Are you a senior leader in the water sector with the credibility, network and track record to drive growth in complex, high-value markets? Do you bring deep knowledge of regulated water, industrial or energy water users—and know how to turn that insight into winning strategies and long-term client relationships? Are you looking for a role where you can shape market direction, influence strategy and build sustainable growth in a high-performing consultancy?
It’s an exciting time to join APEM. As a high-growth environmental consultancy, now part of Applus+, a global group operating in over 65 countries, we’re entering a new phase of international expansion, investment and capability building.
We’re looking for a Client Growth Director (Water) to lead APEM’s market-facing growth across the UK & Ireland water sector, with a clear mandate to support our expansion into new territories as we address the major water challenges shaping the world today. These include safeguarding water quality, enabling sustainable abstraction to meet the needs of homes and industry, supporting desalination and alternative water supply solutions, and helping clients build resilience in the face of climate change, regulation and increasing demand. This is a pivotal, strategic role where you’ll own pipeline strength and quality, act as the voice of the client, and shape how APEM brings together its science, technology and specialist expertise into integrated, high-value solutions.
You will build on your extensive reputation in the water sector and be looked at as someone clients trust, seek out and want to partner with on complex, environmentally critical challenges. You’ll build deep, long-term relationships across regulated water companies, industrial and energy water users, and key partners; developing strategic accounts that deliver sustained, multi-service growth.
You’ll lead the development and execution of client growth strategy, using market insight and sector knowledge to identify where the next opportunities lie. Rather than one-off wins, you’ll focus on building a high-quality, sustainable pipeline, driven by strong account management, clear positioning and a deep understanding of client needs.
Internally, you’ll act as the bridge between client challenges and technical delivery working with Discipline Leads, Operations and Commercial teams to shape compelling, joined-up solutions. You’ll drive best practice in strategic account management, embed consistent approaches to client engagement, and influence how APEM positions itself in the market.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
- Extensive experience in the water sector, with strong understanding of regulated water, industrial or energy water markets
- A well-established network and sector credibility, with a track record of winning complex, high-value work
- Significant experience in business development, strategic growth or client leadership roles within consultancy or professional services
- Proven ability to build and grow strategic accounts, driving long-term client value and multi-service engagement
- Strong commercial acumen, including experience shaping pricing strategy, pipeline management and bid winning approaches
- The ability to operate at C-suite level, building trusted relationships and influencing senior stakeholders
- Experience developing and delivering market strategies and growth plans
- A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to influence across technical, operational and commercial teams
Desirable / bonus:
- Experience leading strategic account management frameworks or approaches
- Experience working across international markets or global clients
- A recognised industry profile, including speaking, publishing or thought leadership
At APEM, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven consultancy delivering work that matters; from supporting water resilience and environmental protection to enabling sustainable infrastructure and energy transition.
This role offers real strategic influence and autonomy giving you the opportunity to shape how we grow in the water sector, build on an already strong foundation, and position APEM as a partner of choice for the most complex and impactful projects.
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine water sector expertise, commercial leadership and long-term impact, we’d love to hear from you.
The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.
