Location
Bristol
Industry sector
Engineering
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
01/02/2026
Closing date
22/02/2026
Job Title: Principal Drainage Engineer
Ref. No.: CJD2801I26
Location: Based near Bristol
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
This is a rare opportunity to join my client, a highly-regarded, industry-leading Multidisciplinary Consultancy, known for delivering their expertise across the diverse Civil and Structural Engineering Sectors, offering innovative, sustainable approaches to projects across a broad spectrum of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. They are actively seeking a professional, passionate Principal Drainage Engineer with a strong background in SAB applications. You will be based near the diverse, richly-cultural riverside city of Bristol.
Benefits for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include (but are not limited to):
* Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
* Employee Pension Scheme
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Prospects for flexible/hybrid working
* Dedication to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with good opportunities for career progression
* Access to a number of exciting projects across the region
* An inclusive team environment, which champions ambition and innovation
Responsibilities for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:
* Provide advanced oversight and Quality Assurance of SuDS design and SAB submissions
* Lead complex drainage and surface water strategies
* Oversee complex Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) and surface water mitigation proposals
* Act as primary liaison with clients, including LLFAs, SAB teams, and other key stakeholders
* Utilise the relevant design software to develop compliant, feasible drainage solutions
* Mentor and support colleagues at all levels, overseeing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
* Advise on project feasibility, resourcing requirements, budgetary restrictions, and timescales
* Support Business Development (BD) by proactively contributing to BD strategies and activities
Required skills and experience for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:
* A Degree in Civil Engineering or Hydrology (or a cognate discipline)
* Possess Chartered Status with a recognised Professional Body (e.g., ICE, etc.)
* Extensive experience in drainage design, within a UK-based consultancy or Local Authority setting
* Outstanding working knowledge of the SAB process, including experience of preparing SAB submission packs
* Expert proficiency with the relevant software systems, including InfoDrainage/MicroDrainage, AutoCAD, and similar
* Excellent understanding of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards, adoption requirements, and maintenance considerations
* Good knowledge of the UK drainage and planning frameworks
* Experience of managing both projects and people, within a design-based setting
* Previous experience of managing key client and stakeholder relations
Desirable skills and experience for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include:
* A Higher Qualification in a relevant discipline
If 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.