Principal Flood Risk Engineer

Job Description: Principal Engineer (Flood Risk & Drainage)

Role Overview

My client is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to join their Water Team, leading the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), Surface Water Drainage Strategies, and related water management studies for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.

This role combines technical leadership, project management, and client engagement, with the opportunity to help shape team capability & mentor junior staff within the Water discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Delivery

·Lead, review, and approve Flood Risk Assessments in accordance with national planning policy, local guidance, and best practice.
·Develop and oversee Surface Water Drainage Strategies (including SuDS).
·Carry out and guide hydrological and hydraulic assessments.
·Provide senior technical oversight on water-related inputs for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
·Ensure deliverables meet high standards of technical accuracy, clarity, and compliance.

Project & Commercial Management

·Manage multiple projects simultaneously, controlling scope, budget, risks, and programme.
·Prepare fee proposals and support business development opportunities.
·Liaise with clients, regulators (e.g., LLFAs, Environment Agency), architects, and multidisciplinary teams.
·Support the strategic development of the Water Team's service offering.

Leadership & People

·Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers, fostering their technical development.
·Provide quality assurance checks and act as signoff authority where required.
·Contribute to internal training, knowledge sharing, and development of best practice processes.

Required Skills & Experience

·Strong experience delivering FRAs and Drainage Strategies in the UK planning context.
·Clear understanding of:
oNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
oPlanning Practice Guidance (PPG)
oSuDS principles and design standards (CIRIA SuDS Manual, BS 8582)
·Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to nontechnical audiences.
·Experience leading projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
·Chartered status (CEng, CIWEM or similar) or working towards it.

Desirable Experience

·Knowledge of sewer capacity assessments and liaison with water companies.
·Understanding of climate resilience, biodiversity integration, and natural flood management.
·Business development experience or an existing client network.

What They Offer

·A collaborative environment that supports innovation, professional development, and flexible working.
·A diverse portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and regeneration sectors.