Jacobs
Associate Director Waste Engineer
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At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
This is a senior, visible role where your work will directly influence how communities manage waste for decades to come.
You will
Guide UK local authorities through high‑profile waste procurements, shaping contracts, performance mechanisms and mobilisation strategies Lead the design and delivery of complex waste facilities — from early feasibility through to handover Drive innovative waste management approaches, from automated collection systems to major recycling and transfer infrastructure Influence strategic decisions at master‑planning and development scale, embedding best‑in‑class waste solutions into major schemes Be a trusted client advisor, translating technical complexity into clear, confident decisions Mentor and collaborate within a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team, raising capability across the business
In short your expertise will shape policy, places and infrastructure — and your fingerprints will be on projects that genuinely improve environmental outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Your work will span
Waste procurement for local authorities — business cases, tender documentation, evaluation and mobilisation support Design & Build leadership, including Feasibility studies and optioneering of waste technologies and infrastructure Embedded waste design within buildings and masterplans (across full RIBA stages) Coordinating with architects, MEP, structural, logistics and engineering teams Oversight of construction, implementation and post‑construction phases Waste strategy development — producing robust, evidence‑based technical reports that support planning and design decisions While the primary focus is the UK local authority market, you’ll be part of a wider Waste & Resource Efficiency Team, with exposure to international projects and best practice.
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You’ll also have the autonomy and seniority to contribute to business development, helping shape the future direction of the service.
Here's what you'll need
Proven experience delivering waste procurement, waste strategy and design & build projects A strong degree in waste management, engineering, environmental or natural sciences Chartered status (or equivalent) – Environmentalist, Waste Management Professional or Engineer Strong technical mastery of waste and resource management systems A successful track record in client‑facing roles Commercial acumen and confidence supporting business growth Exceptional report writing, presentation and workshop facilitation skills The ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences Collaborative leadership style and commitment to safe working Flexibility to manage multiple projects and work across offices when required
Desirable
Master’s qualification in Waste Management, Sustainability, Environmental Management or Engineering Experience within the UK infrastructure environment Comfort working within multi‑disciplinary design teams Strong data analysis capability, including Excel Openness to short‑term travel or overseas assignments
Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Waste Solutions?
If you want your expertise to matter, your decisions to shape real outcomes, and your career to move forward with purpose — we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply now and help design a more sustainable future
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.
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We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https//www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
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