Principal Mechanical Design Engineers (Water)

RPS Group Plc; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal – Water Resources Management to lead challenging water management projects. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio, provide technical guidance, and mentor a growing team. Key requirements include an MSc in a relevant field, extensive experience in water resources planning, and proficiency in UK environmental legislation. This role offers the opportunity to significantly influence water management practices in the UK and contribute to diverse environmental projects.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as water resources management.
• Vast experience in water resources planning and environmental assessments.
• Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of major water projects influencing UK water management.
• Provide authoritative technical guidance and oversight of projects.
• Mentor and develop a team of senior consultants.

Skills

Water resources planning

Drought management

Hydrometry

Environmental assessments

Client communication

Technical report writing

Education

MSc or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Job description

About the Role

Are you an experienced water resources specialist looking to lead high‑profile, technically challenging projects? Do you enjoy shaping solutions for clients while guiding and developing talented environmental professionals?

We're looking for a Principal – Water Resources Management to join our growing Water Management Division. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of water resources, hydrology, hydrometry, drought planning and environmental assessment, contributing to projects that directly influence how the UK manages its water now and in the future. You’ll lead a portfolio of major water projects, including water company drought and water resources plans, regional water resources planning, drought permit applications, monitoring programmes and associated assessments such as WFD Compliance Assessments, SEA and HRA. Working within a dynamic multi-disciplinary team spanning hydro‑ecology, water quality, geomorphology, planning and aquatic ecology, you’ll bring together expertise to deliver high‑quality, evidence‑led outcomes for clients across the public and private sector.

This role offers the scope to take ownership of complex projects, provide authoritative technical guidance, oversee financial and project management, and play a key role in developing client relationships and winning new work. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor and lead a team of senior consultants and consultants, helping shape capability and capacity within a fast‑growing discipline.

What we’re looking for

• MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. water resources management, hydrology, environmental science)
• Vast experience across water resources planning, drought management, hydrometry, monitoring programmes and environmental assessments
• Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation relating to water resources, drought planning and associated assessments
• Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice to clients and colleagues
• Experience preparing high‑quality technical reports for public and private sector clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines
• Flexibility to manage shifting priorities in a fast‑paced consultancy environment

It’s a bonus if you have

• Experience in water risk and security, resilience planning or climate resilience
• Hydrometric data analysis expertise
• Experience delivering or overseeing water cycle studies, sustainability assessments or water level management
• Technical input to HRA, SEA, WFD or Environmental Assessment Reports Scheme appraisal or regulatory support experience

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part‑time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area. We are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills. If you think you have what it takes to join our fast‑growing business, please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applicants.

About Us

At APEM, we balance technical excellence with flexibility and wellbeing. You’ll be part of a team that works across some of the most interesting and complex water management challenges in the UK, supported by specialists across water resources, hydrology, hydro‑ecology, geomorphology, water quality and ecology. As part of the APEM Group and now within Applus+, we continue to grow and diversify, offering the opportunity to work on innovative and nationally significant environmental consultancy projects.