Principal Hydrologist - £1,500 Placement Bonus

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to lead projects in flood risk management. The role involves technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining client relationships. The company offers a collaborative culture, hybrid working, and competitive salary with a bonus structure for referrals.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Collaborative team culture

£1500 Talent Torch placement bonus

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ consultancy experience in hydrology, flood risk or drainage.
• Proven leadership skills – confident mentoring and managing others' work.
• Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead and client liaison across flood risk and drainage projects.
• Lead and review technical outputs, managing client relationships and team delivery.
• Oversee project management and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Client Communication

Project Management

Technical Mentorship

Education

Chartered status (e.g., C.WEM, CEnv, or equivalent)

Tools

Union Square

Job description

Job Description

Location:Manchester – Hybrid (3 days in the office)

Salary:Up to £60,000 (DOE)

Bonus:£1,500 placement bonus if you’re referred by Talent Torch

Level:Principal

About the Company

This respected and growing environmental consultancy offers one of the most comprehensive flood risk management services in the UK. Their Hydrology & Flood Risk team supports a wide variety of development-led projects across the retail, housing, commercial, energy, and public sectors—from detailed site-specific flood risk assessments and mitigation designs to policy implementation advice.

You’ll be joining a team that values technical excellence, mentoring, and collaboration across disciplines. It’s an exciting time to get involved.

The Role

We’re hiring for aPrincipal Hydrologistto take on a senior technical and leadership role within a Hydrology team. You’ll report to the Associate Director of Hydrology, be accountable to the Managing Director for project and business performance, and lead client delivery while managing, mentoring, and developing junior and mid-level consultants.

You’ll work closely with multi-disciplinary teams across multiple offices and play a key role in maintaining and growing client relationships, technical quality, and commercial success.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as technical lead and client liaison across a range of development-led flood risk and drainage projects.
• Liaise with regulators, local authorities, and key stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Lead and review technical outputs (Levels 1–3) and contribute to Level 4 reporting when required.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to the Hydrology team.
• Line manage Assistant, Consultant, and Senior Consultant-level staff.
• Project management: develop proposals, set budgets, allocate resources, and oversee delivery.
• Take full ownership of client deadlines and expectations.
• Oversee financials via Union Square – including project setup, forecasting, and commercial reporting.
• Review and approve timesheets and project progress reporting for your team.
• Handle day-to-day team workflow, issues, and escalations.
• Report into senior management with updates on progress and performance.
• Support staff training, chartership journeys, and continuous professional development.
• Contribute to client development – maintaining existing relationships and identifying new opportunities.
• Conduct site walkovers and negotiate access.
• Prepare and review RAMS for all levels of staff.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act in all project activities.

What You’ll Need

• 7+ years’ consultancy experience in hydrology, flood risk or drainage.
• Chartered status (e.g., C.WEM, CEnv, or equivalent).
• Proven leadership skills – confident mentoring, managing, and reviewing others' work.
• Strong client communication and commercial awareness.
• Experience using Union Square (or similar project/finance tools) is a bonus.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to lead within a respected and growing environmental consultancy.
• Genuinely collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Flexible hybrid working across the UK.
• Huge variety of high-profile development projects across the UK.
• £1500 Talent Torch placement bonus

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Hydrologist ready to step into a more senior position—or already operating at Principal level and looking for a fresh challenge - let’s chat

How to Apply.

Ready to take your ecology career to the next level?

Send your CV to: [e-mail]

Apply online at:www.talent-torch.co.uk/vacancies

Protect biodiversity. Shape sustainable development. Apply today.

How the Placement Bonus Works

Secure this role through Talent Torch and receive a £1,500 bonus:

• 50% paid within 14 days of employer payment
• 50% paid after completing 90 days in the role

Direct applications or jobs secured via other means are not eligible.

Full Terms & Conditions available on our website.