Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant in Manchester

Colliers is a global leader in commercial real estate services, providing strategic solutions to occupiers, developers, and investors at local, national, and international levels. Our services include brokerage sales and leasing, real estate management, valuation, consulting, project management, project marketing, and research. We operate across core sectors such as office, industrial, retail, and hotel, as well as a range of specialised property types. Colliers UK is headquartered in London, with over 1,200 professionals across 16 offices in the UK and Ireland.

We are seeking a motivated Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant to deliver high‑quality technical advice across a diverse range of property, development, and investment projects. You will support clients with strategic and technical assessments, including flood risk appraisals, drainage strategies, sustainable drainage system (SuDS) design, and regulatory engagement. This is a client‑facing role suitable for someone who enjoys technical problem‑solving, collaboration, and delivering clear, commercially focused advice. You will be part of our overall Environmental team which is a positive, hardworking group who take real pride in what we do. We’re driven and focused, but we also genuinely enjoy working together. We welcome applications from candidates who can work on a hybrid basis from any of our regional offices, including Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham, or Bristol.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) for planning applications and due diligence purposes.
• Produce drainage strategies, foul and surface water designs, and SuDS reports.
• Undertake hydraulic modelling, flood mapping review, and surface water management assessments.
• Support land development projects across residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed‑use schemes.
• Engage with regulators and stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs), and water companies.
• Provide technical input into environmental assessments, planning applications, and master planning exercises.
• Interpret and communicate flood risk constraints and mitigation strategies to clients and internal teams.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals, fee estimates, and project budgets.
• Contribute to Colliers’ growing environmental and engineering capability through knowledge sharing and best practice initiatives.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Experience in flood risk, water management, or drainage consultancy.
• In depth knowledge of the Property Transaction Process.
• Strong working knowledge of industry guidance relating to flood risk and drainage.
• Experience producing FRAs, drainage strategies, and SuDS assessments.
• Ability to interpret GIS data, flood mapping, topographical surveys, and site investigations.
• Proficiency and understanding of flood modelling software and hydrological estimation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Desirable

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Hydrology or related field.
• Working toward or achieved Chartership (ICE, CIWEM or similar).
• Experience in detailed drainage design and calculations.
• Knowledge of property consultancy environments or multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Experience supporting due diligence or development appraisals.

Key Competencies

• Client‑focused with strong commercial awareness.
• Analytical thinker and problem solver.
• Collaborative and confident communicator.
• Strong organisational and project‑management skills.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced consultancy environment.
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Accurate, meticulous and conscientious.

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work in a leading global real estate firm.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Career development and training opportunities.

At Colliers, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and strong wellbeing support—including health insurance, counselling services, and access to lifestyle discounts. You’ll grow through Colliers University and global recognition programmes, while benefiting from volunteer leave through the Colliers Gives initiative.

Please tell us what would help you take part and give enough practical detail for us to arrange it. We will handle your request confidentially, and it will not affect how you are assessed. We make reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010. At Colliers, we empower people to perform at their best. As a Disability Confident Employer, we want every candidate to feel welcome. If anything would help you take part in our process, such as extra time or rest breaks, step‑free access, or a different interview format, please tell us in your application. You are not expected to share a diagnosis or medical history. Colliers is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age; disability; gender; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins); religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation. We also value diverse experience and neurodiversity.