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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative drainage infrastructure projects while mentoring engineers.
- Company: Join a dynamic consultancy committed to sustainable infrastructure and employee growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's infrastructure and shape the future of drainage design.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with 10+ years in drainage design and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced civil engineer with deep expertise in drainage, highways, and infrastructure design? Do you want to lead technically challenging projects, shape strategy, and drive excellence in sustainable infrastructure across the UK? If so, this is an outstanding opportunity to join our Infrastructure team as Principal Engineer and Drainage Specialist. In this leadership role, you will take strategic and technical ownership of drainage capabilities across the region, strengthen key client relationships, and play a pivotal part in growing and developing our technical offering.
The Role
As Principal Engineer (Drainage Technical Lead), you will oversee and deliver high-profile infrastructure projects across the region, from early feasibility through to detailed design and construction. You will combine technical leadership with advanced technical capability in drainage design, while supporting operational performance and client engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the design, procurement, and delivery of complex drainage infrastructure projects.
- Provide technical leadership on drainage and flood risk across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Build, maintain, and enhance relationships with local authorities, developers, and key clients.
- Mentor, manage, and support engineers at all levels, driving technical excellence and professional growth.
- Lead on bid preparation, fee proposals, resource planning, and business development.
- Ensure designs meet CDM 2015, DMRB, local authority, and national standards.
- Oversee project budgets, risk management, performance, and resourcing.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or near-chartered (ICE/CIHT).
- BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
- 10+ years’ experience in drainage/infrastructure design, including several years in a senior/lead technical position.
- Strong technical expertise in drainage (SuDS, flood risk, surface water management, and below-ground drainage systems).
- Proven track record delivering civil infrastructure projects end-to-end.
- Strong client-facing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience mentoring and developing engineers.
Desirable:
- Experience with MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage), Flow, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modelling software.
- Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts and commercial project management.
- Experience working with local authorities or UK regional frameworks.
- Experience supporting business development and writing proposals.
Work Environment & Expectations
Location: Chelmsford (or London), with 2–3 days per week expected in the office. Travel: Occasional travel to regional client meetings and project sites. Flexible Working: We support hybrid and flexible working to promote strong work–life balance.
About Us
SCP is a specialist transportation planning, highway, and drainage infrastructure design consultancy that has been offering multi-disciplinary professional services to the private and public sectors since 1991. We have offices located strategically around the UK, including offices in Manchester, Leeds, and London. Our service grouping includes advising and supporting at the master-planning stages of development proposals, conducting detailed assessments for approvals processes and the implementation stages.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
Principal Engineer (Drainage) in Chelmsford employer: SCP
Contact Detail:
SCP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer (Drainage) in Chelmsford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical skills and past projects. Share specific examples of how you've tackled drainage challenges or led successful teams. This is your time to shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to sustainable infrastructure. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest and understanding of their work. It’ll impress them and help you stand out.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 are proactive and engaged with our company. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer (Drainage) in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience in drainage and infrastructure design, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. 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 and infrastructure projects. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your technical expertise and client engagement skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills in drainage design and flood risk management. Mention any software you’re familiar with, like MicroDrainage or Civil 3D. We’re keen to see how you can contribute to our team’s technical excellence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCP
✨Know Your Drainage Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge about drainage systems, flood risk management, and surface water management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the challenges you faced, as this will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor junior engineers. Think of examples where you've successfully led a project or supported a colleague's development. Highlighting your leadership style and how you foster collaboration will resonate well with interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since client engagement is key in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with clients or local authorities. Discuss your communication strategies and how you ensure stakeholder satisfaction throughout a project's lifecycle.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Expect questions around bid preparation and business development. Reflect on your experience in writing proposals and securing projects. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company's growth and enhance its technical offerings in the drainage sector.
