At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flood risk assessments and drainage strategies for diverse clients across the UK.
- Company: Independent consultancy focused on flood risk, water, and environment with a national impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, flexible hours, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for chartership and varied project experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in flood risk management while driving your own career growth.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in flood risk consultancy, strong report writing, and GIS proficiency required.
Fully Remote (UK) £45,000 – £55,000+ depending on experience
Permanent
Reports to: Director / Principal
About the company
Our client is an independent specialist consultancy working in UK flood risk, water and environment. They are small enough that every consultant has visible impact, and their work spans residential developments to nationally significant infrastructure. Their reputation is built on rigorous technical analysis, careful problem-solving, and unlocking development potential on sites where flood risk is a central planning consideration.
Why this company? Why Now?
They are growing — not for the sake of headcount, but because their project pipeline demands it. Recent work across complex development sites, public sector flood defence schemes and international commissions means they are adding another senior consultant to the team. Above all, they are looking for someone who wants to come in and drive their own career — not wait for it.
What sets them apart
- Niche focus, national impact. Water, flood risk and environment are the entire business — not a service line bolted onto something larger.
- Your name on the work. Senior consultants here build direct client relationships, present findings to planning committees, and become a recognised face in the industry.
- Innovation is embedded. They develop proprietary tools like FloodMetric, adopt current modelling techniques, and actively invest in technology. If you have an idea that improves how they work, you will be heard.
- Genuine flexibility. Fully remote with truly flexible hours. Their team spans the UK and they care about deliverables, not presenteeism.
- Career progression you can see. In a team of this size your contribution is visible from day one. Principal and leadership pathways are open to those who demonstrate the capability — and they will actively support you through chartership, CPD and the company Academy.
The Role
As a Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant, you will manage, coordinate and deliver Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategies for a range of clients — from private developers working through complex EA flood zones to local authorities seeking robust technical evidence. You will lead on technically demanding projects, direct junior team members, and think independently about how best to approach the brief.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Lead the production and technical review of Flood Risk Assessments and Surface Water Drainage Strategies, ensuring compliance with NPPF, TAN15 and/or NPF4 as appropriate.
- Interpret EA, NRW, SEPA, LLFA and third-party datasets to develop evidence-based flood risk conclusions and identify practical solutions for clients.
- Where appropriate, develop the technical case for revised flood zone designations through detailed modelling, topographic analysis and engagement with regulators.
- Support feasibility studies at the early stages of development, identifying constraints and the routes through them.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects to programme, budget and quality expectations.
- Develop and maintain client and stakeholder relationships as a trusted technical advisor.
- Mentor and review the work of junior consultants and graduates, supporting their technical development.
- Support business development through fee proposals, scope development and client presentations.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal tools, templates and technical processes.
About You
They are looking for a consultant who combines technical depth with the commercial awareness to understand what the data means for a client's project — and who is ready to take ownership of their own development rather than wait to be promoted.
Essential
- A minimum of 6 years' UK consultancy experience in flood risk, with at least 1 year at senior level.
- Working knowledge of NPPF and associated planning practice guidance; familiarity with TAN15 and/or NPF4 is an advantage.
- Strong technical report writing — clear, concise and well-reasoned.
- Confident interpretation of third-party datasets (EA Product 4/8, LLFA data, historical records) to derive design flood levels and inform planning decisions.
- BSc or higher in Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- GIS proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS or MapInfo).
- Experience managing and mentoring junior team members.
- A track record of direct client liaison and the ability to advise non-technical stakeholders clearly.
- Experience reviewing and signing off work produced by others.
Desirable
- Experience with InfoDrainage, MicroDrainage or equivalent drainage design software.
- Knowledge of the drainage hierarchy and experience producing SuDS-based drainage strategies.
- AutoCAD proficiency.
- Hydraulic modelling experience (Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS).
- Chartered or working towards chartership with CIWEM, ICE or equivalent.
- Experience preparing or supporting expert witness statements or planning appeals.
What They Offer
- Salary - £45,000 – £55,000+, depending on experience.
- Pension - Employer-matched pension via salary sacrifice.
- Health insurance - Provided following successful probation.
- Working pattern - Fully remote with genuine flexible hours.
- CPD & development - Support through the company Academy, external courses, conferences and networking events.
- Chartership - Active support towards CIWEM, ICE or equivalent chartership.
- Project variety - UK-wide projects spanning residential, major development, public sector flood defence and international commissions.
- Culture - A supportive, inclusive team with a trained mental health first aider and regular social events.
Ready to Be Known for Your Work?
Please send your CV and a short introduction. A formal cover letter isn’t necessary — a few paragraphs about your experience, the projects you’ve enjoyed most, and why this opportunity interests you is plenty.
If you don’t meet every desirable criterion but feel the role is a good fit, please still apply.
*PLEASE NOTE – by applying to this position, you agree for your CV to be submitted to our client, who shall contact you directly should your application make their short-list. You also agree to our Privacy Policy which can be found on our website.
Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant - Remote employer: Acapella Recruitment Ltd
As an independent specialist consultancy in flood risk and environmental management, this company offers a unique opportunity for Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultants to make a significant impact on projects across the UK. With a fully remote working model, genuine flexibility, and a strong focus on employee development through their Academy, they foster a supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation and individual contributions. Join a team where your expertise is recognised, and you can drive your own career progression while working on diverse and meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant - Remote
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the flood risk and drainage sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights and how you've tackled complex challenges in flood risk assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you admire, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly with a friendly email expressing your interest and how you can contribute to their team. It shows initiative and could open doors!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with opportunities that match your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for roles that fit you best.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant - Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Message:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in flood risk and drainage, and show us how you can make an impact!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Write clearly and avoid jargon where possible. A well-structured application that’s easy to read will definitely catch our eye.
Show Your Passion:Let us know why this role excites you! Share your enthusiasm for flood risk consultancy and how you see yourself contributing to our team. We love candidates who are eager to drive their own career forward.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acapella Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of flood risk assessments and drainage strategies. Familiarise yourself with the NPPF, TAN15, and NPF4 guidelines, as well as any relevant datasets like EA Product 4/8. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your past projects and how you've managed them. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior team members and your direct client interactions. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership skills and how you can contribute to the company's growth.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've had to develop practical solutions for clients or overcome challenges in complex projects. Showing your analytical thinking will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage and Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, culture, and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Remember, they want someone who’s eager to drive their own career!
