward-thinking, innovative mindset that challenges convention and drives continuous improvement.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts.
* Comfortable influencing and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
* Highly motivated, proactive, and committed to delivering engineering excellence.
Sector Experience
* Demonstrable experience in the UK Water sector is essential.
* Additional cross-sector experience is beneficial.
Rewards & Benefits
You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive employee rewards package, and a wide range of benefits tailored to support your health, wellbeing, finances, and lifestyle.
We offer:
* Hybrid working
* Flexible holiday allowances
* Professional development and training opportunities
* Supportive, inclusive workplace culture
* Clear pathways for progression and leadership growth
Additional Information
Security Clearance
Some roles may require UK security clearance. This will be discussed at interview if relevant. Candidates may need to evidence 5+ years of UK residency. Please do not include details of current or past security clearances on your CV or application.
Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide flexible working policies, family-friendly support, and employee networks that champion diversity and inclusion