At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative drainage solutions for diverse projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking environmental consultancy with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water management while making a positive environmental impact.
- 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 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 in Scotland employer: Naturally Compliant
Naturally Compliant is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee autonomy and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a generous benefits package including a 7% pension contribution, private health insurance, and performance-related profit share. With a strong commitment to environmental outcomes, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and allows you to lead impactful projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for passionate professionals in the drainage engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drainage Engineer in Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the drainage and hydrology field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. 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 will not only impress potential employers but also give you a chance to discuss your work in detail during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to sustainable water management and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion for the environment shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Drainage Engineer in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Drainage Engineer or Hydrologist. Highlight your relevant experience in drainage engineering, project management, and any business development activities you've been involved in. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't forget to highlight your technical skills related to drainage design and sustainable water management. We’re keen on seeing examples of your work, especially if you've led projects or developed innovative solutions in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
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
Prepare examples that highlight your project management abilities. Talk about how you've coordinated timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects. This is crucial for a role that requires managing various commissions simultaneously.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves engaging with clients and statutory consultees, think of instances where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and built rapport with different parties throughout the planning process.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen
This position requires a proactive approach to business development. Prepare to talk about your experience in nurturing client relationships and preparing fee proposals. Highlight any successes you've had in identifying new opportunities or growing a service line.
