Meet Matt Aspin
Leeds, England, U.K.

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
That quote, from one of basketball’s greatest icons, Michael Jordan, also defines how Matt approaches his career. A longtime sports fan, Matt brings that same spirit of collaboration, discipline and constant improvement to his work in civil engineering.
Since earning his master's in engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2015, Matt has built a strong and successful career at Jacobs. Today, he serves as associate director of civil engineering and is chartered with the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). He specializes in the detailed design of flood risk management schemes and leads both people and projects.
Matt’s leadership is rooted in technical excellence and a deep commitment to building strong teams. He currently serves as the Next Generation Supplier Arrangements (NGSA) Delivery Manager for the Northwest hub. In that role, he helps deliver the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) program, working closely with collaborators to shape safer, more resilient communities.
As a technical lead, Matt has managed complex, high-profile projects, including serving as the design manager for Phase 1 of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. His experience includes guiding sensitive designs through political and regulatory challenges, ensuring quality and accountability at every stage.
Beyond project delivery, Matt is a trusted resource across teams. He has worked with numerous local flood authorities to develop flood risk assessments (strategic and site-specific), drainage strategies, flood investigation reports and business cases for funding. He’s known for this strategic vision, work ethic and ability to mentor and elevate those around him.
A former chair of Jacobs’ European Junior Leadership Team, Matt also guest lectures at schools and universities in the Leeds area. He’s a champion for inclusion and belonging and a supportive leader who empowers junior staff to grow and lead.
Get to know Matt
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5
Number of years Matt took to achieve chartership with the ICE
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8
Different countries in which Matt has competed for club or country in Ultimate Frisbee
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4
Age of Jess, Matt’s border collie
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209
Number of “Wainwrights” still to be ticked off by Matt and Jess. Wainwrights are the 214 English peaks found in the Lake District National Park in England
What motivates you in your work?
I’m driven by the opportunity to help protect communities from flooding. I work with fantastic people at Jacobs and our delivery partners who truly care about making a difference.
What is your favorite part of the role?
The variety. I might be engaging with a client on their long-term goals, developing designs with my team to protect communities from flooding or seeing our designs come to life on site. No two days are the same.
Who inspires you the most?
I love playing and watching sports, so my inspiration comes from my favorite athletes. I strive to demonstrate a mixture of: Jonny Wilkinson’s dedication to improvement; Michael Jordan’s work ethic, originality and creativity; and Roger Federer’s friendly, humble nature. If anyone knows them and can arrange a dinner party, please send me an invite.
What advice would you have for young professionals?
Be curious and try everything. Keep an open mind— you never know what opportunity is coming next. Once you find something you love, stick with it and give back to those around you. You know more than you think. And remember: hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
If you aren’t working, what are we most likely to find you doing?
You’ll probably find me playing or watching sports, testing out new recipes in the kitchen or hiking in the Lake District with my border collie, Jess.