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- 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, generous annual leave, flexible working, 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 employer: Hoople Group
Contact Detail:
Hoople Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Highway Drainage Engineer
✨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 show off your expertise, so think of examples from your past work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your teamwork skills! This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Herefordshire Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Highway Drainage Engineer
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!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your written application, give examples of how you've tackled drainage issues in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions, so share those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience where you've successfully investigated and resolved drainage issues.
✨Show Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves working with various stakeholders, so be prepared to share examples of how you've positively engaged with communities and other teams. Highlight any successful collaborations that led to improved outcomes in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, such as a flooding emergency or a community complaint about drainage. Think through your approach and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Community Impact
The council is focused on making a real difference in the community. Share your motivation for wanting to join their team and how you see yourself contributing to positive change in Herefordshire's highways and public realm services.