Technical Manager (Flood Risk) in Leeds

We’re Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy and we’re now recruiting for a Technical Manager (Flood Risk) in Leeds. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office and the option of adjusted start and finish times.

Our Flood Risk Team undertake a range of assessments to support strategic studies, and planning and design including environmental impact assessments (EIA), flood risk management, surface water management and SuDS, water quality and hydromorphological assessments, biodiversity net gain (river condition assessments) and river restoration. You will work closely with the Team Manager to strengthen our modelling offer, develop new service lines, and position us as a go‑to partner for clients. You will lead the delivery of complex hydraulic modelling projects, provide technical oversight to junior staff, and play a key role in shaping innovative solutions that improve climate resilience across the UK. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated individual who wants to influence project direction, work on a diverse range of high‑profile projects, and play a key role in building, shaping, and growing a team delivering flood risk, hydrology, and climate adaptation projects.

• Lead the development of 1D, 2D and integrated hydraulic models using software such as Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, InfoWorks ICM, HEC‑RAS or similar.
• Oversee and deliver Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), Surface Water Management Plans and Flood Consequence Assessments.
• Oversee hydrological assessments, including FEH, ReFH2, and statistical analysis.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and quality assurance for junior modellers and analysts.
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports, models, and presentations.
• Support bids, proposals, and business development activities.
• Ensure all work meets industry standards, regulatory requirements, and project deadlines.

• Hold a degree in environmental science, engineering or similar subject with significant water science, hydrology, or hydraulics content.
• Proven experience in liaising with clients, regulators (EA, LLFAs, water companies), and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Hold chartered status from an appropriate institution.
• Strong proficiency in at least one major modelling platform (e.g., Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, ICM).
• Excellent understanding of UK and Scotland flood policy, NPPF, EA guidance, and drainage standards.
• Knowledge of water resource management would be advantageous.
• Proven ability in the leadership and motivation of individuals.
• Commercial experience of producing winning tenders and understanding commercial risk and influencing strategic decision‑making within the business.
• Excellent consultancy, communication and interpersonal skills with a good working relationship with all levels of the organisation, clients and contractors.

This is an exciting time to join Sweco and if you want to be part of a company who is small in all the best ways but large enough to provide a diverse and exciting workload, this job is for you. You will learn from experienced people who share a passion for working together with our clients to deliver technical excellence. If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance (including family cover)
• Company car or car allowance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year).
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice).
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work – we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.