Principal Water Resource Consultant | Expression Of Interest

STANTEC; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking experienced Water Resource Consultants to join their team. You will manage projects focused on sustainable water supply solutions, engage with clients, and navigate the complexities of water resource management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in the water industry.
• Experience with WRMPs, regional plans, and drought plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage full project lifecycles ensuring compliance and quality.
• Apply experience in WRMP development and environmental assessments.
• Run projects, bids, and proposals within budget and time constraints.

Skills

Project Management

Water Resource Management

Client Relationship Management

Environmental Assessments

Education

Degree in Geography

Degree in Geology

Degree in Environmental Science

Degree in Civil Engineering

Postgraduate Qualification in Hydrology

Postgraduate Qualification in Hydrogeology

Postgraduate Qualification in Water Resources Management

Job description

As we move into AMP 8 and continue with our growth plans across the UK & Ireland, we're interested in hearing expressions of interest from Water Resource Consultants who are looking for their next career opportunity in the coming weeks and months.

Find your focus, grow with us, and be a part of the solution to the water challenges that face us in our future. How will you make a difference?

Do you recognize the vital role water plays in human health, the environment, and the economy? Are you aware of the significant challenges we face in providing water amidst a changing climate, improving sustainability standards, and population growth? If you want to be part of a team at the forefront of building resilient and sustainable water supplies for the UK and international clients, we want to hear from you!

Stantec is a top-tier global consultancy, named the ‘Best Place to Work’ at the 2024 New Civil Engineer (NCE) Awards. We are known for innovative water supply solutions, environmental, and regulatory services for public and private sector clients in the UK. With ambitious growth targets in water resources planning, we seek experienced professionals (5-10 years in the water industry) to play key roles in delivering our workload.

Opportunities are available to join our water resources planning team at locations across the UK, including Birmingham, Redditch, High Wycombe, Reading, and Shrewsbury. Other locations may also be considered, along with opportunities to collaborate with global Stantec teams.

About this opportunity

It’s an exciting time for water resources in the UK. The industry regulator Ofwat has announced the largest investment in infrastructure since privatisation, with £4 billion for water supply and £2 billion for nature-based solutions in the draft determination for 2025-30. This funding aims to ensure long-term resilience, security of supply, and demand reduction through leakage reduction and smart meters.

Since 2020, Stantec’s involvement in water resource planning initiatives across the UK and Ireland has grown significantly, including work on Strategic Resource Option (SRO) investigations, Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs), Drought Plans, and WINEP investigations. Helping water companies deliver AMP8 schemes and plan for the future remains a priority for us in 2024 and beyond.

Our team collaborates with water companies, regulators (such as the Environment Agency and Ofwat), engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve positive project outcomes.

As a senior team member, your responsibilities will include:

• Managing full project lifecycles from inception to handover, ensuring scope, budget, schedule, quality, and regulatory compliance. Leading by example and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Applying extensive experience in technical areas like WRMP development, regional plans, drought plans, water resource models, demand management, options development, and environmental assessments (HRA, SEA, WFD).
• Supporting the wider water resources team and working flexibly across projects.
• Building and leveraging networks to achieve project success.

You will also run projects, bids, and proposals within budget and time constraints, providing strategic input for AMP8.

About you

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds (regulatory, water company, consultancy) with recent water resources experience in policy and technical areas. You should be comfortable working in fast-paced, multidisciplinary teams, engaging closely with clients and authorities. Previous involvement in WRMPs, regional plans, SROs, or Drought Plans is preferred.

We are looking for:

• Extensive experience leading assessments and development of WRMPs, drought and regional plans, water resource assessments, demand forecasting, options appraisal, and risk analysis.
• Experience with WINEP investigations, environmental assessments, licensing, catchment management, climate change impacts, and options evaluation.
• A solid understanding of UK water resource management regulations and guidelines.
• Project management experience, including managing teams and complex projects.
• A track record of maintaining good client relationships.
• A relevant degree (geography, geology, environmental science, civil engineering) and preferably a postgraduate qualification in hydrology, hydrogeology, or water resources management.
• Active involvement with professional institutions like CIWEM, ICE, or the Institute of Water, and chartership status.

About Stantec

With over 31,000 employees across more than 450 locations worldwide, Stantec has served UK clients for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver, and manage infrastructure to support sustainable, healthy, and prosperous communities.

Our teams deliver effective solutions, translating client visions into actionable plans and designs based on technical excellence and market insights. We address current challenges while aiming for a better future, supporting clean growth and economic transformation.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment. If you are interested but concerned about experience gaps, we encourage you to apply. For support or adjustments during the recruitment process, contact careers.UK&[e-mail].

ReqID: 6149