Location
Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Croydon, London, Reading, Southampton, UK (Preference for South UK offices: Cambridge, London, Croydon, Reading, Southampton)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy committed to improving society through social outcomes, excellence, and digital innovation. We are proud to be recognised as a top employer and a leader in inclusion in the UK. Our Environmental and Sustainability Services (ESS) team, comprising over 100 professionals across 18 UK offices, is expanding and seeks a Senior Associate to provide technical leadership in Water Resource Planning – Environment.

The water sector is central to our heritage, and we work closely with UK water and sewerage companies to deliver innovative solutions. This role focuses on leading environmental assessment capabilities for water resource management projects, including Water Resource Management Plans (WRMP), Drought Management Plans (DMP), and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMP). You will lead technical delivery of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), Natural Capital Assessment, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Key responsibilities include providing technical leadership to environmental teams, driving innovation and sustainable outcomes, acting as technical approver for deliverables, engaging strategically with clients and stakeholders, supporting business development, and contributing to the growth of ESS services. This is an exciting opportunity to influence major water resource projects and work within a diverse, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to sustainable solutions.

Experience
- Proven experience in strategic water planning including Water Resource Management Plans, Regional Water Resource Plans, Drought Plans, and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (essential)
- Experience leading environmental assessments in the water sector or related sectors (desirable)
- Significant expertise in one or more of the following: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), Natural Capital Assessment (NCA)
- Experience working in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams and leading delivery of environmental and sustainability outputs
- Client-facing experience with ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
- Strong organisational, planning, and management skills including budget and programme management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Creative problem-solving skills and commitment to continual improvement

About you
Forward-thinking, innovative, and passionate about sustainable environmental solutions. Able to lead and inspire teams, engage effectively with clients and stakeholders, and deliver high-quality technical outputs. Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and able to work collaboratively within a diverse team.

Qualifications
- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical subject (essential)
- Master's degree in a relevant subject (desirable)
- Chartered status with a professional institution such as CIWEM or IEMA, or equivalent (desirable)