Highway Drainage Data Specialist

Lanes Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in Manchester seeks a Highway Drainage Data Specialist to manage drainage data and ensure compliance with UK standards. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Civil Engineering or related fields and experience in data management. You will play a key role in supporting survey teams and ensuring data quality. The position offers growth opportunities, a focus on employee well-being, and competitive benefits.

Benefits

24 days holiday allowance plus Bank Holidays

Pension scheme

Death in service

Ongoing training and professional development

Opportunity to work with a leading water utility network

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a data-focused role within civil engineering or highways sector.
• In-depth knowledge of UK standards CS551 and CD535.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of practical experience in a data management or GIS role.

Responsibilities

• Manage the intake, validation and processing of all drainage and geospatial survey data.
• Implement quality assurance and compliance processes for incoming data.
• Act as a liaison between field survey teams and engineering teams.

Skills

Data management

Attention to detail

Technical communication

Team collaboration

GIS software proficiency

Education

Vocational qualification or degree in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Geography

Tools

GIS ArcGIS

MicroDrainage WinDes

Python

SQL

Job description

The Highway Drainage Data Specialist is a critical technical role responsible for the meticulous management quality assurance and reporting of drainage and geospatial data. This position focuses on the intake and validation of survey data, its seamless integration into the company’s GDMS (Geospatial Data Management System) and ensuring all data processes are fully compliant with UK national standards. The specialist will work closely with survey teams to uphold data integrity and provide accurate information for all project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management & Reporting

• Manage the intake validation and processing of all drainage and geospatial survey data from field teams.
• Ensure the accurate and timely transfer of validated data to the company’s GDMS.
• Generate comprehensive reports and data summaries for engineers, project managers and clients.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for all incoming data.
• Ensure strict compliance with the data collection formatting and reporting requirements of CS551 (Drainage and Geotechnical Data Management) and CD535 (Pumping Stations and Ancillary Structures).
• Identify and report any data discrepancies, anomalies or issues to the Head of Highways Survey Operations for resolution.

Systems Development & Improvement

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the DDMS and GDMS, suggesting enhancements to workflows and data schemas.
• Assist in the integration of new data sources and technologies into the existing systems.

Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between the field survey teams and the engineering/design teams ensuring data meets project requirements.
• Provide technical support and guidance to surveyors regarding data collection best practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• A vocational qualification or degree in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Geography or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a data-focused role, preferably within the civil engineering or highways sector.
• Expertise in managing and processing geospatial data with strong attention to detail.
• In‑depth knowledge of the requirements of UK standards CS551 and CD535.
• Proficiency with geospatial software (e.g. GIS ArcGIS) and data management tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical issues clearly.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with specific drainage data management software (e.g. MicroDrainage WinDes).
• Knowledge of programming languages for data manipulation and scripting (e.g. Python, SQL).
• A relevant professional qualification or membership of a professional body.

A minimum of 1–3 years of practical experience in a data management, GIS or engineering role, ideally focused on highway infrastructure and data compliance.

What you will get in return

In joining the Lanes Group, the UK’s largest independent provider, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the well‑being, growth and safety of our employees. Through continuous training, professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that values every individual’s unique contribution, we empower our team to uphold the highest standards of integrity, collaboration and inclusivity.

Benefits to include

• 24 days holiday allowance plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme
• Death in service
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to work with a leading water utility network

About the Lanes Group

The Lanes Group is the UK’s largest independent provider of water and wastewater solutions and services, playing a vital role in always maintaining the seamless operations of the nation’s water systems. Formed in 1992, our half‑billion‑pound turnover ensures continued expansion for market share. Our key differentiator is our 4,000 staff and our resource pool that includes the most innovative fleet, plant and equipment the market has to offer.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under‑represented members of the community.

Strictly no agencies please.