Principal Consultant/Associate - Flood Risk and Drainage

Antea Group is a global environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we solve client challenges and create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s leading companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives.

We are seeking a combined Principal Consultant or Associate specialising in Flood Risk and Drainage to join our UK Environmental Planning Practice. The role focuses on leading and delivering Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Drainage Strategies (DS) for planning, Environmental Statement (ES) to support Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) nutrient neutrality, physical climate risk assessments (ESG), and transactional due diligence.

You will work collaboratively with clients, regulators, sub-contractors and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver sustainable water management solutions. Key activities under this role would include (but not be limited to):

• Lead or manage the delivery of FRA for planning applications.
• Develop and review outline surface water DS aligned with planning and adoption requirements (e.g., LLFA guidance and utility providers).
• Author and quality-assure ES Chapters to support EIA’s for planning applications.
• Support transactional due diligence for land and property acquisitions, focusing on flood, drainage and climate risk.
• Coordinate and oversee sub-consultants for hydraulic modelling and detailed drainage design; provide technical review and assurance.
• Prepare regulatory submissions and engage with authorities (EA, SEPA, NRW, NIEA, SAB in Wales).
• Develop technical reports, drawings, and documentation using GIS and CAD tools.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget; ensure quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
• Drive business development through proposals, networking, and thought leadership, working with the senior management across the Environmental Planning team.

To be successful in this role, individuals must demonstrate:

• Communication: Clear, timely engagement with clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Organisation: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise tasks and maintain documentation.
• Health & Safety: Vigilance and compliance with site and project safety requirements.
• Technical: Strong understanding of flood risk policy, drainage principles, and ESG considerations.
• Problem Solving: Analytical approach to identifying risks and developing solutions.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor and develop junior staff and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Trusted Advisor: Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities for added value.

Preferred experience/qualifications:

• Degree in Geography, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Water Resources or related environmental field.
• Proven experience delivering FRAs, outline DS and Water ES Chapters for planning.
• Understanding of ESG-related climate risk reviews, nutrient neutrality and water quality compliance for development projects.
• Understanding of UK planning system, flood risk policy, and drainage standards.
• Experience managing and coordinating sub-consultants for hydraulic modelling and detailed design.
• Proficiency in GIS and CAD tools for spatial analysis and design.
• Professional membership or working towards chartership (CIWEM or ICE).
• Strong project leadership, financial management and client engagement skills.
• Recent experience in Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRA).
• Understanding of foul water drainage principles and adoption requirements (Section 104) with strategic wastewater planning experience desirable for future growth.
• Experience in Water Stewardship and Optimisation, with ability to advise on sustainable water use strategies and efficiency improvements.
• Experience in Environmental Permitting, with ability to advise on regulatory requirements and coordinate permit applications.

Our EHS consulting operation in Leeds, United Kingdom is supported by our sister company, Antea Group USA. The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Antea Group UK offer a competitive pay and benefits package including, company pension scheme, 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, increasing with service, the opportunity to buy additional leave, and supported training and professional development opportunities. Medical insurance with Vitality including dental, optical and hearing, freebies and discounts, GP consultations and physiotherapy. Life insurance is 3 x salary through UNUM with additional benefits of discounts on selected retailer purchases.