Gemma Harfield

Astute’s Environmental team is partnering with a leading environmental consultancy known for delivering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact solutions, to recruit an Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage, based in London, with flexible hybrid working available.

This Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role offers a competitive salary up to £65,000, along with structured career development, a collaborative culture, and involvement in exciting national projects — including the UK’s largest solar farm.

If you're an experienced flood risk consultant with strong technical, commercial, and leadership skills, and you’re ready to help grow a thriving team while delivering exceptional client work, submit your CV to apply today.

Reporting to the Water Services leadership team, you will:

• Manage projects from inception to completion, including fee proposals and tender submissions

• Deliver and review Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, Scoping Reports, and Flood Risk Appraisals

• Provide bespoke commercial advice to clients across planning, due diligence, and risk management

• Support the development and delivery of SuDS designs and technical drainage drawings

• Contribute to the development of services in nutrient neutrality, ESG, and new markets

• Liaise with clients, statutory consultees, and internal teams across the Group

• Lead, mentor, and line manage junior team members

• Drive innovation in flood and drainage solutions, championing technical quality and client satisfaction

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A degree (BSc/MSc) in Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

• 7+ years’ experience in flood risk and drainage consultancy

• Strong understanding of design guidance, planning policy, and regulatory processes

• Proven experience in project management, client liaison, and stakeholder engagement

• Experience using MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage, QGIS, and ideally AutoCAD

• Chartered status (or actively working towards it) highly desirable

The Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role would suit someone who is:

• Commercially aware, proactive, and client-focused

• Passionate about sustainable flood risk solutions and innovation

• Able to manage deadlines, budgets, and technical delivery across multiple projects

• Experienced in mentoring others and supporting professional development

• Confident working in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary consultancy environment

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)

• Company-matched pension scheme

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with buy/sell options)

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

• Career progression and support for chartership

• Involvement in major national projects and innovation-focused work

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cashback and discounts across retail, fitness, hospitality, and more

• Volunteering opportunities and sustainability-focused culture