Senior / Principal Engineer

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