
At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
This is an opportunity to become a leader in the industry, influence policy and drive innovation. The challenges facing the water sector have never been greater. Climate change, urbanisation, flooding, pollution, water scarcity and the need for sustainable infrastructure are transforming the way we manage our water environment. At HR Wallingford we are helping to address those challenges through world-leading research, innovative consultancy and we are empathetic in providing practical and appropriate solutions in line with societal needs.
We are seeking an exceptional Technical Director (Urban Drainage) to lead and grow our highly respected urban drainage team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a nationally recognised centre of excellence while working alongside some of the industry's leading engineers, scientists and researchers.
Whether your expertise lies in drainage, wastewater, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), flood management, climate resilience, water recycling, modelling, hydrology, or emerging digital technologies, this role offers the platform to influence the future of the water sector both in the UK and internationally.
You will work with a great range of clients, including government organisations, regulators, water companies, research bodies, international development organisations and financial institutions. No two projects are the same. The company avoids turnkey agreements and therefore offers an independent service to all organisations in the water industry.
As Technical Director, you will:
We're interested in ambitious leaders with a passion for improving how water is managed. You will bring expertise in many of the following areas:
Most importantly, you will combine technical credibility with the leadership skills needed to grow people, build client relationships and develop new opportunities.
What makes this role special?
This is a great opportunity to draw on both your management skills and technical expertise working with organisations which will influence the direction of the science of urban drainage.
Why HR Wallingford?
HR Wallingford is unlike most consultancies. Originally established as the Hydraulics Research Station, we continue to combine scientific excellence with real-world application. Our teams have recently led or had involvement in:
As a staff member you will enjoy:
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com
Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.

We design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water.
By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
Drawing on our unique capabilities in science, technology and engineering, we invest in knowledge and innovate to address future challenges and opportunities.