Principal / Senior Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Huddersfield

About Fairhurst LLP – At Fairhurst, our people are the driving force behind our success. We take pride in the opportunities and environment we create for top talent to thrive and leave a positive impact in our communities and society. Fairhurst is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long‑standing client relationships.

Role Overview – We are seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Drainage/Flood Risk Engineer with relevant post‑graduate experience in a similar role. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work within one of the UK’s leading private engineering consultancies across a diverse portfolio of commercial, retail, residential, and industrial projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical & Design
  • Lead the design of infrastructure across commercial, retail, residential, and industrial sectors.
  • Develop SUDS drainage systems and deliver road designs to adoptable and DMRB standards.
  • Apply technical knowledge using design and analysis software such as PDS, Civil 3D, MicroDrainage/Causeway Flow, and AutoCAD.
  • Undertake site inspections and contribute to design and site meetings as required.
  • Take responsibility for delivering project outcomes in line with agreed budgets, timescales, and quality expectations.
  • Provide technical leadership and direction within project teams, ensuring work is progressed efficiently and effectively.
  • Support the coordination of multidisciplinary inputs to meet project objectives.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Liaise with statutory bodies including Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, highways departments, and local drainage authorities.
  • Communicate professionally and clearly with clients, contractors, colleagues, and other designers.
  • Offer expert guidance and advice on drainage and flood risk matters throughout the project lifecycle.
• Quality and Compliance
  • Ensure all designs meet required regulatory, technical, and client standards.
  • Apply best‑practice methodologies and maintain compliance with relevant guidelines, industry standards, and approval processes.
  • Contribute to maintaining the high‑quality service delivery for which Fairhurst is known.
  • Support the development of junior engineers and technicians, offering direction, mentoring, and technical oversight.
  • Contribute to creating a collaborative, supportive team environment that fosters professional growth and knowledge sharing.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline).
• Chartered or working toward chartership (ICE, CIWEM, or equivalent).
• Significant post‑graduate experience in drainage and/or flood risk engineering.
• Strong technical understanding of drainage and flood risk engineering principles.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard design and modelling software (e.g., PDS, Civil 3D, MicroDrainage/Causeway Flow, AutoCAD).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities, with experience managing budgets and project timelines.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support junior engineers and technicians.
• Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement.
• Demonstrable experience working on commercial, residential, retail, and/or industrial infrastructure projects.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package.
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy‑back scheme.
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award.
• Interest‑free travel loan.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.