Lead Technical Director – Environmental Approvals

Transform your career with a role that truly matters.

At WSP in Australia, you'll have access to our global expertise and contribute to landmark projects, connecting with the brightest minds in your field. You'll thrive in a culture that celebrates innovation, diversity, and new ideas. This is an opportunity to grow a career as unique as you.

We're seeking a Lead Technical Director, Environmental Approvals to join our national team, reporting to the Director of Ecology, Environmental Approvals and Engagement.

This is a leadership position that requires technical excellence and strategic influence, driving business success. You'll have an established reputation for technical expertise in environmental planning and approvals, strong influential skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality services.

You'll be based in one of our major Australian offices (Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth) or work from home up to two days a week, enjoying a healthy work-life balance.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement our Environmental Approvals strategy.
• Providing leadership by example, influencing and motivating teams.
• Mentoring Technical Directors, Technical Executives, and high-potential consultants.
• Promoting a culture of technical excellence, learning, and innovation to attract top talent.
• Linking national teams with our global knowledge platforms and experts.
• Fostering development and mentoring technical abilities at all levels.
• Updating and maintaining technical methodologies, procedures, training, and accreditations.
• Participating in technical associations and engaging in speaking, chairing, and publishing roles.
• Driving innovation in the sector through digital tools and GIS-based platforms.
• Providing strategic advice, technical reviews, and input on key projects and pursuits.
• Contributing to leadership decisions to drive project delivery.
• Collaborating with stakeholders and other Lead Technical Directors to achieve strong outcomes.

To succeed in this role, you'll typically have 20+ years of experience as an environmental professional, including leadership positions.

You'll also bring:

• Recognition as an industry expert in a relevant technical discipline.
• Market eminence and positive client experience endorsement in sectors like transport infrastructure, renewable energy, transmission, defence, or mining.
• A proven ability to prepare and review complex technical project reports, pursuits, and proposals.
• Experience in growth and talent retention, with a keen understanding of building technical capability and transferring expertise within an organization.
• A growth mindset with strong influence skills and thought leadership abilities.
• Extensive experience in developing strong client relationships that build contracted backlog.

KPIs are aligned with business plans and strategic objectives within Ecology, Environmental Approvals, and Engagement.

Specific KPIs and targets may include:

• Coordination/innovation of Technical Training Programs.
• 4 thought leadership activities published by the team per annum.
• Team participation in industry, brand-building activities, and client events.
• Production of LinkedIn articles showcasing Environmental Approval projects.
• National Focus – demonstrated through technical project involvement in all major states.
• Maintenance of your utilization target.
• Improved retention – measurable through a decrease in annual turnover.
• Improved team engagement – measurable via an increase in WSP Engagement survey results.
• Improved client satisfaction – measurable through the client feedback portal.