Location
Cardiff
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.: CJD2801H26
Location: Based near Cardiff
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
This is a wonderful opportunity to join my client, an exciting, trusted 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 on the lookout for a professional, passionate Principal Drainage Engineer with a strong background in SAB applications. You will be based near the vibrant, diverse Welsh Capital City of Cardiff.
Benefits for the role of Principal Drainage Engineer include (but are not limited to):
* Competitive salary (depending on your skills and experience)
* Employee Pension Scheme
* Generous annual leave allowance
* Flexible/hybrid working opportunities
* Dedication to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with good opportunities for career progression
* Access to a number of exciting projects across the local region and beyond
* An inclusive team environment, which encourages 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 strategies
* 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 First Degree in Civil Engineering or Hydrology (or a similar, relevant 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 Master's Degree (or higher qualification) in a relevant subject
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.