At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drainage design projects to protect communities and enhance safety.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to sustainability and community resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in drainage design and project management is essential.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer – Drainage Design to lead the planning, design, and delivery of highway drainage solutions across Derbyshire. This role is critical to managing flood risk, improving network resilience, and supporting sustainable development through innovative drainage design. You will manage complex projects from feasibility through to detailed design, ensuring compliance with national standards and technical excellence. Working collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and external partners, you’ll deliver schemes that protect communities, enhance safety, and support the council’s climate change objectives. This is a senior technical role requiring strong leadership, advanced design skills, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of highway drainage schemes, including SuDS.
- Investigate flooding incidents and develop mitigation strategies.
- Prepare technical specifications, cost estimates, and risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance with DMRB, CDM 2015, and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
- Supervise and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
- Manage budgets and ensure value for money.
- Liaise with stakeholders, contractors, and statutory bodies to ensure efficient delivery.
- Champion innovation and sustainable drainage practices.
- Provide technical input to multi-disciplinary project teams.
About You
- Substantial experience in drainage design and flood risk management within a highways or civil engineering context.
- Strong knowledge of drainage standards, hydraulic design, and environmental regulations.
- Proficiency in CAD and relevant design software.
- Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- HNC/HND or equivalent in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex drainage projects.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation and technical standards.
Desirable
- Membership of professional institutions (e.g., ICE, CIHT, IHE).
- Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
- Experience as Principal Designer under CDM regulations.
- Familiarity with NEC contracts and collaborative delivery models.
Support & Benefits
- Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
- Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work-life balance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme: Provides financial security.
- Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
- Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
- Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
- Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
If you’re ready to lead the design of sustainable drainage solutions that protect communities and enhance network resilience, we’d love to hear from you!
Closing Date: Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview Date: 9th to 13th February
Senior Engineer - Design (Drainage) employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - Design (Drainage)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering and drainage design sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best drainage design projects. Include details about your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant legislation and technical standards. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex projects and collaborated with stakeholders. Practice common interview questions so you can confidently demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to sustainable drainage solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer - Design (Drainage)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in drainage design and flood risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this is a senior technical role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your advanced design skills and knowledge of relevant legislation. Include specific examples of how you've applied your expertise in CAD and hydraulic design in past projects.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As you’ll be supervising and mentoring junior engineers, make sure to mention any leadership roles you've held. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so share your experiences in managing teams and projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Drainage Standards
Make sure you brush up on the relevant drainage standards and legislation, like DMRB and the Flood and Water Management Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the technical side but also committed to compliance and excellence.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex drainage projects you've managed. Highlight your project management experience, especially any qualifications like PRINCE2 or APM. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and deliver successful outcomes, which is crucial for this senior role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve liaised with stakeholders in past projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you ensure efficient delivery. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving project goals.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Sustainability
Be prepared to talk about innovative drainage solutions you've implemented or are passionate about. Discussing sustainable practices and how they align with the council’s climate change objectives will resonate well with the interviewers and show your commitment to forward-thinking design.