via Reed · 22 September 2026 ·4 days ago

Associate Director - Water Engineering

Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Reading Full-time GBP 70,000 – 90,000
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Associate Director - Water Engineering
Location: Reading
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 + Bonus

Want to build something rather than simply inherit another Associate Director position? With AMP8 underway and AMP9 ahead, the timing is particularly strong for an experienced Water Engineer to help build and grow a Water business.

The Opportunity

A growing engineering consultancy is looking for an Associate Director to help lead and develop its Water capability, with genuine influence over technical delivery, clients, people and future growth.

The business has grown to around 50 people in five years, has recently completed an acquisition and has ambitious plans for further expansion.

You will work across water infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects in a fast-moving Design & Build environment, working closely with contractors and clients. Alongside technical leadership, you will develop client relationships, identify opportunities and help shape the Water business as it grows.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Water Engineering projects and technical delivery

  • Work across infrastructure and non-infrastructure Water schemes

  • Provide technical leadership in a Design & Build environment

  • Develop key client and contractor relationships

  • Support and develop engineers, including Chartership progression

  • Help grow the Water team and technical capability

  • Develop commercial opportunities and new relationships
Candidate Requirements
  • Strong Water or infrastructure engineering background

  • Technical leadership and project delivery experience

  • Experience working with contractors and multidisciplinary teams

  • Strong client-facing and relationship-building skills

  • Commercial awareness and an interest in business development

  • Ambition to help develop and grow a Water business

  • Chartered status would be strongly advantageous
Why Apply?

With AMP8 underway, AMP9 ahead and the business itself expanding, this is a particularly interesting time to come in at senior level. The salary is £70,000 - £90,000, with an additional performance-related bonus structure. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to help build the Water business rather than simply occupy an established senior position.

The role can be based in Reading, with periodic attendance in Coventry.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available.

If this role feels close but not quite perfect, please do not be put off from applying. I specialise in Civil Engineering, Water and Flood Risk recruitment and may also be able to help with other suitable roles that are not currently advertised.

Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years' recruitment experience.

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