Principal Consultant

AtkinsRéalis; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking senior flood modellers to work on flood risk management projects across the UK. Candidates should have substantial experience in flood risk analysis and 1D/2D hydraulic modelling. Responsibilities include technical leadership, project management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career planning support

Qualifications

• Associate-level experience in flood risk projects, focusing on hydraulic modelling.
• Strong client relationship skills and collaborative working style.
• Experience in developing and leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed technical work including hydraulic modelling and data analysis.
• Manage and supervise junior resources; support project managers.
• Work as part of a team with environmental scientists and engineers.
• Support business development activities, including client engagement.
• Contribute to the development of the Flood Risk Team.

Skills

1D and 2D modelling

Flood risk analysis

Leadership

Client relationship skills

GIS competence

Tools

Infoworks ICM

Flood Modeller

TUFLOW/ESTRY

HEC-RAS

ArcGIS

MapInfo

QGIS

Job description

Job Description

Location – Warrington, Epsom, Glasgow, Oxford, Peterborough, Bristol, Swansea, Birmingham and other UK locations.

We are seeking senior flood modellers for flood risk management projects across the UK. This role is part of a major programme for the Environment Agency, delivering hydraulic and hydrological modelling and incident management under the 2024 Mapping and Modelling Framework.

Role

Contribute to and lead hydraulic and hydrological modelling projects.

Expertise

Proficiency in 1D and 2D modelling for rivers, surface water and coastal areas.

Requirements

Associate‑level experience delivering flood risk projects with a focus on hydraulic modelling, and the confidence to lead technical work and mentor junior team members. Strong client relationship skills and a collaborative working style.

• Experience: Extensive experience in flood risk analysis for strategy, planning, development, or design, with a record of project delivery that meets client requirements.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in 1D‑2D modelling using tools such as Infoworks ICM, Flood Modeller, TUFLOW/ESTRY, or HEC‑RAS. GIS competence with ArcGIS, MapInfo or QGIS. Hydrological assessment experience is desirable.
• Leadership: Some experience in developing and leading technical teams.
• Decision‑Making: Ability to make robust decisions based on available information.

We will support candidates in obtaining Chartered status if they do not already hold it.

Desirable, but not required, civil engineering design experience which helps solve flooding problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed technical work, including hydraulic modelling, data analysis, GIS and technical reporting. Ensure quality assurance for technical deliverables.
• Manage and supervise junior resources; support project managers and directors by following project procedures, including financial and change control. Actively progress a suite of projects under your control.
• Work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with environmental scientists, engineers and planners. Provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• Support business development activities, including tendering for projects and client / stakeholder engagement. Develop and agree on the scope of services, costs and resources.
• Contribute to the continued development of the Flood Risk Team through active involvement in the technical network.

The Individual Should

• Be motivated, self‑driven and committed to achieving technical excellence.
• Be collaborative – strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be adaptable – flexible and willing to tackle new challenges.
• Have good organisational abilities – capable of leading multiple projects and delegating where appropriate.
• Have a good attention to detail – consistently maintain high standards in work.

Training & Development

We support professional development through training, CPD, and membership sponsorship with relevant institutions such as ICE, CIWEM and others. Annual membership support and access to CPD is provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the Total Reward package including flexible holidays, life assurance, health & wellbeing benefits, and career planning support.

Additional Information

This role may require security clearance (UKSV) and proof of UK residency of at least five years. No requirement for a full‑time contract; flexible working arrangements are available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community across all staff and client teams.