At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative water and drainage projects with high autonomy.
- Company: Forward-thinking environmental consultancy focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private health insurance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a service line and client base in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental outcomes while building your career.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in drainage or hydrology, project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
CleanTech Talent is recruiting on behalf of a key client, a forward-thinking environmental and construction consultancy, for an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer or Hydrologist to lead and develop their water and drainage service line. This is a senior, high-autonomy role: own technical delivery across permanent and temporary drainage design, SuDS, construction-phase pollution control, and sustainable water management - working closely with ecology and environmental teams on integrated projects nationwide.
You'll lead commissions from feasibility through detailed design, manage budgets and programmes across multiple concurrent projects, engage directly with the Environment Agency and statutory consultees, and drive business development - proposals, tenders, and client relationships - as you build out the team around you.
What our client is looking for:
- Senior/Principal-level drainage or hydrology experience, ideally within consultancy
- Track record designing SuDS schemes or construction-phase water treatment/pollution control solutions
- Strong project management across concurrent commissions
- Experience engaging with statutory consultees and managing stakeholder relationships
- Business development experience (client relationships, bid/fee proposal preparation)
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle; CSCS card held or willingness to obtain
Desirable:
- On-site construction-phase experience
- Familiarity with ecological/environmental constraints and biodiversity net gain
- Experience within multidisciplinary environmental consultancies
- Chartership with CIWEM, ICE, or equivalent
On offer:
- £50,000–£60,000+ depending on experience
- 7% employer pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Private health insurance, wellbeing and volunteer days
- EV salary sacrifice scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
- Performance-related profit share scheme
This is a genuine opportunity to build a service line, a client base, and a reputation for technical excellence within a business that puts environmental outcomes first. To apply or find out more, contact Jim Merryfield at CleanTech Talent.
Principal Drainage Engineer employer: CleanTech Talent
Join a forward-thinking environmental and construction consultancy that prioritises sustainability and innovation. As a Principal Drainage Engineer, you'll enjoy a high-autonomy role with opportunities for professional growth, supported by a collaborative work culture that values your expertise in water management. With competitive benefits including a generous pension contribution, private health insurance, and performance-related profit sharing, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a dynamic remote setting.
