Associate Director (Flood Risk & Drainage)

Overview

As Associate Director, you will provide technical leadership to design teams and steer projects to meet quality, time, and budget targets. You’ll manage major drainage-focused work, including FRA and Drainage Strategy Reports, and lead S104 submissions with S106/S278 support. You will collaborate with LLFA, EA, and Water Authorities, mentor junior staff, and drive development and business opportunities. This role blends technical excellence with strategic leadership to shape infrastructure projects and client outcomes. You will work within a cross-functional Development team to advance major opportunities.

Pay / Benefits

• Work-life balance
• Health & Wellbeing packages
• Flexi time
• Extensive Professional Development
• Chartership Programme

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships to meet and exceed expectations
• Manage and deliver projects within agreed timeframes and budgets
• Oversee a team producing Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategy Reports
• Lead S104 submissions and provide drainage support for S106 and S278 designs
• Utilise knowledge of industry guidelines (NPPF, SuDS Manual, Design and Construction Guidance) in project work
• Review technical reports and communicate complex information clearly
• Lead discussions with LLFA, Environment Agency, and Water Authorities
• Champion health and safety practices within the design process
• Mentor and develop junior team members
• Lead and contribute to bids and coordinate with Development colleagues for cross-discipline coordination
• Drive business development by engaging with local networks and securing major opportunities
• Engage with the Technical Leadership Group to promote innovation and best practice
• Support Place Lead in Leadership of Development team alongside senior members
• Support SHEQ compliance and corporate responsibility across the team

Key requirements

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with ICE or CIWEM
• Proven track record in building and maintaining client relationships
• Strong communication and collaborative working abilities
• Extensive experience with S104 submissions and drainage design support for S106/S278
• Detailed knowledge of NPPF, SuDS Manual, Design and Construction Guidance and related standards
• Excellent technical reporting, writing, and review skills
• Strategic leadership and ability to coordinate across Development disciplines
• Experience in securing new workstreams and driving opportunities in Development
• Ability to engage with stakeholders and bid teams to add value technically and commercially
• Experience leading Development/Development Infrastructure projects
• Ability to mentor mid-career professionals in client management, project management and leadership

• Strong communication
• Relationship building
• Mentoring and coaching
• Drainage design
• Flood Risk Assessments
• S104 submissions

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