PFAS Technical Lead

Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services. We are differentiated by Leading with Science^® to provide innovative technical solutions to our clients. We support global commercial and government clients focused on water, environment, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development. With 27,000 associates worldwide, including 5,500 in the UK, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems.

PFAS contamination is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the UK and Europe. As a Technical Director or Associate Director (depending on candidate and experience) you will play a high-profile role in shaping Tetra Tech’s response to this rapidly evolving market. Working within our Geo-Environmental and Mining Business Unit, you will lead the growth of our PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across Europe, with opportunities to influence wider European and international strategy. This is a senior level appointment for someone who wants to combine technical excellence, market influence, client leadership and innovation to deliver solutions that make a tangible difference for communities, ecosystems and industry.

About the Role

Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced Technical Director or Associate Director to lead our PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across Europe. This strategic leadership role combines technical excellence, market development, business growth and client engagement, with responsibility for both leading and providing technical support to the continued growth of our PFAS business aligned with Tetra Tech’s wider environmental, water and geo-environmental services.

In this role, you will:

• Provide technical leadership to support the development of Tetra Tech’s PFAS and emerging contaminants capability across priority European markets.

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients across sectors including industry, aviation, defence and water.

• Strengthen Tetra Tech’s reputation as a leader in PFAS consulting through thought leadership, innovation and technical excellence.

• Mentor and develop the next generation of PFAS specialists.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a rapidly developing technical and regulatory market within a global multidisciplinary consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of Tetra Tech’s PFAS and emerging contaminants strategy across Europe.

• Establish and grow a market leading technical presence, forward workload and differentiated service offering.

• Identify, position for and secure strategic opportunities with priority clients and sectors.

• Support capability planning, strategic recruitment and succession planning aligned with forecast growth.

• Contribute to the wider Geo-Environmental growth strategy and collaborate across Tetra Tech’s UK, European and global business.

Technical Leadership

• Act as senior technical lead and subject matter expert for PFAS and emerging contaminants projects.

• Provide technical governance, review and quality assurance across complex project delivery.

• Lead the development of robust conceptual site models, risk-based strategies and practical remediation solutions.

• Maintain and share insight on evolving regulation, industry guidance, treatment technologies and emerging best practice.

• Mentor and develop technical staff, supporting knowledge transfer and capability growth across the business.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with clients, regulators, contractors, technology providers and industry stakeholders.

• Lead market engagement and early positioning for strategic bids, frameworks and major opportunities.

• Raise Tetra Tech’s profile through thought leadership, conference presentations, publications and industry forums.

• Work with sector teams including Defence, Aviation, Water, Industrial, Infrastructure and our in-house laboratory to develop integrated client solutions.

• Collaborate with Tetra Tech’s Global PFAS Leadership Group to bring international expertise into the European strategy and delivery.

Innovation and Industry Leadership

• Identify opportunities for funded research, field trials and collaborative industry projects.

• Build strategic relationships with technology providers, contractors, academic institutions and research organisations.

• Drive innovation in site characterisation, PFAS assessment, remediation technologies, data interpretation and treatment approaches.

• Promote global best practice and support the development of distinctive, science-led solutions for clients.

   

You will work alongside the existing GEM disciplines Groundwater, Land Quality and Ground Investigation and help deliver holistic solutions that meet our clients’ needs.  Additionally, you will be expected to collaborate with a wide range of multi-disciplinary teams and sector leads in other offices and geographical regions.  

Success in this role will require technical credibility, commercial awareness, strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and the ability to influence clients, colleagues and stakeholders at senior level.

About You 

You will hold a degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification and chartered status, or progress towards chartership with a relevant professional body, would be advantageous.

You will be an experienced technical leader with a strong track record in contaminated land assessment, PFAS and/or emerging contaminants consultancy. You will bring the credibility to advise clients and regulators, the commercial awareness to grow a market-leading service offering, and the leadership skills to develop high-performing technical teams.

Essential experience and attributes

• Significant experience in PFAS and emerging contaminants assessment and consultancy.

• Strong technical expertise in site characterisation, conceptual site modelling, risk assessment and remediation strategy development and implementation.

• Proven ability to lead complex multidisciplinary projects and provide senior technical review.

• Track record of client engagement, business development and successful opportunity conversion.

• Experience working with regulators, contractors and industry stakeholders.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise and technically robust reports.

• Ability to mentor, influence and develop technical teams.

• Collaborative, ethical and commercially aware approach.

• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental management.

• UK driving licence.

Desirable experience

• Recognised industry profile through publications, conference presentations, technical guidance, research or thought leadership.

• Experience with innovative remedial technologies, PFAS treatment approaches or remediation contracting.

• Experience working across sectors such as industrial, aviation, defence, water, infrastructure, waste, property or government.

• Chartered status, or working towards chartership, with a relevant professional body.

• Postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree or PhD in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline.