Principal Drainage Engineer

Principal Drainage Engineer / Hydrologist | Remote, UK Naturally Compliant is a forward-thinking environmental and construction consultancy delivering integrated ecological, environmental, and engineering services across the UK. As we grow our multidisciplinary offer, we are looking for an experienced Principal Drainage Engineer or Hydrologist to lead and develop our water and drainage service line. This is a high-impact, senior role with genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape a service, build a team, and deliver technically excellent work across a diverse and growing project portfolio. The Role As technical lead for water and drainage, you will take ownership of service delivery across permanent and temporary drainage design, construction phase pollution control, and sustainable water management. Working closely with our ecology and environmental teams, you will play a key role in integrating drainage and hydrological expertise into multidisciplinary project delivery. Your responsibilities will include: Leading the technical delivery of drainage and hydrology commissions, from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction support Designing permanent and temporary drainage systems for a range of development and infrastructure projects Developing and implementing construction phase pollution prevention and treatment solutions Providing sustainable water management advice, including SuDS design, runoff attenuation, and water quality assessment Acting as technical reviewer and quality assurer across the water and drainage service Managing project programmes, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent commissions Coordinating internally with ecology, environmental, and project management colleagues to support integrated service delivery Engaging with clients, local authorities, the Environment Agency, and other statutory consultees throughout the project lifecycle Leading on business development activity - identifying opportunities, nurturing client relationships, preparing fee proposals and tenders Developing and growing the water and drainage service line, including contributing to resourcing and capability planning About You Essential: Significant experience in drainage engineering or hydrology, ideally within a consultancy environment, operating at Senior or Principal level Proven track record in designing drainage systems, SuDS schemes, or construction phase water treatment or pollution control solutions Solid project management skills — comfortable coordinating timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously Experience engaging with statutory consultees and managing stakeholder relationships throughout the planning and consenting process Business development experience, including client relationship management and bid preparation Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle CSCS card held or willingness to obtain Desirable: On-site construction phase experience Familiarity with ecological and environmental constraints and how drainage design interfaces with protected species, habitats, and biodiversity net gain Experience working within or alongside multidisciplinary environmental consultancies Chartership with CIWEM, ICE, or equivalent professional body You will also bring: You are a technically confident engineer with the interpersonal skills to match — equally comfortable negotiating with a statutory body, or guiding a junior colleague through a complex design problem. You are proactive, commercially aware, and motivated by the opportunity to build something: a service line, a client base, and a reputation for technical excellence in a business that genuinely cares about environmental outcomes. What's on Offer Salary: £50,000 – £60,000+ depending on experience 7% employer pension contribution 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays Health, Wellbeing, and Volunteer days Private health insurance EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme Cycle to Work Scheme Performance-related profit share scheme APPLY NOW or reach out to Jim Merryfield at CleanTech Talent for more information. Naturally Compliant is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.