Principal Drainage and Flood Consultant

Access Talent Group are currently recruiting for an international design consultancy looking for a Principal Drainage and Flood Consultant known for delivering complex, high-value infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK. We can base this individual out of Manchester, Leeds or Bristol office locations. 

With offices in key cities and a flexible hybrid working culture, this role offers the chance to work on meaningful, technically diverse projects that span the defence, infrastructure, commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors.

As a senior technical specialist within the flood and drainage team, you will:

• Lead and deliver flood risk and drainage projects, including Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, surface water designs, and Water Framework Directive appraisals.
• Support and mentor junior engineers while guiding project teams through concept, planning, technical design, and delivery stages.
• Produce high-quality, client-focused reports and technical deliverables aligned with national and local planning requirements.
• Contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments and advise on policy such as NPPF, TAN15, and the SuDS Manual.
• Liaise confidently with clients, regulators (e.g., EA, LLFAs), and key stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Assist in developing fee proposals, managing project budgets, and supporting bid submissions.
• Work on a broad portfolio of projects ranging from £10k to £100m in value.

We’d love to hear from individuals who bring a mix of technical strength, collaborative mindset, and leadership potential. Ideally, you will have:

• Essential Skills & Experience
• Experience delivering flood risk assessments and drainage strategies within UK planning frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of SuDS, drainage solutions, and discharge of conditions.
• Strong experience in the Pre planning and Feasibility phase project phases.
• Ability to produce high-quality written reports and engage in stakeholder/client dialogue.
• Proficiency in software such as MicroDrainage/InfoDrainage, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as civil engineering or environmental science.
• Working towards or already chartered with ICE or CIWEM.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Eligible for or holding Security Clearance (SC) is desirable.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience contributing to Water Framework Directive and ecological/geomorphological appraisals.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring junior team members.
• Positive, proactive mindset with a commitment to personal development and team wellbeing.
• Confidence in managing smaller projects and supporting larger bids.

If you are an established Senior looking to step up or already working at Principal Drainage and Flood consultants role interested to work on a diverse project portfolio, please contact Cameron Green on 02380981322 or Email Cameron.Green@accesstg.com