Principal/Associate Drainage Engineer

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucion Delta‑Simons Ltd is seeking a Principal or Associate Drainage Engineer to lead our drainage service line within the Water Team in Manchester. You will drive technical excellence on a portfolio of planning and development projects, delivering innovative, SuDS‑inclusive drainage solutions.

You’ll manage projects from inception to delivery, mentor junior staff, engage clients, and help grow the drainage business through technical leadership and effective delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years’ experience in drainage engineering and/or consultancy with planning exposure.
• Proven experience with SuDS design from concept to detail.
• Experience managing projects, engaging clients and stakeholders, and commercial awareness.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and regulatory design guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery from inception to completion with technical and commercial oversight.
• Prepare drainage strategies to support planning applications across developments.
• Mentor and develop team members on drainage design and SuDS.
• Provide technical assurance on reports, drawings and calculations.
• Support business development and promote Lucion Delta‑Simons capabilities.

Skills

Project leadership

Client engagement

Commercial awareness

Drainage design

SuDS design

Mentoring

Team management

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Equivalent qualifications/experience

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS (QGIS)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal or Associate Drainage Engineer to join the friendly and supportive Water Team at Lucion Delta‑Simons.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate drainage professional who is ready to take the lead in developing our drainage service line, while playing a key role in delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for a diverse portfolio of planning and development projects.

You’ll work with a broad range of public and private sector clients, taking projects from initial concept through to delivery and using your technical expertise to solve complex drainage challenges.

This is a part‑time or full‑time, permanent position, with a competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.

The Role

As a Principal or Associate Drainage Engineer within our Water Services team, you’ll have the opportunity to combine technical leadership, project management, client engagement and business development.

You will take ownership of projects from inception through to completion, while helping to shape the continued growth and development of our drainage services.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing projects from inception to completion, including preparing fee proposals and tenders and demonstrating strong technical, project management and commercial expertise;
• Leading the preparation and delivery of Drainage Strategies to support planning applications across a variety of development projects;
• Supporting and mentoring team members in the delivery of conceptual drainage designs, incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and the production of drainage plans;
• Taking responsibility for the continued growth and development of our detailed drainage services;
• Delivering complex surface water and foul drainage designs in accordance with current industry guidance, codes and standards, while supporting the development of technical capability across the team;
• Reviewing and providing technical assurance on reports, drawings and calculations;
• Providing bespoke, practical drainage advice to help clients identify, understand and resolve challenging drainage issues;
• Contributing to product development and delivering innovative water‑related projects for both existing and emerging markets;
• Representing and promoting the technical expertise and wider capabilities of Lucion Delta‑Simons and the wider Lucion Group through networking and business development activities;
• Building strong, long‑term relationships with clients and colleagues across multiple technical disciplines; and
• Mentoring and line managing team members, supporting their continued professional and career development.

We’re looking for an experienced drainage professional who can combine strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and a passion for delivering high‑quality solutions.

You will have:

• A relevant degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent qualifications and experience;
• 8+ years’ experience in drainage engineering and/or consultancy, with a comprehensive understanding of design guidance, regulatory processes and planning policy;
• Proven experience in SuDS design, from concept through to detailed design;
• Extensive experience managing projects and working collaboratively with clients and statutory consultees;
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the wider consultancy environment;
• Extensive experience using AutoCAD;
• A sound understanding of flood risk assessment and its implications for drainage strategies; and
• Membership of a relevant Professional Body.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience using GIS software, preferably QGIS;
• Chartered status with a relevant Professional Body, or active progress towards Chartered status; and
• Experience in the design and delivery of Section 104, Section 106 and Section 278 infrastructure.