At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative drainage solutions for diverse projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking environmental consultancy making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and profit share.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, environmentally-focused company.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water management while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in drainage engineering or hydrology, with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Naturally Compliant is a forward-thinking environmental and construction consultancy delivering integrated ecological, environmental, and engineering services across the UK. We are looking for an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer or Hydrologist to lead and develop our water and drainage service line.
This is a high-impact, senior role with genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape a service, build a team, and deliver technically excellent work across a diverse and growing project portfolio.
The Role
As technical lead for water and drainage, you will take ownership of service delivery across permanent and temporary drainage design, construction phase pollution control, and sustainable water management. Working closely with our ecology and environmental teams, you will play a key role in integrating drainage and hydrological expertise into multidisciplinary project delivery.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the technical delivery of drainage and hydrology commissions, from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction support
- Designing permanent and temporary drainage systems for a range of development and infrastructure projects
- Developing and implementing construction phase pollution prevention and treatment solutions
- Providing sustainable water management advice, including SuDS design, runoff attenuation, and water quality assessment
- Acting as technical reviewer and quality assurer across the water and drainage service
- Managing project programmes, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent commissions
- Coordinating internally with ecology, environmental, and project management colleagues to support integrated service delivery
- Engaging with clients, local authorities, the Environment Agency, and other statutory consultees throughout the project lifecycle
- Leading on business development activity - identifying opportunities, nurturing client relationships, preparing fee proposals and tenders
- Developing and growing the water and drainage service line, including contributing to resourcing and capability planning
About You
Essential:
- Significant experience in drainage engineering or hydrology, ideally within a consultancy environment, operating at Senior or Principal level
- Proven track record in designing drainage systems, SuDS schemes, or construction phase water treatment or pollution control solutions
- Solid project management skills - comfortable coordinating timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience engaging with statutory consultees and managing stakeholder relationships throughout the planning and consenting process
- Business development experience, including client relationship management and bid preparation
- Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle
- CSCS card held or willingness to obtain
Desirable:
- On-site construction phase experience
- Familiarity with ecological and environmental constraints and how drainage design interfaces with protected species, habitats, and biodiversity net gain
- Experience working within or alongside multidisciplinary environmental consultancies
- Chartership with CIWEM, ICE, or equivalent professional body
You will also bring: You are a technically confident individual with the interpersonal skills to match - equally comfortable negotiating with a statutory body, or guiding a junior colleague through a complex design problem. You are proactive, commercially aware, and motivated by the opportunity to build something: a service line, a client base, and a reputation for technical excellence in a business that genuinely cares about environmental outcomes.
What's on Offer
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000+ depending on experience
7% employer pension contribution
25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
Health, Wellbeing, and Volunteer days
Private health insurance
EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Performance-related profit share scheme
APPLY NOW or reach out to Jim Merryfield at CleanTech Talent for more information. Naturally Compliant is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Drainage Engineer employer: Naturally Compliant
Naturally Compliant is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and innovative work culture. As a Principal Drainage Engineer or Hydrologist, you will enjoy the autonomy to shape your service line while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on impactful projects across the UK. With competitive benefits including private health insurance, generous annual leave, and a performance-related profit share scheme, you'll find a rewarding environment that values both your professional contributions and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drainage Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the drainage engineering field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. 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 designs and projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and creativity. When you apply through our website, include a link to your portfolio so potential employers can see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with drainage systems and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but how you communicate it!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Drainage Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Drainage Engineer role. Highlight your drainage design experience and any relevant projects you've worked on to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about drainage engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at Naturally Compliant. Don’t forget to mention your experience in business development and client management!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include specific examples of drainage systems or SuDS schemes you've designed, and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will help us understand your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naturally Compliant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your drainage engineering and hydrology knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving SuDS design or pollution control solutions. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be prepared to talk about your project management experience. Highlight how you've coordinated timelines, budgets, and deliverables in past roles. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to juggle various tasks while maintaining quality.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong stakeholder engagement skills. Think of instances where you've successfully interacted with clients, local authorities, or statutory bodies. Discuss how you managed these relationships and any challenges you overcame during the planning and consenting process.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen
As a Principal Drainage Engineer, you'll need to identify opportunities and nurture client relationships. Prepare to share your experiences in business development, including how you've contributed to fee proposals and tenders. This will show that you’re not only technically skilled but also commercially savvy.
