Senior Associate

Description:

Mott MacDonald, a global engineering, management, and development consultancy, is seeking a Senior Associate for Water Resource Planning – Environment to join our Environmental & Sustainability Services (ESS) team. The role will provide technical leadership in environmental assessment within the water sector, supporting strategic water planning, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

This role is ideal for a highly experienced environmental professional passionate about water resource management, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of delivering Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs), Drought Management Plans (DMPs), and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs), ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental best practices.

The role is based in multiple UK locations, with a preference for the South (Cambridge, London, Croydon, Reading, Southampton).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead environmental and sustainability teams in delivering SEA, HRA, Natural Capital, and BNG assessments for WRMPs.
• Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance in environmental assessments and planning.
• Drive innovation and sustainability outcomes, influencing project designs and methodologies.
• Act as a technical approver for environmental deliverables, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Engage with public and private sector stakeholders, including participation in public consultations, industry events, and workshops.
• Support business development activities, including proposal writing, fee estimates, and client engagement.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate environmental best practices into project delivery.

Essential Requirements:

✔ Extensive experience in strategic water planning (e.g., WRMPs, Regional Water Resource Plans, DMPs, DWMPs).
✔ Proven leadership experience in environmental assessments within the water sector.
✔ Expertise in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), and Natural Capital Assessment (NCA).
✔ Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject (essential).
✔ Master’s degree in a related subject (desirable).
✔ Chartered membership (CIWEM, IEMA, or equivalent) preferred.
✔ Strong experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in environmental and sustainability assessments.
✔ Client-facing experience with strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
✔ Excellent project management, organizational, and budget management skills.
✔ Strong problem-solving ability, innovation, and continuous improvement mindset.

What We Offer:

🏥 Health & Wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK employees.
• Health cash plan for everyday health expenses.
• Menopause support services and free access to well-being resources.
• Flexible salary options to opt into a range of health benefits.

💰 Financial Benefits

• Matched pension contributions (4.5%-7%).
• Life assurance (up to 4x salary, option for 6x salary).
• Income protection scheme for long-term illness/injury.
• Annual bonus schemes and profit-sharing for employees.
• Payroll savings, will-writing, and critical illness cover.

🏖 Work-Life Balance

• 33-35 days annual leave (including public holidays).
• Ability to buy or sell leave through flexible benefits.
• Additional leave after 5 years of service.
• Agile working options available.

👨‍👩‍👧 Enhanced Family Leave

• 26 weeks fully paid maternity/adoption leave.
• 2 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
• Shared parental leave up to 24 weeks full pay.
• Up to 5 additional leave days for carers.

📚 Professional Development

• Primary professional institution membership fees covered.
• Extensive mentoring, formal training, and self-development programs.

🌍 Inclusion & Social Impact

• Advanced Employee Networks for LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability, and parents/carers.
• Opportunities to contribute to community and sustainability initiatives.

About Mott MacDonald:

Mott MacDonald is a globally recognized engineering, management, and development consultancy, focused on improving society through innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence. We work with major UK water and sewerage companies, providing industry-leading solutions in water resource planning, environmental assessments, and sustainable infrastructure development.

As a Glassdoor Top UK Employer and a Top Inclusive Company, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of our business.