People Spotlight: Meet Jeremy Salisbury
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a program management director from our Water business line in the United Kingdom and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Jeremy Salisbury began his career as a civil engineer before moving into project management and over time, into leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has remained closely connected to both civil engineering and project delivery, particularly within the water industry, where he has built nearly two decades of experience.
Outside of work, Jeremy leads a full and lively life with two children and a large extended family. He’s passionate about the outdoors and spends much of his free time cycling — both on the road and on mountain trails — and skiing. Based in North Wales, he takes full advantage of the region’s stunning landscapes, often spending weekends walking, riding, or ideally both, whatever the weather.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
I joined the industry straight out of school, drawn by a mix of curiosity and a desire to solve problems. I’ve always enjoyed the methodical process — step one, step two — figuring out how things work and how to fix them. That mindset, along with a strong interest in the environment and sustainability, led me to explore infrastructure and how it shapes the world around us. At a careers event, I met someone from Welsh Water who described civil engineering as the skills that bring civilization to life. That really stuck with me. I started out in the drainage department, very hands-on, and quickly realized how central water is to everything we build. Whether it’s bringing water in or taking it away, it all comes back to water. Over time, I’ve come to see those of us in the water industry as custodians of something essential. Every decision we make has the potential to impact lives — and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.
I started out in the drainage department, very hands-on, and quickly realized how central water is to everything we build. Whether it’s bringing water in or taking it away, it all comes back to water. Over time, I’ve come to see those of us in the water industry as custodians of something essential.
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why?
One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on involved a historic piece of infrastructure originally designed for mine drainage. The engineering challenges were considerable — from navigating difficult geology and aging assets to integrating modern systems within a legacy environment. Innovation was essential, particularly in the method of construction, which demanded clever thinking and close collaboration between the consultant and contractor. Access constraints required a completely different way of working, pushing the team to adapt and rethink conventional approaches. What truly set the project apart was its broader impact: we built trust across communities, engaged meaningfully with stakeholders, and placed environmental stewardship at the heart of our work — protecting habitats and enhancing biodiversity. It was a powerful reminder that engineering is not just about technical precision, but also about collaboration, creativity, and care for the people and places we serve.
What truly set the project apart was its broader impact: we built trust across communities, engaged meaningfully with stakeholders, and placed environmental stewardship at the heart of our work — protecting habitats and enhancing biodiversity.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
For me, it always comes back to community. Whether I’ve worked in infrastructure, local authorities or the water sector, the goal has always been the same: to make a positive impact. I’ve spent years focused on delivering projects and achieving outputs, but a conversation with a water company director shifted my thinking. She reminded us that while we were solving technical problems, we’d lost sight of the outcomes — what it meant for the people affected. That moment stuck with me. I was working on a flooding program at the time, and despite our efforts, homes were still being flooded. It made me realise that even one person’s experience — like having sewage in their home on Christmas Day — matters deeply. If we can prevent that from happening, we’ve done something meaningful. Whether it’s a highway project or a major water recovery program, I’ve always been fortunate to work on projects that directly benefit communities. That’s why I do what I do.
Whether I’ve worked in infrastructure, local authorities or the water sector, the goal has always been the same: to make a positive impact. Whether it’s a highway project or a major water recovery program, I’ve always been fortunate to work on projects that directly benefit communities.
Share a piece of career advice
Find your passion, listen actively and surround yourself with great people. Passion makes work enjoyable, listening helps you grow, and the right team will push you further than you can go alone.