Principal Drainage Engineer

Job Description Job Title: Principal Drainage EngineerRef. No.: CJD1402D26Location: Based near BristolSalary: 50,000 - 60,000This is a rare opportunity to join my client, an innovative, motivated Multidisciplinary Consultancy, known for delivering their expertise across the diverse Civil and Structural Engineering Sectors, offering bespoke, sustainable approaches to projects across a broad spectrum of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. They are currently searching for a knowledgeable, driven Principal Drainage Engineer with a strong background in SAB applications. You will be based near the lively, youthful riverside city of Bristol.Benefits for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include (but are not limited to):Competitive salaryEmployee Pension SchemeGenerous annual leave allowanceFlexible/hybrid working arrangementsDedication to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with opportunities for career progressionAccess to a number of exciting projects across the regionAn inclusive team environment, which champions ambition and innovationResponsibilities for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:Provide advanced oversight and Quality Assurance of SuDS design and SAB submissionsLead complex drainage and surface water strategiesOversee complex Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) and surface water mitigation proposalsAct as key point of liaison with clients, including LLFAs, SAB teams, and other key stakeholdersUtilise the relevant design software to develop compliant, feasible drainage solutionsMentor and support colleagues at all levels, overseeing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD)Provide advice regarding project feasibility, including resourcing, budgets, and timeframesSupport Business Development (BD) by proactively contributing to BD strategies and activitiesRequired skills and experience for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or similarPossess Chartered Status with a recognised Professional Body (e.g., ICE, etc.)Extensive experience in drainage design, within a UK-based consultancy or Local Authority settingOutstanding working knowledge of the SAB process, including experience of preparing SAB submission packsExpert proficiency with the relevant software systems, including InfoDrainage/MicroDrainage, AutoCAD, and similarExcellent understanding of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards, adoption requirements, and maintenance considerationsGood knowledge of the UK drainage and planning frameworksExperience of managing both projects and people, within a design-based settingPrevious experience of managing key client and stakeholder relationsDesirable skills and experience for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:A higher qualification in a relevant field of studyIf you are interested in the role of Principal Drainage Engineer, please do not hesitate to contact Caroline Davis at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.JBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2026-03-07