Associate Director - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

About the Role

Join WSP as an Associate Director in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) based in Naas, Ireland. In this leadership role, you will manage and guide a broad portfolio of EIA projects across sectors such as electricity transmission, renewable energy, gas, and other infrastructure markets. You will oversee technical delivery, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring multidisciplinary teams and fostering client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead expansion and diversification of energy and linear infrastructure services by collaborating with sector leads and client managers to provide strategic leadership and secure new business.
• Provide expert environmental advice to clients, colleagues, and project teams to ensure compliance and sustainable project development.
• Work closely with environmental specialists and engineers to integrate sustainable design and environmental enhancements into projects.
• Manage complex projects ensuring excellence in technical quality, commercial performance, health, and safety standards.
• Develop and strengthen client connections, identifying opportunities to support resource allocation and project strategies.
• Proactively pursue business development including strategic bids and cross-disciplinary partnerships; represent the firm at industry events.
• Champion innovation in EIA methodologies, including Digital EIA and Future Ready techniques.
• Drive team performance by supporting professional growth and fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Promote WSP’s core values, emphasizing health, safety, and wellbeing throughout project execution.
• Contribute to business strategy execution with accountability and self-motivation.

Team Environment

Work within a diverse environmental team comprising scientists, ecologists, geologists, and engineers dedicated to impactful projects in energy, transportation, manufacturing, development, and mining sectors. Based from our Naas office, you will influence project direction and help grow team capabilities aligned with Ireland's sustainability goals.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or equivalent experience.
• Substantial expertise leading EIAs for major infrastructure or energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish planning legislation, EU environmental directives, and engagement experience with An Coimisiún Pleanála.
• Broad technical understanding of environmental factors affecting projects.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex project deliveries.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in business development, strategic planning, and enhancing market presence, especially in energy transmission and distribution.
• Experience in developing internal teams and fostering professional growth.
• Chartered status with a relevant professional body.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Additional Information

WSP promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates of varied backgrounds to apply. A flexible hybrid working policy allows working from home two days per week while collaborating in modern offices. The company supports work-life balance through benefits like flexible work arrangements, additional leave purchase options, and a unique daily "WSP My Hour" for personal time.

Health and wellbeing are prioritized via comprehensive programs such as Virtual GP access, gym membership discounts, menopause support, and workplace adjustments.

Professional development is supported through training, mentoring, and pathways to Chartership. Equal opportunity employment is emphasized, including interview guarantees for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria.