Associate Director (Clean Water Network Specialist)


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£70,000 - £90,000
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester, M1 4BT
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	20 Jul 2026
Closing date:	19 Aug 2026

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Summary

Associate Director - Clean Water Networks

UK Wide (Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, London, Bristol, Glasgow, Cardiff) | Hybrid Working | Strategic Water Projects

Up to £85,000 + Car Allowance (c. £5,500) + Discretionary Bonus + 10% Pension

Want to lead major clean water network programmes while shaping the future of a growing technical team?

A leading engineering and infrastructure consultancy is seeking an Associate Director - Clean Water Networks to join its expanding UK water team. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced clean water specialist looking to influence complex projects, develop technical capability and build lasting client relationships across the water sector.

You'll play a key role in the delivery of clean water network projects for major UK water companies, providing technical leadership, supporting business growth and helping drive innovation across the discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of clean water network projects and programmes

Act as Technical Lead and Project Director on strategic commissions

Manage and develop teams of network engineers

Provide expert advice on network planning, operation and asset investment

Lead Detailed Zonal Studies, DMA design and pressure management projects

Build, calibrate and utilise network models for planning and design purposes

Support framework management and multidisciplinary project delivery

Develop strong client relationships and identify new opportunities

Champion innovative and digital approaches to network management

Support bids, fee proposals and work-winning activities

Mentor and develop engineers, graduates and technical specialists

You'll likely bring:

Significant experience in clean water network engineering

Strong understanding of network modelling, calibration and analysis

Experience delivering Detailed Zonal Studies, DMA design and pressure management schemes

Proven leadership, project management and client-facing experience

Business development and work-winning capability

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Experience managing and developing technical teams

Degree qualification and relevant professional accreditation

If you're an experienced water network leader looking to combine technical excellence, client engagement and strategic growth responsibilities, we'd be keen to discuss this opportunity with you.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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