[Hiring] Senior/Principal or Associate Consultant- Flood Risk + Drainage @Antea Group

Role Description

We are seeking a Senior/Principal or an Associate Consultant specialising in Flood Risk and Drainage to join our UK Environmental Planning Practice. The role focuses on leading and delivering Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Drainage Strategies (DS) for planning, Environmental Statement (ES) to support Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) nutrient neutrality, physical climate risk assessments (ESG), and transactional due diligence.

This role reports directly to the Service Line Director in Water Services and is a flexible, nationwide position. You will work collaboratively with clients, regulators, sub-contractors and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver sustainable water management solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or manage the delivery of FRA and DS for planning applications.
• Develop and review outline surface water DS aligned with planning and adoption requirements (e.g., LLFA guidance and utility providers).
• Author and quality-assure ES Chapters to support EIA’s for planning applications.
• Support transactional due diligence for land and property acquisitions, focusing on flood, drainage and climate risk.
• Coordinate and oversee sub-consultants for hydraulic modelling and detailed drainage design; provide technical review and assurance.
• Prepare regulatory submissions and engage with authorities (EA, SEPA, NRW, SAB and NIEA).
• Develop technical reports, drawings, and documentation using GIS and CAD tools and industry standard software such as InfoDrainage.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget; ensure quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
• Drive business development through proposals, networking, and thought leadership, working with the Service Line Director.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Clear, timely engagement with clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Organisation: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise tasks, and maintain documentation.
• Health & Safety: Vigilance and compliance with site and project safety requirements.
• Technical: Strong understanding of flood risk policy, drainage principles, and ESG considerations.
• Problem Solving: Analytical approach to identifying risks and developing solutions.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor and develop junior staff and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Trusted Advisor: Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities for added value.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geography, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Water Resources or related environmental field.
• Proven experience delivering FRAs, outline DS and Water ES Chapters for planning.
• Understanding of ESG-related climate risk reviews, nutrient neutrality and water quality compliance for development projects.
• Understanding of UK planning system, flood risk policy, and drainage standards.
• Experience managing and coordinating sub-consultants for hydraulic modelling and detailed design.
• Proficiency in GIS and CAD tools for spatial analysis and design.
• Professional membership or working towards chartership (CIWEM or ICE).
• Strong project leadership, financial management and client engagement skills.

Desirable

• Understanding of foul water drainage principles and adoption requirements (Section 104) with strategic wastewater planning experience desirable for future growth.
• Experience in Water Stewardship and Optimisation, with ability to advise on sustainable water use strategies and efficiency improvements.
• Experience in Environmental Permitting, with ability to advise on regulatory requirements and coordinate permit applications.
• Recent experience in Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRA).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service, with option to buy additional leave.
• Medical insurance with Vitality (including dental, optical, and hearing benefits).
• Life insurance at 4× salary through UNUM, plus retailer discounts.
• Supported training and professional development opportunities.