Technical Lead – Environmental

We have a fantastic opportunity to work on some of the biggest and most complex projects in the water industry in a generation, shaping the future of the water environment across the UK. We’re looking for an Environmental Technical Lead to join our team and support the delivery of nationally significant water infrastructure projects.

Let’s cut straight to it

You’ll play a key role in the Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programme, working with other water companies, regulators and third party water users to reduce drought risk across the UK. Severn Trent is currently involved in seven major schemes funded through AMP8, including the flagship Grand Union Canal Transfer and Severn to Thames Transfer.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced environmental professional to bring your skills to our regionally and nationally significant infrastructure projects, making a significant contribution to developing future water resources, for our region and beyond.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development of pioneering, once‑in‑a‑generation water resource schemes, helping to address climate change, water scarcity, environmental resilience and inter‑regional water security across the UK.
• Act as the environmental technical authority for assigned Strategic Resource Options (SROs), providing strategic direction and influencing critical project, design and consenting decisions.
• Lead the planning and delivery of environmental investigations and assessments, setting and implementing a coherent environmental strategy across the full project lifecycle.
• Procure, manage and coordinate specialist consultants, ensuring high‑quality, regulator‑ready surveys, assessments and reporting that deliver value for money.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with regulators, statutory bodies and planning authorities, agreeing scope, methodologies and outcomes early and effectively.
• Identify and manage environmental risks and opportunities, developing innovative and pragmatic solutions to complex environmental and water quality challenges.
• Assure the quality and robustness of environmental outputs, including contributions to RAPID gate submissions and key regulatory documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to colleagues and project teams, supporting capability‑building across the wider programme.

You’ll be based out of our Head Office in Coventry, and work within our Strategic Resource Options team. With this being such a critical role, we’re looking for someone who can join us 37 hours a week with flexibility to work from home at times.

What we’re looking for

Essential

An experienced and trusted environmental professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership, curiosity and the confidence to influence complex, high‑profile infrastructure decisions.

Technical expertise

• Strong technical background in a relevant environmental discipline, with experience of EIA/SEA, permitting and associated assessments (e.g. hydrology, ecology, natural capital, water transfers).
• Experience developing, reviewing and assuring high‑quality technical reports and advice.

Leadership & delivery

• Proven experience leading complex workstreams, managing consultants and controlling budgets.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs under pressure.
• Ability to manage, direct and develop junior staff members.

Stakeholder & communication

• Strong track record of working with regulators, planners, internal teams and delivery partners.
• Ability to communicate complex environmental information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering environmental inputs to major infrastructure or nationally significant projects.
• Direct experience of RAPID, DCO, WRMP or equivalent strategic planning processes.
• Chartered environmental professional, or demonstrable pathway to chartership.
• Hold a full UK driving licence

Skills and experience are important, but character, positivity, and a caring attitude matter too. If you don’t meet all the criteria, but believe you have the skills to be a great fit for this role, please still apply or get in touch with the recruiting team. We understand not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

We welcome and celebrate diverse individuals, knowing they help us better serve our communities. We seek people who get involved, want to be part of something bigger, and make a difference because they care.

How we’ll reward and care for you

We’re more than just a water company. We’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, sustainability, and the communities we serve. By joining us, you’ll work with the latest technologies, driving forward-thinking projects that enhance and protect national infrastructure, making a real difference to the communities we serve.

With over 10,000 colleagues, we’re looking for more brilliant people who are passionate about sustainability, eager to innovate, and ready to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent. We’ll reward you for it, too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities we serve.

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite’s perks that you’ll get being part of the Severn Trent family:

• Competitive salary
• 28 days holiday (increasing to 31 after 5 years of service) + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250 per annum based on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies and two volunteering days per year