Senior Principal Water Resource Consultant in Exeter

Benefits include working on leading water‑resource projects across the UK and Ireland.

The Opportunity

It’s an exciting time to be involved in water resources in the UK. In recognition of the considerable challenges that we will face in the future, the industry regulator Ofwat has made the biggest investment in infrastructure since privatisation, with £4 billion to boost water supply and £2 billion for Nature‑Based Solutions in the recently published draft determination for 2025‑30. This includes funding for significant solutions to ensure long‑term national resilience, security of supply for the future and lowering demand through unprecedented leakage reduction and smart‑meter installation programmes. Stantec’s engagement with water‑resources planning initiatives has grown significantly since 2020, working on Strategic Resource Option investigations, Water Resource Management Plans, Drought Plans and WINEP schemes. Our team works with water companies, regulators such as the Environment Agency and Ofwat, design engineers, contractors, planners and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and implementation of water‑resource projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, timescale, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Bring experience to the team and support the development of early‑career team members in areas such as WRMPs, Regional Water Resource plans, Drought Plans, water‑resource modelling, demand management or forecasting, options development, optimisation, regulatory environmental assessment (HRA, SEA, WFD etc.) and SROs through the RAPID led gated process.
• Maintain a client‑facing role and grow internal and external networks to achieve project outcomes.
• Manage commercial projects, bids and proposals within budget.
• Support the wider Water and Environment department when required, complementing other specialisms within the teams and working flexibly on various projects.

About You

We welcome people from varied backgrounds—regulatory, water company, academia or consultancy—who have recent experience applying their knowledge of water resources in policy and technical areas. You should be comfortable working in fast‑paced multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with clients, statutory authorities and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in water‑resources‑focused projects: assessment and development of WRMPs, drought plans, regional plans, supply‑demand balance components, hydrological, hydrogeological and/or water‑resources assessment, demand forecasting, options appraisal and risk/uncertainty development.
• Strong experience in WINEP investigations, Environmental Destination, Water Framework Directive assessments, permitting and abstraction licensing, broader catchment management, climate‑change impact assessments and options appraisals.
• Extensive experience in the water industry.
• A degree in a relevant subject (geography, geological sciences, environmental science, civil or environmental engineering) with a postgraduate qualification in hydrology, hydrogeology and/or water‑resources management preferred.
• Active involvement with relevant institutions such as CIWEM, the Institute of Civil Engineers or the Institute of Water, either chartered or working towards chartered status.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales
• Industries: Business Consulting and Services

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits 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 complies with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. We are committed to building an inclusive environment and encouraging applicants whose experience does not exactly align. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. Stantec is located in Exeter, England, United Kingdom.