Principal Drainage Engineer

Overview

In this role you lead drainage and flood risk initiatives for a growing environmental consultancy, guiding projects from concept to delivery. You will work closely with clients, planners and cross-functional teams to design practical, sustainable water management solutions that meet budget and schedule targets. The position combines technical leadership with mentoring and BD activities, shaping a varied portfolio across development and infrastructure. You will be part of a collaborative culture that values technical excellence and professional growth, offering hybrid working and a clear path to progression.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Interesting and varied project portfolio
• Structured career progression
• Ongoing professional development and support towards chartership
• A supportive, inclusive team culture
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of drainage and flood risk projects from inception to completion
• Produce drainage strategies, technical reports and hydraulic modelling
• Design Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
• Prepare technical drawings and supporting documentation
• Manage projects and client relationships
• Mentor junior engineers
• Prepare fee proposals and contribute to business development
• Stay up to date with UK planning policy and industry best practice

Key requirements

• Experience delivering drainage and flood risk projects within a UK consultancy
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy, SuDS and drainage design
• Experience using MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow+, Flood Modeller, GIS or AutoCAD
• Excellent technical report writing skills
• Strong project management and client-facing experience
• A relevant degree in Civil, Environmental or Water Engineering (or equivalent)
• Professional membership or progress towards chartership would be advantageous

• Client-facing and relationship management
• Mentoring and coaching
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Drainage design and flood risk assessment
• Hydraulic modelling
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design

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