This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global engineering consultancy at the forefront of delivering major water infrastructure programmes across the UK. You’ll play a key part in shaping critical projects for clients such as Northern Ireland Water, United Utilities, Scottish Water, Yorkshire Water and other regional authorities, helping deliver resilient, efficient, future-ready solutions that truly make an impact.
As an Associate Director of ICA Engineering, you’ll lead a team of talented Electrical & ICA Engineers, driving technical excellence across complex, multidisciplinary water sector projects. You’ll take ownership of design delivery, quality assurance, team leadership, and strategic growth within the electrical & ICA discipline, all while working collaboratively with specialists across the UK and internationally. This is a senior position with influence, visibility, and the opportunity to shape both projects and people. Lead, direct and develop a team of Electrical & ICA engineers delivering design work on major water & wastewater projects. Manage budgets, resources and programme milestones across multiple concurrent projects. Oversee and review key technical outputs including SLDs, Cable Block Diagrams, Load Schedules, MCC specifications, Control Philosophies and Network Architecture. Offer direction, coaching and mentorship to Senior and Principal engineers. Grow the team’s capability locally and contribute to the wider Electrical & ICA technical community across the UK. Collaborate closely with project management, clients and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, integrated design solutions. Set and maintain robust quality assurance standards across the Electrical & ICA discipline. Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline). Strong background leading or directing Electrical & ICA engineering teams within a design consultancy. Extensive experience in ICA design and a deep understanding of water sector codes, standards and WIMES. Knowledge of HAZOP, DSEAR/ATEX, earthing & bonding, lighting design and related safety/engineering practices. Experience working within industrial or process environments (essential). Lead engineering on projects that strengthen UK water infrastructure and support sustainable communities. Career progression : Access industry-leading development, training and leadership pathways. Hybrid working : Flexibility to balance office, site and home working. Competitive package, private healthcare, pension, income protection and lifestyle perks including EV schemes and professional memberships. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be…