Senior / Principal Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer

GirlingJones; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent consultancy in Exeter seeks a Principal Engineer to lead Flood Risk projects. The role requires a Civil Engineering degree and expertise in drainage design. Candidates should have 7–10 years in development planning and strong communication skills. Benefits include a competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive health packages, alongside robust training and development support.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension contributions

Life cover

Health insurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym membership discounts

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Professional qualification (or progress towards IEng/CEng through ICE or CIWEM).
• Ideally 7–10 years’ experience in development planning.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current flood risk and drainage design guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple Flood Risk projects and ensure high standards.
• Manage project finances and prepare fee proposals.
• Mentor junior staff and represent the consultancy in meetings.

Skills

Flood Risk Assessments

Drainage strategy development

MicroDrainage

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

2:1 degree in Civil Engineering or related subject

Tools

MicroDrainage

CAD

Job description

Salary: Dependent on experience, with quarterly profit-related bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package

Team Principal – Flood Risk – Infrastructure Engineering Location: Exeter

The Role

An award-winning, independent consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal (or Associate) Engineer to join our Flood Risk & Drainage Team. You will lead multiple projects, including Flood Risk Assessments, drainage strategies for planning, and detailed drainage design. Reporting directly to senior management, your role will be to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standards, meeting client expectations and adhering to our best practice processes.

Your responsibilities will include managing project finances (including fee proposals and invoicing), representing the consultancy in client meetings and public consultations, and mentoring junior staff. You will also provide technical support to senior management on complex or sensitive projects, and review technical drawings produced by others to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

Requirements

• A 2:1 degree in Civil Engineering or a related subject, with professional qualification (or progress towards IEng/CEng through ICE or CIWEM)
• Ideally 7–10 years’ experience in development planning, preferably within the private sector
• Proven experience in conducting and leading Flood Risk Assessments, drainage strategy development, and detailed drainage design
• Comprehensive knowledge of current flood risk and drainage design guidance and methodologies (e.g. CIRIA)
• Strong numeracy, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with key software such as MicroDrainage and FLOW; CAD experience is advantageous, with demonstrated ability to check others’ work
• Sound commercial awareness with experience in contract management, budgeting, and programme planning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with the planning system and, ideally, experience in appeal processes
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

What’s In It For You?

You will join a proactive and dynamic team that values individual autonomy and collaboration. Benefits include a competitive salary with bonus potential, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, life cover, and comprehensive health and insurance packages. They also offer enhanced parental leave, a range of additional benefits (such as cycle-to-work schemes and gym membership discounts), and robust support for professional development through training and an ICE-accredited programme.

About the Company

A regional consultancy specialising in development planning and infrastructure services, with strong ties to Devon and the Exeter area. Local offices provide excellent connectivity and a collaborative working environment. They are proud to be recognised for innovative and sustainable approaches to projects across sectors including residential, commercial, and public infrastructure.

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