Lead Civil Engineer (SuDS)

Jacobs; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Leeds is seeking a Lead Civil Engineer to manage surface water management projects. This role involves delivering and overseeing drainage solutions while providing technical leadership and expertise. Candidates should have chartered status and experience in hydraulic modelling. The position offers opportunities for mentorship and development within a dynamic team focused on sustainability and regulatory excellence.

Qualifications

• Chartered status with a relevant institution.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and design standards for surface water management.
• Experience in leading teams and mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver detailed design of surface water drainage solutions.
• Act as technical authority for design calculations and models.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams on drainage projects.

Skills

Chartered status with the ICE, CIWEM or similar

Proficiency in hydraulic modelling packages

Report writing and presentation skills

Tools

MicroDrainage

InfoDrainage

InfoWorks ICM

Causeway Flow

ReFH2

Job description

Lead Civil Engineer (SuDS) – Jacobs • Leeds, United Kingdom

As an experienced surface water management practitioner, you will be an integral part of our Water Catchment Management team, helping drive our extensive programme of high‑profile projects across multiple sectors.

Leading the planning, design, and delivery of surface water management solutions, you will provide technical and subject‑matter expertise to ensure the successful delivery of projects from conceptual design through to construction and hand‑over.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outline and detailed design of surface water drainage solutions and strategies including SuDS, green infrastructure, and gravity‑piped drainage, exceeding regulatory and sustainability standards.
• Act as technical authority – review and approve design calculations, hydraulic models, contract documents and specifications.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams delivering surface water and drainage projects.
• Prepare Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and support permitting processes.
• Oversee project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design and construction.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic modelling for surface water systems.
• Ensure adherence to local, national, and international water management regulations.
• Incorporate climate resilience and biodiversity considerations into designs.
• Promote best practices in water resource management and green infrastructure.

Qualifications and Experience

• Chartered status with the ICE, CIWEM or similar.
• Used to leading from the front – developing a culture of support through the personal development and mentoring of colleagues and peers to ensure increased capability.
• An in‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation, planning policy and design standards relating to surface water management and SuDS.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Safety in Design and an understanding of CDM requirements.
• Good level of proficiency in hydraulic modelling packages (e.g. MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, InfoWorks ICM, Causeway Flow) and hydrology software (e.g. ReFH2).
• Comfortable taking a lead role in the review, checking and sign‑off of design calculations, hydraulic models, contract documents, technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Locations

• Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
• London, Greater London, United Kingdom
• Edinburgh, East Lothian, United Kingdom
• Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
• Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom

Civil and Structural Enterprise Functions

EEO Statement

As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.