Associate Director (Environmental Policy) - London, Bristol Or Reading

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Some examples of our recent work include:

• Water: Fitness Check of the Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive, a study to support the impact assessment of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
• Air quality and industrial emissions: Ongoing work over many years to support Defra with assessing costs and benefits of measures to reduce air pollutant emissions across multiple sectors; framework contract with the European Commission on industrial emissions; work with European Parliament on mapping and assessing local policies on air quality.
• Deforestation: back-to-back evaluation of the EU Timber Regulation and EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Regulation and impact assessment for measures against deforestation (EUDR).
• Circular economy: various studies at regional, national and international levels (e.g. Zero Waste Scotland, the World Bank) looking at material recovery, recycling and recyclability of packaging, single use plastics, etc.
• Chemicals: Leading projects on review of EU chemicals legislation (fitness check) and on REACH (e.g. the impact assessment for the revision of REACH, studies on introducing a mixture assessment factor and the essential use concept); POPs Regulation; the transition to safe and sustainable chemicals; impacts from chemicals on human health and the environment; transparency across the supply chain; socio-economic analysis for chemical substances; and assessing risk management options for PFAS.

Applications from those with European language skills - in addition to a high professional standard of written and spoken English - are particularly welcome. Our team is based across the UK, Belgium, Germany and beyond Europe, in Canada and the US. We are seeking to fill this role in the UK, in one of our London or Bristol offices but the position will involve work with colleagues and partners across our network of offices in Europe and the rest of the world.

• This is a key role within our team, and we would typically require around 10 or more years’ relevant experience.
• You will manage and/or direct a diverse range of Environmental Policy projects within thematic areas, including water, air quality, chemicals, industrial emissions, waste, etc., ensuring projects are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
• You will bring expertise in policy impact assessment and evaluation, cost-benefit and socio-economic analysis to the team, providing guidance and mentorship to younger staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• You will actively engage with clients and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, building and maintaining relationships to identify new business opportunities. You will successfully win new Environmental Policy projects through effective proposal writing and presentations.
• You will collaborate with the team to develop and implement long-term strategies for the Environmental Policy team.
• You will drive policy advancements in our thematic areas by leveraging research, data-driven analysis, and evidence-based recommendations.

YOUR TEAM

• WSP’s Environmental Policy and economics team is at the forefront of providing policy, technical and economic advice on the development and implementation of Environmental Policy and business response to policy.
• Our reputation for robust and impartial analysis means our projects directly influence the development and improvement of environmental policies in the UK, EU and beyond, addressing some of the most challenging issues we face.

It would be preferable to have a blend of technical, commercial and project management experience.

Technical experience

• Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Policy / science / technology, chemistry, economics, engineering, similar.
• Professional experience of environmental or policy analysis. Relevant work experience in leading and delivering government policy Evaluations, and Impact Assessments, or a related area. This may be within a consultancy, government, research agency/think tank, NGO or private sector / industry organisation or relevant placement.
• Strong expertise in policy evaluation and impact assessment methodologies, using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and policy recommendations.
  • Proficiency in analysing complex Environmental Policy issues, identifying challenges, and proposing evidence-based solutions.
  • Demonstrable research skills / experience: this may be via collection and analysis of data, summarising and critically evaluating literature, stakeholder interviewing, for example.
  • Understanding of analytical techniques such as: survey design and execution; market analysis; and socio-economic analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present findings, policy recommendations, and project updates to clients, stakeholders, and the broader public. Excellent communication skills and ability to write clear and concise reports in English.

Project management experience

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a portfolio of Environmental Policy projects, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are of high quality.

• Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, client and subcontractor management and project planning to achieve successful project outcomes.

Strategy and commercial experience

• Proven track record in winning new Environmental Policy projects and contracts, including successful proposal writing and client engagement.
• Participation in the development and implementation of the team’s Environmental Policy strategy to drive growth and achieve long-term objectives.

Staff management

• Essential: strong communication and interpersonal skills to mentor and develop team members, fostering a cohesive and high-performing team environment.

• Work-life balance?

WSP recognises that work is only one part of your life and making time for other things is important – whether that’s for your families, friends, or yourself.

Our hybrid working policy allows the flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home as well as collaborating in our contemporary offices across the UK.

• Inclusivity & Diversity?

We want our people to achieve rewarding careers, bringing their whole selves to work. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Our employee resource groups VIBE (LGBTQ+ employees), CREED (Championing Racial Equality and Ethnic Diversity) and our Gender Balance Group, in tandem with WSP’s Neurodiverse Community Group, WSP Connect Group (visible and non-visible disabilities) help us promote the right environment for you to reach your full potential.

• Health & Wellbeing?

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 gives you and your family unrestricted telephone access to an NHS doctor where you can call day or night or have a face-to-face video consultation.

• Flex your time?

For improved work life balance, WSP offers the “WSP Hour” which enables you to take one hour per day to do as you wish and make up the time earlier or later that day. We also offer part time and flexible working arrangements plus the option to flex your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

• Your development?

We appreciate that development and training is important to you and that’s why we have a supportive environment that invests in your development, whether that’s chartership, training or mentoring.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.

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