Principal Flood Risk and Drainage Consultant

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Senior Engineer to join its Water Engineering team across the UK. This role involves leading flood risk projects, conducting hydraulic modelling, and mentoring junior staff. Applicants should have a degree in civil or environmental engineering and significant experience in flood risk and surface water management. The position offers competitive compensation, a hybrid working policy, and opportunities for professional development. Ideally situated in Manchester, Leeds, or London, flexibility for other locations is available.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Hybrid working policy

Structured learning and development

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil, environmental or related engineering.
• Chartered with ICE or CIWEM, or working towards chartership.
• Extensive experience in flood risk and/or surface water separation projects.
• Experience writing business cases and technical reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of flood risk projects from solution development to design.
• Perform hydraulic modelling and flood defence design.
• Present business cases and technical reports to clients.
• Mentor and support junior staff throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.

Skills

Flood risk management

Surface water management

Hydraulic modelling

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Report writing

Problem-solving

Education

BSc / MSc in civil or environmental engineering

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Introduction

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Do you want to do meaningful work that improves quality of life? At Tetra Tech, you will work with high‑performing teams who are passionate about using their expertise to find solutions to complex problems in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. We are seeking a Senior Engineer to support our Water Engineering team across the UK, based ideally in Manchester, Leeds, Chorley, Cockermouth or London (other locations considered for the right candidate).

Location

UK – Manchester, Leeds, Chorley, Cockermouth, London (remote options available).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of flood risk and surface water separation projects from solution development through to design and construction.
• Perform river, coastal and flood defence appraisal and design, hydraulic modelling, hydrology assessment and surface water management.
• Develop business cases and prepare technical reports.
• Client‑facing roles: present to partners, lead design discussions, and provide technical advice.
• Supervise, mentor and support junior staff throughout project lifecycle.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including hydraulic modellers, engineers and environmental consultants.
• Ensure projects meet time, cost and quality targets and manage change where necessary.
• Support bidding and proposition activity to grow the team.

Qualifications

• BSc / MSc in civil, environmental or related engineering (degree level or equivalent).
• Chartered with ICE or CIWEM, or working towards chartership.
• Extensive experience in flood risk and/or surface water separation projects.
• Experience in writing business cases, reports and presenting to internal/external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of NPPF and natural flood management solutions.
• Proficiency in IT systems such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Civil 3D and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UK.
• Security clearance to minimum SC level preferable (or willingness to apply).

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits. Hybrid working policy between home office and on site. Structured learning and development platform including mentoring, coaching, CPD and training. Flexible working arrangements with reduced hours, flexible start/finish times or compressed hours.