Gemma Harfield

Astute’s Nuclear team is working with a leading geo-environmental consultancy recognised for delivering sustainable, practical solutions to the built environment. We’re recruiting for an Associate / Associate Director – Geotechnical / Geo-Environmental, based in Peterborough, with flexible hybrid working.

This Associate / Associate Director role offers a salary of £65,000 to £72,000, alongside flexible working, structured progression, and the opportunity to shape the future of land development and remediation projects across the UK.

If you’re an experienced geotechnical or geo-environmental consultant with proven leadership skills — and you’re looking to take a strategic role in a respected and growing consultancy — we’d love to hear from you.

Reporting to the Regional Director, you will:

• Manage and oversee site investigations, contaminated land assessments, and environmental risk assessments

• Design and implement remediation strategies to mitigate contamination risks

• Provide high-quality technical leadership on soil and groundwater analysis, pollutant linkages, and regulatory compliance

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring delivery to scope, budget, and timescales

• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes

• Produce and review technical reports including Phase I and Phase II assessments, remediation method statements, and validation reports

• Contribute to business development by writing tenders, supporting bids, and identifying new opportunities for growth

• Mentor and support junior staff, helping to shape the next generation of consultants

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A relevant degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related discipline

• Extensive consultancy experience (8+ years), ideally at Senior, Principal, or Associate level

• Strong track record in managing land contamination and remediation projects

• Excellent working knowledge of UK contaminated land regulations

• Chartered (or working toward) status with a relevant body (e.g. CEnv, CGeol, CSci)

• Demonstrable experience in client engagement, business development, and project delivery

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mentor colleagues

The Associate / Associate Director role would suit someone who is:

• Commercially astute with excellent client-facing skills

• Passionate about delivering pragmatic, sustainable solutions

• Collaborative, supportive, and committed to team success

• Excited by a leadership role combining technical delivery with business growth

• Motivated to make a long-term impact within a growing consultancy

• £65,000 – £72,000 depending on experience

• Employer-matched pension scheme

• Life assurance cover

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + 2 volunteering days

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support)

• Healthcare cashback plan (including 24/7 GP access)

• Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies

• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme & Cycle to Work scheme

• Clear long-term career development opportunities within a nationwide consultancy