Water Resources Strategy Lead – Planning & Resilience

Water is at the centre of everything. It sustains life, shapes ecosystems and underpins communities across the UK and beyond. Securing a resilient and sustainable water supply for future generations has never been more important.

AMP8 (2025–2030) marks the largest investment in UK water infrastructure since privatisation. The water industry will be responding to pressures from climate change, population growth, and increasing environmental standards, while strengthening long-term resilience. It presents a unique opportunity to develop new water resources and deliver lasting benefits for our communities and the environment.

At Stantec, our Water Resources team is supporting clients at the forefront of these challenges. We contribute to Strategic Resource Options (SROs), Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs), Drought Plans andthe Water Industry National Environmental Programme (WINEP) working in partnership with water companies, regulators, and stakeholders to shape the future of water management across the UK.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from Water Resources professionals who enjoy collaborative, multidisciplinary workbringing together technical, environmental, and engineering expertise to help clients make informed, future-focused decisions.

About The Role

We are inviting Expressions of Interest from Water Resources Planning Consultants, from Senior level professionals through to establishedTechnical Directors leading work areas on major projects.

In this role, you will support clients across the UK. Working both independently and as part of our wider team, you will collaborate closely with a range of specialists across our Water Environment and Engineering teams.

You will play a key role in developing sustainable and joined-up solutions. Your work may include contributing to or leading activities such as water resources option appraisal, environmental assessment, water resources modelling, deployable output assessments, feasibility studies, and development of regulatory submissions, helping clients plan and deliver sustainable, resilient, long-term solutions.

For more senior applicants we are particularly interested in individuals who can take a strategic view, working across disciplines to deliver results. Depending on your experience, you may also support client engagement, programme delivery, and the continued growth of our Water Resources capability and capacity.

Your Impact

Through your work, you will help shape how water resources are planned and delivered across the UK.

Whether supporting strategic plans, environmental investigations/assessments or developing new supply options, you will enable clients to make informed decisions and provide the evidence to back this up.You will play a part in work that influences long-term resilience, environmental outcomes and the sustainable management of water supplies.

About You

You bring experience from the water industry, whether from a consultancy, water company, regulatory body or related organisation.

Your background should include experience of water resources planning and may include hydrology, water resources modelling, environmental assessment, water quality, catchment management, drought planning, strategic planning, water company planning functions or related disciplines.

You must be comfortable working with technical information, interpreting data and contributing to evidence-based decision making. You should enjoy helping clients navigate complex planning, environmental and regulatory challenges.

Experience supporting Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs), Drought Plans, Strategic Resource Options (SROs), RAPID programmes, regional planning studies, environmental assessments or wider resilience programmes would be advantageous.

Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity and a collaborative mindset are just as important to us as any specific technical specialism. We are particularly interested in individuals who enjoy working in multidisciplinary environments and helping to develop practical, sustainable solutions to complex water resource challenges.

We do not expect you to meet every requirement listed here, so if this feels like the right direction for your career, please do get in touch.

Why Join Us

We put people first: We’re proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.

We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world’s top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.

We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.

We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups).

Growth: We’re on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!

Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.

Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

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About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 8834

Other Locations: Birmingham, Leeds, Reading, Warrington, Shrewsbury, Ashford, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, High Wycombe, Cambridge, Newcastle, Exeter

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