At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage highway drainage systems and ensure timely resolution of reported issues.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council's Highways and Public Realm team during an exciting transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous annual leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working on essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in highway drainage design and problem-solving with key legislation knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 50269 € per year.
This is an exciting time to join the Highways and Public Realm team at Herefordshire Council. We are transforming how highways and public realm services are delivered across Herefordshire, bringing them back under direct Council control for the first time in years. From June this year (2026), we will be working in a new way that gives us greater flexibility, more local accountability, and a sharper focus on quality and value for money.
By joining us now, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of essential services that residents rely on every day from maintaining roads and green spaces to keeping our streets clean and safe. We can offer the chance to make a real difference in your community, work with a dedicated team, and help deliver improvements that matter. If you’re looking for a role where you can take pride in what you do and be part of positive change, we’d love to hear from you.
What will you be doing?
In this role you will be responsible for managing the highway drainage system across Herefordshire. You will be the person who ensures that issues that are reported to us are investigated in a timely manner and that they then get fixed by raising jobs through to our partner contractors or through liaison with water companies through our annual programmes. You will also be responsible for developing and ensuring delivery of a county-wide gully and drainage asset cleansing programme. You will work closely with our Flood Risk Management team to mitigate the likelihood and impact of flooding from the highway network on property and with our Road Safety and Traffic Management team to develop plans to keep the network moving in times of extreme weather.
About You
- Knowledge / experience of investigating and resolving highway drainage system problems.
- Experience of highway drainage design and designing and implementing SuDS.
- Comprehensive knowledge of key highway legislation including the Highways Act 1980 and flood risk management legislation including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Flood Risk Regulations 2009, Land Drainage Act 1991, etc.
- Experience of working positively with key stakeholders and communities.
- Experience in reviewing highway drainage plans as part of the development management process, and willing to get involved in developing highway drainage schemes and progressing new projects.
We Offer
- Salary range of HC10 £46,142 - £50,269 per annum.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period.
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the "Disability Confident" scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
Principal Highway Drainage Engineer in Hereford employer: Hoople Group
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of essential services in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference. Enjoy generous benefits including 31 days of annual leave, enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to various perks that enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Highway Drainage Engineer in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Principal Highway Drainage Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of highway drainage systems and relevant legislation. We want you to showcase your expertise, so think of examples from your past work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and make sure to follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. A little persistence can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for community service during the interview. Talk about how you can contribute to improving Herefordshire’s highways and public realm. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Highway Drainage Engineer in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with highway drainage systems and relevant legislation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about joining the Highways and Public Realm team at Herefordshire Council. Share your enthusiasm for making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to positive change.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Group
✨Know Your Drainage Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highway drainage systems and relevant legislation like the Highways Act 1980 and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also understand how it applies in practice.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully investigated and resolved drainage issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process and the impact of your actions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in collaborating with communities and other teams. Be ready to share specific instances where you've built positive relationships and how that led to successful project outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to highway drainage management. Practice responding to scenarios where you might need to prioritise tasks or deal with unexpected flooding issues. This will help you showcase your critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure.
