Senior Drainage Engineer

First Recruitment Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Senior Drainage Engineer to lead technical direction in managing highway drainage projects. This role focuses on asset management, compliance with statutory requirements, and delivering inspections across projects. Ideal candidates will possess strong technical knowledge and experience in flood risk management and will be responsible for overseeing budgets and resource management. A collaborative approach with stakeholders and expertise in emerging technologies will enhance asset management processes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in drainage and flood risk management, preferably in highway or infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of asset management, inspection, maintenance, and renewal strategies.
• Experience leading teams and managing multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously.
• Knowledge of statutory frameworks including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and Land Drainage Act 1991.
• Competent in budget management, procurement oversight, and contractor performance monitoring.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Familiarity with GIS, digital tools, and emerging technologies in asset management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of highway infrastructure assets related to drainage and flood risk.
• Develop and maintain asset inventories and condition databases.
• Plan, manage, and deliver county-wide programmes of inspections and assessments.
• Analyse asset condition data and inform lifecycle planning.
• Prepare and manage annual and multi-year maintenance programmes.
• Act as project sponsor for asset improvement schemes.
• Provide expert technical advice on design, maintenance, and statutory procedures.
• Monitor contractor and supplier performance.
• Lead the development of asset management policies and standards.
• Coordinate with emergency planning teams during flooding incidents.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Provide leadership and professional development support to technical teams.
• Embed sustainability and resilience into asset planning.
• Represent the organisation in forums and stakeholder engagements.

Job description

Senior Drainage Engineer – Asset Management (Flooding and Drainage)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Drainage Engineer to provide technical leadership in the management and delivery of highway drainage and flooding infrastructure projects. The role will focus on asset management, inspection, maintenance, and improvement programmes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the technical direction of highway infrastructure assets related to drainage and flood risk.

Develop and maintain asset inventories and condition databases to support evidence-based decision making.

Plan, manage, and deliver county-wide programmes of inspections, surveys, and assessments across all asset types.

Analyse asset condition data, performance trends, and risk factors to inform lifecycle planning, prioritisation, and long‑term investment strategies.

Prepare and manage annual and multi-year maintenance and renewal programmes aligned with organisational objectives and value-for‑money principles.

Act as project sponsor for capital and revenue‑funded asset improvement schemes, ensuring effective delivery through programme management processes.

Provide expert technical advice to internal teams, stakeholders, and contractors on design, maintenance, and statutory procedures.

Monitor contractor and supplier performance to ensure works are delivered to specification, on time, and within budget.

Lead the development and implementation of asset management policies, standards, and procedures, promoting consistency, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Undertake statutory responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and Land Drainage Act 1991.

Coordinate with emergency planning teams during flooding incidents and support surface water risk assessments.

Promote the integration of GIS, digital tools, and emerging technologies to enhance asset monitoring, reporting, and decision‑making.

Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring robust financial control and reporting.

Provide leadership, line management, and professional development support to technical teams.

Embed sustainability and resilience into asset planning and delivery, supporting organisational climate change objectives.

Represent the organisation in regional and national forums, technical working groups, and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

Proven experience in drainage and flood risk management, preferably in highway or infrastructure projects.

Strong technical knowledge of asset management, inspection, maintenance, and renewal strategies.

Experience leading teams and managing multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously.

Knowledge of statutory frameworks including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and Land Drainage Act 1991.

Competent in budget management, procurement oversight, and contractor performance monitoring.

Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Familiarity with GIS, digital tools, and emerging technologies in asset management.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Drainage Engineers looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.

Sector: Commercial, Admin & Office Support