Associate / Technical Director (Air Quality)

We’re looking for a highly experienced and inspiring Associate Director or Technical Director to join our Air Quality team and lead our discipline.

This is a senior leadership role with the opportunity to make a strategic impact – growing the service, supporting clients at the highest level, and mentoring a talented team. You will help to define the future of the Air Quality team by delivering, growing and innovating our service offering.

At Create, you’ll work on a wide range of projects across the UK, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and play an active role in growing a dynamic and supportive team. We believe in developing our people by giving you the tools and opportunities to grow your career in a way that’s right for you.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Shape strategy and drive growth, developing future workstreams and expanding our client base.
Represent the discipline internally and externally as a subject matter expert.
Oversee and lead delivery of complex air quality assessments for high-profile projects.
Provide technical direction, peer review, and quality assurance for all team outputs.
Advise on compliance, risk, and mitigation strategies across a range of sectors.
Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels.
Lead or support bids and tenders for new business opportunities.
Position Create as a trusted and innovative consultancy in the air quality space.
Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to junior and senior members of the team.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Support recruitment and succession planning for the discipline.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

A degree in Air Quality and Environmental Pollution, Environmental Science, Air Quality Management, or a related discipline.
Substantial consultancy experience in air quality, including team leadership and business development.
Exceptional technical expertise with deep knowledge of UK and international guidance and legislation.
Proven ability to win and deliver large, complex projects with high-profile clients.
Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities.
Inspiring leadership style, with a track record of mentoring and developing teams.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and confidence presenting at senior level.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT

Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Fellow of Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM).
A recognised profile within the air quality community through publications, presentations or committee work.
Experience influencing policy, standards, or industry best practice.
Experience integrating air quality with other environmental and engineering disciplines on major schemes.
A working knowledge of social and digital media channels with a view to using these to promote not only your work but also the business.

WHY JOIN CREATE?

A competitive salary (based on experience and location) and performance-based bonus scheme.
Flexible working arrangements. Our guiding principle is simple: if a flexible working arrangement works for you, your manager, and your team – it works for us.
Pet-friendly offices – well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
Generous holiday allowance and tailored benefits package.
Two paid professional memberships per year.
Clear progression pathways and leadership development.
Mentoring, CPD and knowledge-sharing events.
A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.

HOW WE DEFINE OUR ROLES

Graduate – 0-2 years’ experience with a relevant degree.

Engineer / Technician – 2-5 years’ experience in the role or similar with some technical expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

Senior Engineer / Technician – 5-8 years’ experience in the role or similar with a developing set of skills, clearly identifiable technical expertise and direct experience of managing projects, coordinating with clients and supporting other team members.

Principal Engineer / Technician – 8 or more years’ experience in the role or similar with a robust set of skills, proven technical expertise and an ability to lead projects, coordinate with clients and support other team members.

Associate Director – Substantial experience in the role with recognised technical expertise, the ability to lead multiple large projects, coordinate with clients, support and develop other team members and secure future workstreams/projects for the discipline.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and we’re committed to providing a workplace that’s accessible, safe, and supportive. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, and we’ll work with you to make any adjustments you need during the process.

A NOTE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We prefer to hire directly. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. We recognise the role recruitment agencies play in our industry and we have a preferred list of suppliers for some specific roles. Agency fees will only be paid where terms have been agreed in advance with our Managing Director. Unsolicited CVs will not be eligible for fees.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role(s) listed above.

READY TO APPLY?

Use the button below to submit your CV and a covering letter telling us why you’re the right fit for this role.

You’re also welcome to include any supporting information – such as example reports or project case studies – that you feel will help us in shortlisting your application.