Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds
Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer

Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative drainage and flood risk engineering projects across diverse sectors.
  • Company: Join Fairhurst, a top UK engineering consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and 33 days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable engineering solutions in your community.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and experience in drainage or flood risk engineering required.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

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.
  • Project Leadership
    • 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.
  • Leadership & Mentoring
    • 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.

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.

For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.

Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds employer: Fairhurst

Fairhurst LLP is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a collaborative and partner-led environment where top talent can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, Fairhurst fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect, making it an ideal place for engineers to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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Contact Detail:

Fairhurst Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work at Fairhurst or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project experience. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled drainage and flood risk challenges in past roles. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership abilities! If you've mentored junior engineers or led projects, make sure to highlight these experiences. Fairhurst values collaboration and guidance, so let us know how you can contribute to that culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining Fairhurst and being part of our amazing team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds

Drainage Engineering
Flood Risk Assessment
SUDS Design
Road Design
PDS
Civil 3D
MicroDrainage/Causeway Flow
AutoCAD
Project Management
Client Engagement
Regulatory Compliance
Technical Leadership
Mentoring
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your technical knowledge and project leadership abilities.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in design and analysis software like PDS, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD. We want to see how you’ve applied these tools in past projects, so give us some examples!

Communicate Clearly: Your written application is a chance to demonstrate your communication skills. Keep it professional yet engaging, and make sure to convey your passion for drainage and flood risk engineering. We love a good story about your experiences!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about Fairhurst and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fairhurst

✨Know Your Technical Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to drainage and flood risk engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the software you've used like PDS or Civil 3D, and how you've applied best practices in your designs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or supported others in their professional development. Highlight any experiences where you've taken charge of a project and ensured it met quality and budget expectations.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've liaised with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies in past roles. Prepare to give examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder relationships and provided expert guidance on drainage matters.

✨Cultural Fit Matters

Fairhurst values a collaborative and inclusive environment, so be sure to express your commitment to teamwork and diversity. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to a positive team culture and support Fairhurst's ethos of building a better future for engineers.

Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds
Fairhurst
Location: Leeds
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  • Principal Drainage & Flood Risk Engineer in Leeds

    Leeds
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
  • F

    Fairhurst

    50-100
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