Flood Risk & Drainage Lead

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is supporting a leading consultancy in the search for a commercially focused Flood Risk & Drainage Lead to take ownership of a growing water environment function.

This is a senior opportunity for an experienced consultant who can combine technical leadership, client development, commercial awareness and team management. It is not purely a delivery role. The successful candidate will play a key part in shaping the direction of the service, strengthening capability and driving growth across a diverse client base.

The Role

You will lead and oversee work across flood risk, drainage and hydraulic modelling, supporting projects across a broad mix of sectors including infrastructure, energy, industrial, residential and commercial development.

The role will involve technical direction, project leadership, client relationship management and commercial responsibility, with a strong emphasis on growing the service line and maintaining high standards of delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery across flood risk, drainage and hydraulic modelling projects

• Manage complex technical work including Flood Risk Assessments, drainage strategies, drainage design and specialist assessments

• Provide technical review, sign-off and quality assurance across outputs

• Build and manage strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat and new business

• Lead proposals, fee submissions, tenders and scope definition

• Support business development and contribute to pipeline growth

• Line manage and mentor junior team members

• Oversee project budgets, fee forecasting, WIP and invoicing

• Contribute to the strategic growth and development of the wider water environment offering

About You

We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

Commercial strength

• Experience winning work, leading proposals or managing key client accounts

• Confidence in scoping projects, agreeing fees and advising on risk and proportionate delivery

• Strong understanding of project financial management

Leadership capability

• Experience managing, mentoring or leading teams

• Strong quality assurance skills and the ability to maintain technical standards

• Confidence representing the business externally

Technical expertise

• Strong understanding of UK flood risk policy, planning requirements and relevant guidance

• Experience preparing and reviewing Flood Risk Assessments and drainage submissions

• Knowledge of SuDS, hydraulic design and hydraulic modelling

• Ability to direct and review technical modelling and design work

Sector experience

• Experience across a range of sectors and client types

• Background in infrastructure, utilities, industrial, energy, developer-side or contractor-side projects would be advantageous

• Planning-led development experience is helpful but not essential

Personal qualities

• Proactive, commercially aware and growth-minded

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced consultancy environment

• Motivated to take ownership and progress your career

Additional Information

• Full clean driving licence desirable

• Right to live and work in the UK required

• Competitive salary and attractive benefits package available

Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk