At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to improve water quality and tackle environmental challenges.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated sustainable consulting firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to sustainability and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in the water industry with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Water quality sits at the heart of some of the UK's most urgent environmental challenges today. As standards tighten, systems grow more complex, and communities demand better outcomes for their rivers, coastlines and catchments, the need for genuinely expert thinking has never been greater. At Stantec, our Environmental Water Quality Team is working with water companies, regulators and wider stakeholders across the UK and Ireland to develop solutions that are not just effective, but sustainable. We are looking for a Senior Principal or Technical Specialist to help lead that work. If you are a recognised expert in your field and you are ready for a role where your knowledge drives real environmental change, this could be exactly the right next step.
About The Role
This is a technical leadership role within our Environmental Water Quality Team, with flexibility on location for the right candidate. You will work within a core of scientific and engineering specialists, supporting clients primarily across the water sector, as well as the energy and infrastructure sectors. Together, you will identify pollution sources, pathways and receptors and develop solutions for both natural and urban catchments. Your work will span the full water cycle, integrating with expertise across urban and natural environments to help clients and communities achieve environmental performance that is both sustainable and efficient.
Project and programme examples may include WINEP studies, marine or inland water quality modelling, storm overflow investigations and catchment risk assessments. You will manage and deliver complex, multi-disciplinary programmes, mentor junior team members, and work closely with project managers to ensure successful outcomes across your portfolio.
Your Impact
This role offers something that is genuinely rare: the opportunity to improve the environments and communities that depend on clean, healthy water. The projects you lead will reduce carbon, improve biodiversity and help shape how the UK's water industry responds to the environmental challenges ahead. You will also play an important part in developing the people around you, sharing expertise that has taken years to build and helping the next generation of water quality practitioners find their footing in a fast-evolving field.
About You
You hold a degree in an appropriate discipline and bring at least ten years of experience working across the water industry, with well-established relationships across the sector. You have a proven track record of managing and delivering challenging, complex projects that assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of wastewater assets. You are familiar with UK environmental quality legislation and understand how your work fits within broader multi-disciplinary contexts. You are a confident communicator, equally at ease with clients, regulators and industry colleagues. You lead with clarity, adapt well to change and bring an open, collaborative approach that makes the people around you better. Most importantly, you are driven by outcomes. You think differently, you challenge conventional thinking, and you are looking for an environment that not only welcomes that, but depends on it.
Why Join Us
- We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
- We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor in 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
- We do what is right: Industry-leading training and development, as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan to support you in becoming chartered with ICE.
- We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group, and a wider ERG network.
- Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
- Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard, discounted gym membership, and lots more.
- Hybrid/Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible work.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.
At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Senior Principal / Technical Specialist - Environmental Water Quality in Southampton employer: Stantec Consulting International Ltd.
Stantec is an exceptional employer that prioritises a friendly, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, making it a great place for professionals passionate about environmental water quality. With industry-leading training, a clear professional progression plan, and a commitment to employee well-being through competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements, Stantec empowers its team members to drive meaningful change in communities across the UK. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your expertise and fosters growth while tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Contact Details:
Stantec Consulting International Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal / Technical Specialist - Environmental Water Quality in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water quality sector and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK environmental legislation and recent developments in water quality. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the challenges Stantec is tackling in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored junior team members or led complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to drive real environmental change, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Stantec team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal / Technical Specialist - Environmental Water Quality in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Water Quality:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for environmental water quality shine through. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving water standards and sustainability.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing complex projects and your understanding of UK environmental legislation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and expertise. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as you do when tackling environmental challenges!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Stantec!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec Consulting International Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK environmental quality legislation and water quality standards. Being able to discuss recent developments in the field will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of complex projects you've managed, especially those related to wastewater assets. Highlight your role in assessing and mitigating environmental impacts, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since you'll be interacting with clients and regulators, being able to convey technical information in an understandable way is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Stantec values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've mentored junior team members or collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to lead and support others, as this will resonate well with their culture.
