Job Description
Job Title:
Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer
Location:
Manchester or Mold (Hybrid Working)
Employment Type:
Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Specialism:
Highways & Transport Infrastructure
About the Company
We are a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, delivering sustainable solutions that shape better outcomes for communities.
With a heritage dating back to 1926, we combine technical excellence, commercial awareness, and innovation to deliver client-focused solutions across infrastructure, buildings, and regeneration sectors. Our work is underpinned by a long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Main Purpose of the Role
You will join a growing and collaborative Transport & Infrastructure team, working as part of a wider national, multidisciplinary network. The role offers exposure to a broad range of projects and the opportunity to contribute to high-quality engineering outcomes across multiple sectors.
Current project work includes:
- Local Authority framework commissions
- Active travel schemes
- Major infrastructure design (S278, S38, S104)
- Residential and mixed-use developments
You will play a key role in delivering drainage design solutions across a varied portfolio of work, taking responsibility for technical outputs, project coordination, and client engagement.
In addition to design responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to contribute to:
- Project management and delivery
- Budgeting and cost control
- Feasibility studies and scheme reporting
- Bills of quantities and commercial outputs
You will also support and mentor junior team members, helping ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver drainage and infrastructure designs in line with project requirements and relevant standards
- Prepare technical reports, including drainage strategies and Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs)
- Lead or support project delivery, including delegation and supervision of junior staff
- Review and approve designs (internal and third-party)
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and external bodies
- Support site-based activities where required
- Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and project objectives
- Contribute to a collaborative and positive team culture
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
- BEng in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
- Minimum 3+ years' experience in civil engineering, with a focus on drainage design
- Strong experience in residential and commercial development projects
- Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g. MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow, AutoCAD)
- Experience preparing drainage strategies, FRAs, and S104/S106 agreements
- Good knowledge of drainage design standards, legislation, and construction practices
- Understanding of Health & Safety and CDM Regulations
- Strong communication and client-facing skills
- Ability to manage and coordinate design inputs across multiple disciplines
Desirable
- Experience managing project budgets and financial performance
- Experience in utility coordination and clash detection
- Experience mentoring and developing junior team members
- Knowledge of Civils 3D and highway design/specifications
- Experience working in fast-paced infrastructure or design environments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Key Competencies
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines
- Ability to work effectively under pressure within complex project environments
- High level of attention to detail and technical accuracy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative approach with a commitment to team and personal development
What's on Offer
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- A supportive, collaborative working environment
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development
- Exposure to a diverse and challenging project portfolio
- Competitive salary and benefits package