At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative drainage solutions for diverse projects.
- Company: Join Naturally Compliant, a forward-thinking environmental consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Shape a service line and make a real impact on environmental outcomes.
- 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. As we grow our multidisciplinary offer, 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 engineer 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
Naturally Compliant is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Principal Drainage Engineer - Naturally Compliant in England 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 Principal Drainage Engineer - Naturally Compliant in England
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Naturally Compliant.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Naturally Compliant and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Drainage Engineer - Naturally Compliant in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Naturally Compliant.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Naturally Compliant will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Drainage Engineer - Naturally Compliant at Naturally Compliant. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Naturally Compliant
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Naturally Compliant, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Naturally Compliant that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
