Principal Technical Specialist - Water Team - Leeds

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together .

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy . Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals .

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.

We are seeking a Principal Technical Specialist to lead and grow our dynamic Water Team .

This is a key leadership role where you will combine technical expertise, team leadership and business development to deliver complex aquatic projects and shape the future of our water services.

You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best-practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high-quality environmental outcomes.

Manage team workloads, performance, training and development

Provide technical oversight, mentoring and internal training

Support colleagues in achieving their professional goals

Lead and deliver large, complex hydro-ecological projects

Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice

Review and approve technical reports and deliverables

Oversee budgets, forecasting and team financial performance

Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard

Win new work through bids, tenders and client engagement

Build and maintain strong client relationships

Support marketing and PR activity to promote water services

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Clerk of Works

Macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring

Fish population and habitat surveys

eDNA and INNS surveys

River habitat surveys, flow gauging and water level monitoring

Nutrient neutrality assessments

Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments

Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Marine licensing and flood risk permitting

Principal-level experience in environmental consultancy

Strong background in aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology or similar

Proven experience managing and developing staff

Track record of winning work and building client relationships

Strong knowledge of hydro-ecological survey techniques, legislation and policy

Experience delivering high-quality reports and assessments

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other.

We believe in One Thomson : valuing every individual’s unique skills and experiences, and working together to deliver exceptional service.

Our people are our greatest asset. We are proud of our friendly, supportive and can-do culture , where nothing is too much trouble . We live and breathe our RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence —and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future.

We actively promote a healthy work-life balance , offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together.

We are passionate about career development . You’ll have access to:

Industry-accredited external training

Specialist-led internal training

Opportunities to work across disciplines

The chance to contribute to and lead high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects

We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

25 days annual leave

Healthcare cash plan

Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme

Life insurance

Discounted gym membership

Paid professional memberships

Clothing allowance

Performance-related rewards and long service awards

Free parking

Regular social and company events

We are also committed to giving back, with strong involvement in charity fundraising and local community initiatives .

As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

We are building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe diversity strengthens our team and enhances the work we do.

If you’re a skilled and motivated professional looking for a role where you can lead, influence and deliver meaningful environmental impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.