About the OpportunityBuild Maintain Recruit Limitedis working on behalf of a well-established, independent civil and structural engineering consultancy to recruit a Senior / Principal Drainage Engineer for their growing Cardiff office.Our client is recognised for delivering high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions across the infrastructure sector. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and collaborative project delivery, they are seeking a bright, enthusiastic, and open-minded individual to help lead and further develop their Drainage Infrastructure team.The RoleWorking within a dynamic and supportive team, and overseen by an Associate Director, you will play a key role in leading the delivery of civil engineering design across a range of challenging infrastructure projects.The role has a strong focus on:

• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)
• Conventional surface water drainage design
• Foul water drainage design
• Flood risk management strategies

This is a varied and technically challenging position suited to someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems while delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions.You will assist in managing project delivery, mentoring junior team members, and supporting a culture where pride in work and customer service are central to everything delivered.Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design and delivery of drainage and infrastructure schemes.
• Prepare and review surface water and foul water drainage strategies.
• Design in accordance with Sewers for Adoption and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).
• Coordinate and manage statutory approval processes (S104, S106, etc.).
• Liaise with Water Authorities, SuDS Approval Bodies, and statutory consultees.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring effective prioritisation and client delivery.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and resource planning aligned with internal management systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency.

Skills & Experience Required

• 7+ years experience in surface and foul water design and/or construction.
• Strong knowledge of Sewers for Adoption and DMRB requirements.
• Civil Engineering degree (preferably MSc).
• Chartered status, or close to completion of Professional Qualification with ICE or CIWEM.
• Proficient in 3D design and modelling software including MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and Autodesk ICM.
• Experience with Water Authority approval processes (S104, S106 etc.).
• Experience obtaining SuDS Approval Body approval.
• Understanding of national planning policy and infrastructure design requirements relating to flood risk management.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating technical resources.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Methodical, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive, market-leading salary.
• Agile and flexible working arrangements.
• 24 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays), with 34 days taken during Christmas office closure.
• Additional one-day annual leave for every 5 years of service.
• Life insurance and life assurance policies.
• Health care cash plan (Westfield).
• Contributory pension scheme (5% employee / 7% employer).
• Payment of professional institution membership fees (ICE, CIWEM, IStructE, RICS, etc.).
• Clear pathway to professional membership and chartership.
• Formal external training courses.
• Regular in-house and external CPD sessions.
• Social initiatives including sports, wellbeing activities, and charity support.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Build Maintain Recruit Limited.