Head of Hydrogeology

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is partnering with a well-established, specialist environmental consultancy to appoint a Head of Hydrogeology. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a respected, technically driven business that focuses on delivering practical, real-world water management solutions across the UK.

Our client operates as an employee-owned trust, giving you a genuine stake in the long-term success of the organisation, alongside a collaborative and values-led culture. They are also able to offer visa sponsorship for the right candidate.

The opportunity

This role sits at the heart of the business, leading the hydrogeology and flood risk function and shaping its future direction. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, guide technical delivery, and contribute to strategic growth, while remaining closely connected to complex and high-impact projects.

You will be trusted to balance technical leadership with operational oversight, ensuring work is delivered to a consistently high standard while supporting the development of people, processes and client relationships.

What you will be doing

You will lead both technically and operationally, with responsibilities that include:

• Providing leadership to a team of hydrogeologists and flood risk specialists, fostering a supportive and high-performing environment
• Overseeing day-to-day business unit operations, including resource planning, programme management and financial performance
• Acting as technical authority across hydrogeology, groundwater, water resources and flood risk projects
• Leading and reviewing fee proposals, scopes and budgets, ensuring strong commercial awareness
• Managing complex or high-profile projects as Project Manager or Director
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients, regulators and stakeholders
• Supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration across wider environmental services
• Driving improvements in systems, workflows and quality assurance processes
• Contributing to business strategy, service development and long-term growth
• Championing technical excellence, knowledge sharing and professional engagement

What you will bring

You are likely to be an experienced hydrogeologist who is comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels. You will value clarity, practical outcomes and collaborative working.

Key experience includes:

• A degree in Geology or a related discipline, ideally supported by postgraduate study in Hydrogeology or similar
• Significant experience within hydrogeology, groundwater or water resources
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing teams
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks and planning context
• Demonstrable project management capability across budgets, programmes and quality
• Confidence engaging with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams
• Clear and effective communication, both written and verbal

Additional experience that would strengthen your application:

• Groundwater modelling expertise
• Consultancy background with involvement in business development
• A thoughtful, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to challenge established thinking

Why this role stands out

This is a chance to step into a genuine leadership position within a consultancy that values technical integrity and practical impact. As part of an employee-owned trust, your contribution is recognised not only in your role, but in the shared success of the business.

You will have the space to shape a service line, influence direction, and support a capable team, while working on projects that have clear environmental and societal relevance.

If you would like to explore this opportunity in confidence, Ocean to Earth Recruitment would be pleased to speak with you.