Lead Process Engineer - Associate Director - Water Sector

Cezanne HR; City of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Lead Process Engineer – Associate Director in London to lead the design and delivery of innovative engineering solutions. The role requires over 10 years of experience in the water sector and a commitment to sustainability. You will mentor engineers, engage with clients, and ensure compliance with UK regulations. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Hybrid and flexible working

Pension matching and life assurance

Professional development support

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water, wastewater, or industrial effluent treatment design.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent.
• Degree in Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineering (Master’s desirable).
• Deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment process principles.
• Proven ability to develop complete process solutions from concept to detailed design.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and client engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design for treatment plants and utility systems.
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations and client requirements.
• Oversee scope, schedule, and budget control to ensure efficient delivery.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and digital best practices within the team.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and graduates.

Job description

Lead Process Engineer - Associate Director - Water Sector

Company Description

Ayesa is a global, forward-thinking engineering and technology consultancy with 13,000 employees in 23 countries. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and sustainability — values that drive our innovation and growth across infrastructure, water, transport, energy, and environmental sectors.

Position

🚀 The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Lead Process Engineer – Associate Director to join our Water Infrastructure Team within the UK, taking a key technical and leadership role in the design, coordination, and delivery of process engineering solutions across water, wastewater, sludge treatment centres, biological and utilities projects. You’ll help shape strategies, mentor engineers, and drive excellence from concept through to commissioning.

• Lead process design for treatment plants, pumping stations, and utility systems.
• Define process schemes, develop mass balance and hydraulic profiles and calculations, and specify treatment equipment.
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations and client requirements (DWI, EA, Ofwat, BSI, WIS, IGN, SuDs, etc.).
• Lead technical reviews, challenge assumptions, and ensure design integrity and performance.
• Coordinate across civil, mechanical, electrical, and control disciplines in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Develop and manage PFDs, P&IDs, design reports, and technical specifications.
• Support BIM and digital design integration within process design workflows.
• Present and facilitate HAZOP, HAZID, and SIL studies.
• Lead or support design and build (D&B) projects in collaboration with utilities and delivery partners.
• Oversee scope, schedule, and budget control to ensure efficient delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and graduates.
• Engage directly with clients to shape solutions and lead proposals or bids.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and digital best practices within the team.

📋 Key Accountabilities

• Deliver robust, efficient, and compliant process design solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage workload, priorities, and project performance.
• Ensure adherence to Ayesa’s Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Represent Ayesa professionally, building strong client relationships.

Requirements

🧠 What You Bring

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in water, wastewater, or industrial effluent treatment design.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent.
• Degree in Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineering (Master’s desirable).

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment process principles.
• Proven ability to develop complete process solutions from concept to detailed design.
• Experience with UK and Ireland industry standards and specifications.
• Skilled in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and conducting process calculations.
• Experience leading HAZOP/HAZID workshops and supporting commissioning activities.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and client engagement skills.
• Familiarity with BIM, digital design, and sustainable engineering practices.

Other information

🎁 What’s In It for You

✅ Competitive salary and benefits package.

🏡 Hybrid and flexible working (2–3 days from home).

💰 Pension matching, income protection, and life assurance.

📚 Professional development and chartership support.

🌱 Sustainability and innovation-focused culture.

🎉 Socials, recognition awards, and wellbeing initiatives.

🌴 Generous annual leave with additional days based on service.

🤝We’re Inclusive by Design

Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce foster innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.