Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer

Penguin Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting agency is seeking a Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer in Birmingham. You will be responsible for drainage strategies and flood risk assessments on various projects, collaborating with multiple stakeholders. Candidates should have at least 3 years of UK experience, a degree in Civil Engineering, and strong knowledge of planning policies. The role offers competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ UK experience in flood risk and drainage engineering.
• Strong knowledge of planning policies (NPPF, PPG, SuDS Manual).
• Chartered status (ICE/CIWEM) or working towards it is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies.
• Develop surface/foul water drainage designs.
• Liaise with clients, architects, and contractors.

Skills

Flood risk assessments

Drainage strategies

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of national planning policy

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Causeway Flow

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

GIS

Job description

Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer – Birmingham

The Opportunity

You'll take ownership of drainage strategies and flood risk assessments, working on sites from small-scale to major residential schemes of up to 10,000 units. This role allows you to shape the technical delivery of projects while supporting the growth of a strategically important business area.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies for residential, commercial, and mixed‑use developments
• Develop SuDS and surface/foul water drainage designs, ensuring compliance with planning policy and technical standards
• Liaise with clients, architects, contractors, local authorities, and statutory bodies to deliver practical, buildable solutions
• Use modelling and design software such as Causeway Flow, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and GIS for design, calculations, and earthworks modelling
• Contribute to technical reports, planning applications, and outline or detailed schemes
• Support and mentor junior engineers, sharing technical expertise

Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Minimum 3 years’ UK experience in flood risk and drainage engineering
• Strong knowledge of national planning policy and legislation (NPPF, PPG, SuDS Manual, Flood and Water Management Act, Water Framework Directive)
• Experience with drainage modelling, technical design, and report writing
• Effective communication, organisation, and time‑management skills
• Practical problem‑solving approach
• Chartered status (ICE/CIWEM) or working towards it is advantageous
• Familiarity with Flood Risk Activity Permitting and Land Drainage Consent is desirable

Why Join

• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements
• Professional development support, including chartership guidance
• Work on a variety of high‑profile projects in a collaborative and supportive team
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on sustainable water‑management solutions

Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years’ recruitment experience.