Nature Services Sector Lead - Water
WSP · United Kingdom
We're looking for a strategic and commercially minded Nature Services Sector Lead – Water to drive growth across the water sector and help clients deliver sustainable, nature-positive outcomes.
In this role, you will lead the development of our Water sector strategy, connecting investment programmes and environmental priorities with integrated expertise in ecology, biodiversity, aquatic environments, natural capital and nature-based solutions. Working closely with multidisciplinary specialists and client-facing teams, you will identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships and position innovative environmental solutions that support both operational needs and long-term environmental objectives.
What you'll do
As the Nature Services Sector Lead for Water, you will:
- Develop and own the Water Sector Plan, identifying market drivers, regulatory developments, investment programmes, opportunities and priorities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with water companies, programme partners, catchment partnerships and other key stakeholders.
- Identify and prioritise opportunities where our capabilities can deliver the greatest value for clients and communities.
- Lead strategic pursuits, frameworks and bids, coordinating specialist contributions and developing compelling client-focused solutions.
- Build and maintain a forward pipeline of opportunities across asset development, operational support, environmental enhancement, catchment management and restoration programmes.
- Develop and promote sector-specific propositions spanning biodiversity, natural capital, ecological assessment, habitat restoration and nature-based solutions.
- Bring together expertise from aquatic and terrestrial ecology, fisheries, marine environments, arboriculture and wider environmental disciplines to create integrated solutions.
- Monitor market trends, policy developments, investment programmes and procurement activity, sharing insights across the business.
- Work with client and account teams to deepen relationships and identify opportunities beyond individual projects.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the wider business to embed Nature Services within major water programmes and investment strategies.
- Track sector performance, reviewing progress against priorities and identifying where additional support or investment is needed.
What success looks like
Key outputs of the role include:
- A clear and actionable Water Sector Plan.
- A prioritised client, stakeholder and partner engagement strategy.
- A robust pipeline of frameworks, programmes and project opportunities.
- High-quality, coordinated bid submissions.
- A portfolio of sector-relevant case studies demonstrating innovation and impact.
- Regular reporting on opportunity development, conversion and sector performance.
What we're looking for
We're interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate:
- Knowledge of the water sector, including client priorities, investment programmes and procurement processes.
- The ability to connect environmental and technical expertise to solve complex client challenges.
- Experience developing trusted client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
- Strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Experience contributing to or leading bids, frameworks, business development activities or strategic pursuits.
- An understanding of environmental, ecological, biodiversity, water, catchment or nature-based solutions disciplines.
- The ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
Experience may have been gained within consultancy, water utilities, environmental organisations, infrastructure businesses, public sector organisations or related industries.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to influence one of the most important sectors supporting environmental sustainability and resilience.
You'll work alongside highly respected technical specialists and business leaders, helping clients respond to evolving regulatory requirements, environmental challenges and investment priorities while delivering positive outcomes for people, nature and water environments.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the
best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
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- Purpose of the role & principal accountabilities (8-10 max)
• Focus on essential qualifications, skills and experience to provide greater scope for inclusion.