Civil Engineer - Drainage & Suds Specialist

Civil Engineer - Drainage & SuDS Specialist

Location:

Office based in Cardiff, CF23 8RW

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary:
Competitive depending on experience

• A supportive and technically engaging work environment.
• Exposure to a wide variety of development and infrastructure projects.
• Ongoing CPD and support toward chartership.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements following probation period.

We are seeking a skilled Civil Engineer with a minimum of 5 years’ experience to join our infrastructure and development planning team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drainage design, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and experience with the SuDS Approval Body (SAB) process. This role will involve working on a wide range of development and infrastructure projects, preparing drainage strategies and flood risk/consequence assessments, and supporting planning and detailed design submissions.

Experience of Section 104 and Section 106 applications is essential, with experience in Section 278 and Section 38 highway design considered an advantage.

• Lead or support the design and delivery of SuDS and foul drainage systems for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
• Prepare drainage strategies, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) (England) or Flood Consequence Assessments (FCAs) (Wales), and technical reports for planning and regulatory approvals.
• Prepare and manage SAB applications, ensuring designs meet local and national SuDS guidance and legislative requirements.
• Undertake and support S104 and S106 drainage adoption submissions and liaise with water authorities and planning consultees.
• Coordinate with other disciplines including architects, structural engineers, ecologists, and planners.
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimation, and programme delivery.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians as appropriate.
• (Desirable) Support highway design for S38 and S278 agreements, including layout, levels, and pavement design.

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ post‑graduate experience in a relevant civil engineering role.
• Proven experience in drainage design, including surface water and SuDS systems.
• In‑depth knowledge of the SAB process (Wales) and relevant SuDS legislation and guidance.
• Experience preparing and submitting S104/S106 applications and liaising with relevant authorities.
• Competent in preparing drainage strategies, FRAs/FCAs, and design calculations.
• Proficient in design software such as Micro Drainage/Info Drainage, Flow, Civil 3D, Site 3D and AutoCAD.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience of Section 38 and Section 278 highway design processes.
• Knowledge of UK planning system and national planning policy frameworks.
• Experience in dealing with NRW, LLFAs, and water companies.
• Chartered or working toward chartership (ICE or CIWEM).