Hydrometry & Physical Data Associate Director

APEM Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking an Associate Director to oversee water quality projects and lead operational teams. Applicants should have significant experience in water quality and physical data collection, a proven track record in delivering complex programs, and excellent client-facing skills. This senior role offers the opportunity to shape strategic directions and develop high-performing teams while fostering client relationships. Join a supportive and ambitious environment committed to technical excellence and team wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Career development support

Qualifications

• Significant experience in water quality and physical data collection in transitional and coastal environments.
• Strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale programmes.
• Experience in building and leading operational teams with a focus on mentoring and development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee major water quality projects and lead operational teams.
• Drive client management and business development efforts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver joined-up solutions.

Skills

Water quality experience

Client-facing skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Membership of a relevant chartered institution

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced leader in water quality or physical data collection? Do you thrive on delivering complex, multi-year programmes across freshwater, estuarine, and coastal environments? Are you looking for a senior role where you can shape teams, build trusted client relationships, and drive the future of environmental consultancy?

We’re looking for an Associate Director to join us in managing delivery of our growing portfolio of transitional and coastal waters (TraC) projects that sit within APEM’s Water Quality Division. This leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee major TraC water quality projects, as well as hydrometry and oceanographic monitoring. It will involve large-scale survey delivery for clients including water companies, regulators, and infrastructure providers. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping our approach to physical data, influencing both operational delivery and strategic direction.

As part of the sector leadership team, you’ll bring a proven track record in managing complex programmes of work. You’ll lead on building and developing high-performing teams, while also playing a pivotal role in client management and business development — growing existing accounts and helping to unlock new opportunities. Collaboration will be key, working with colleagues across the wider Water Sector and the APEM Group to deliver joined-up solutions and support ambitious growth plans.

What we’re looking for:

• Significant experience in water quality and physical data collection, particularly transitional and coastal environments
• A strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale programmes of work
• Experience building and leading operational teams, with a focus on mentoring, engagement, and development
• Proven client-facing skills and commercial acumen, including input to tenders and business development activity
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage colleagues, stakeholders, and partners effectively

It’s a bonus if you bring:

• Membership of a relevant chartered institution or professional body
• A relevant postgraduate qualification
• Experience in applied data consultancy and reporting
• A familiarity with the wider services offered by water quality teams (e.g. survey design, modelling, or regulatory engagement)

At APEM, we balance technical excellence with flexibility and wellbeing. This role provides a platform to lead strategically important projects, grow client relationships, and build the next generation of water quality expertise. In return, you’ll have the chance to shape your career in a supportive and ambitious consultancy that values collaboration, integrity, and innovation.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.