Job Description:

Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant

Fully Remote (UK)

£45,000 – £55,000+ depending on experience

Permanent

Reports to: Director / Principal

About the company

Our client is an independent specialist consultancy working in UK flood risk, water and environment. They're small enough that every consultant has visible impact, and their work spans residential developments to nationally significant infrastructure. Their reputation is built on rigorous technical analysis, careful problem-solving, and unlocking development potential on sites where flood risk is a central planning consideration.

Why this company? Why Now?

They're growing — not for the sake of headcount, but because their project pipeline demands it. Recent work across complex development sites, public sector flood defence schemes and international commissions means they're adding another senior consultant to the team.

Above all, they're looking for someone who wants to come in and drive their own career — not wait for it.

What sets them apart

• Niche focus, national impact. Water, flood risk and environment are the entire business — not a service line bolted onto something larger.

• Your name on the work. Senior consultants here build direct client relationships, present findings to planning committees, and become a recognised face in the industry.

• Innovation is embedded. They develop proprietary tools like FloodMetric, adopt current modelling techniques, and actively invest in technology. If you have an idea that improves how they work, you'll be heard.

• Genuine flexibility. Fully remote with truly flexible hours. Their team spans the UK and they care about deliverables, not presenteeism.

• Career progression you can see. In a team of this size your contribution is visible from day one. Principal and leadership pathways are open to those who demonstrate the capability — and they'll actively support you through chartership, CPD and the company Academy.

The Role

As a Senior Flood Risk & Drainage Consultant, you'll manage, coordinate and deliver Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategies for a range of clients — from private developers working through complex EA flood zones to local authorities seeking robust technical evidence. You'll lead on technically demanding projects, direct junior team members, and think independently about how best to approach the brief.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead the production and technical review of Flood Risk Assessments and Surface Water Drainage Strategies, ensuring compliance with NPPF, TAN15 and/or NPF4 as appropriate.
• Interpret EA, NRW, SEPA, LLFA and third-party datasets to develop evidence-based flood risk conclusions and identify practical solutions for clients.
• Where appropriate, develop the technical case for revised flood zone designations through detailed modelling, topographic analysis and engagement with regulators.
• Support feasibility studies at the early stages of development, identifying constraints and the routes through them.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects to programme, budget and quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain client and stakeholder relationships as a trusted technical advisor.
• Mentor and review the work of junior consultants and graduates, supporting their technical development.
• Support business development through fee proposals, scope development and client presentations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal tools, templates and technical processes.

About You

They're looking for a consultant who combines technical depth with the commercial awareness to understand what the data means for a client's project — and who's ready to take ownership of their own development rather than wait to be promoted.

Essential

• A minimum of 6 years' UK consultancy experience in flood risk, with at least 1 year at senior level.
• Working knowledge of NPPF and associated planning practice guidance; familiarity with TAN15 and/or NPF4 is an advantage.
• Strong technical report writing — clear, concise and well-reasoned.
• Confident interpretation of third-party datasets (EA Product 4/8, LLFA data, historical records) to derive design flood levels and inform planning decisions.
• BSc or higher in Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• GIS proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS or MapInfo).
• Experience managing and mentoring junior team members.
• A track record of direct client liaison and the ability to advise non-technical stakeholders clearly.
• Experience reviewing and signing off work produced by others.

Desirable

• Experience with InfoDrainage, MicroDrainage or equivalent drainage design software.
• Knowledge of the drainage hierarchy and experience producing SuDS-based drainage strategies.
• AutoCAD proficiency.
• Hydraulic modelling experience (Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS).
• Chartered or working towards chartership with CIWEM, ICE or equivalent.
• Experience preparing or supporting expert witness statements or planning appeals.

What They Offer

• Salary - £45,000 – £55,000+, depending on experience.

• Pension - Employer-matched pension via salary sacrifice.

• Health insurance - Provided following successful probation.

• Working pattern - Fully remote with genuine flexible hours.

• CPD & development - Support through the company Academy, external courses, conferences and networking events.

• Chartership - Active support towards CIWEM, ICE or equivalent chartership.

• Project variety - UK-wide projects spanning residential, major development, public sector flood defence and international commissions.

• Culture - A supportive, inclusive team with a trained mental health first aider and regular social events.

Ready to Be Known for Your Work?

Please send your CV and a short introduction.  A formal cover letter isn't necessary — a few paragraphs about your experience, the projects you've enjoyed most, and why this opportunity interests you is plenty.

If you don't meet every desirable criterion but feel the role is a good fit, please still apply.

*PLEASE NOTE – by applying to this position, you agree for your CV to be submitted to our client, who shall contact you directly should your application make their short-list.  You also agree to our Privacy Policy: (url removed)./privacy-policy.html which can be found on our website.