Job Description
Lead and grow a capability that shapes sustainable water environments
SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture.
Opportunities like this are rare. We are seeking a Practice Leader to lead and expand our established Hydrology and Hydrogeology team across the UK and Ireland.
Our Hydrology and Hydrogeology Practice is a team of ~75 specialists delivering technical excellence across surface water, groundwater and geochemistry, supporting projects that contribute to Net Zero and sustainable development.
Ideally based in London, Manchester, Bristol or Edinburgh, you’ll lead a diverse portfolio spanning power & distribution, infrastructure, mining & minerals and the built environment, with projects across the UK, Ireland and wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
The Role
You will lead the operational performance, development and direction of the Hydrology & Hydrogeology Practice, ensuring a high-performing, well-supported team delivering excellent outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the operational performance of the practice, ensuring effective coordination, prioritisation and delivery
- Providing oversight and direction to project managers and technical leads, to ensure safe, timely and high-quality delivery
- Driving effective utilisation, resource and workforce planning, to optimise team performance
- Managing, coaching and developing a team of specialists - fostering a strong, collaborative and high-performing culture
- Building client relationships and ensuring consistent service delivery
- Supporting pipeline development and contributing to practice growth
You’ll work closely with senior colleagues across SLR, collaborating across disciplines to deliver complex, multi-sector projects.
Rewards & Benefits
SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long term career progression.
Our flexible benefits & reward package includes:
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life, income, and travel insurance
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle to work schemes
We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer:
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
- Buy or sell leave options
- Core working hours
- Cross border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR:
We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause—supporting our people both professionally and personally.
About You
You’re an experienced leader with strong technical credibility and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and overseeing the successful delivery of complex work.
You’ll bring:
- Substantial experience in hydrology, hydrogeology or a related discipline within consultancy
- Proven experience leading teams and overseeing delivery across a portfolio of projects
- Strong operational and resource management skills, with the ability to optimise team performance
- Experience delivering work across sectors such as infrastructure, energy or the built environment
- Strong client management skills, with the ability to build trusted, long-term relationships
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a focus on coaching and development
- A degree in a relevant discipline and membership of a relevant professional body (or working towards)
Culture & Inclusion
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
If this Practice Leader – Hydrology and Hydrogeology role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.