Principal Drainage and Flood Consultant

Access Talent Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An international design consultancy based in the UK is seeking a Principal Drainage and Flood Consultant to lead diverse flood risk and drainage projects. This role includes mentoring junior engineers and producing high-quality technical reports. The ideal candidate will have experience delivering UK planning-compliant projects and proficiency in relevant software. A positive mindset and strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential for success in this role, which offers a flexible hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering flood risk assessments and drainage strategies.
• Strong knowledge of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and drainage solutions.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports and engage in client dialogues.

Responsibilities

• Lead flood risk and drainage projects.
• Support and mentor junior engineers.
• Produce quality technical reports aligned with planning requirements.

Skills

Flood risk assessments

Drainage strategies

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring junior engineers

Technical report writing

Project management

Education

Degree in civil engineering or environmental science

Tools

MicroDrainage

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Access Talent Group are currently recruiting for an international design consultancy looking for a Principal Drainage and Flood Consultant known for delivering complex, high-value infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK. We can base this individual out of Manchester, Leeds or Bristol office locations.

With offices in key cities and a flexible hybrid working culture, this role offers the chance to work on meaningful, technically diverse projects that span the defence, infrastructure, commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors.

Working hours: BST 8:00 - 18:00 (Mon – Thu) 8:00 - 16:00 (Fri).

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver flood risk and drainage projects, including Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, surface water designs, and Water Framework Directive appraisals.
• Support and mentor junior engineers while guiding project teams through concept, planning, technical design, and delivery stages.
• Produce high-quality, client-focused reports and technical deliverables aligned with national and local planning requirements.
• Contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments and advise on policy such as NPPF, TAN15, and the SuDS Manual.
• Liaise confidently with clients, regulators (e.g., EA, LLFAs), and key stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Assist in developing fee proposals, managing project budgets, and supporting bid submissions.
• Work on a broad portfolio of projects ranging from £10k to £100m in value.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering flood risk assessments and drainage strategies within UK planning frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of SuDS, drainage solutions, and discharge of conditions.
• Strong experience in the Pre planning and Feasibility phase project phases.
• Ability to produce high-quality written reports and engage in stakeholder/client dialogue.
• Proficiency in software such as MicroDrainage/InfoDrainage, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as civil engineering or environmental science.
• Working towards or already chartered with ICE or CIWEM.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Eligible for or holding Security Clearance (SC) is desirable.
• Experience contributing to Water Framework Directive and ecological/geomorphological appraisals.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring junior team members.
• Positive, proactive mindset with a commitment to personal development and team wellbeing.
• Confidence in managing smaller projects and supporting larger bids.

Contact

If you are an established Senior looking to step up or already working at Principal Drainage and Flood consultants role interested to work on a diverse project portfolio, please contact Cameron Green on 02380981322 or Email [e-mail]