Senior Flood Risk and Drainage Consultant

Job Description

WSP is seeking a Senior Flood Risk and Drainage Consultant to join our 350-strong Sustainable Water Management team in Manchester. This is a part-time opportunity designed for a technical expert who thrives on complexity and variety. You will lead the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategies for high-profile infrastructure projects and planning applications. As a Senior Consultant, you will bridge the gap between technical design and project management, mentoring junior staff while serving as a key point of contact for clients and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead and supervise the completion of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Flood Consequence Assessments (FCAs) across England and Wales.

• Drainage Strategy: Design and oversee sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) for complex schemes, including technical input for SAB submissions.

• Project Management: Take ownership of financial and programme management for specific projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget.

• Flood Investigations: Deliver Section 19 Flood Investigations and provide technical oversight for feasibility studies.

• Environmental Impact: Provide expert input for Water Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and permitting applications.

• Mentorship: Train and support junior consultants, ensuring technical excellence and supporting their journey toward Chartership.

Skills & Experience

• Technical Kit: Proficiency in hydraulic modelling software such as Causeway Flow, Microdrainage, or InfoWorks.

• GIS Mastery: Familiarity with industry-standard systems including ArcGIS, QGIS, or MapInfo.

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep knowledge of the UK regulatory context for flood risk planning and SuDS approvals (including Welsh SAB regulations).

• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary project meetings and interface with clients.

• Qualifications: A degree in a relevant environmental or engineering discipline is essential. You should be actively working toward Chartership (IEng, C.WEM, or CEng).

Why WSP?

WSP is a global community of over 69,000 people dedicated to shaping a better future. In the UK, our 9,000 professionals benefit from a culture that prioritizes personal growth and well-being.

• Flexibility: A true commitment to work-life balance, offering part-time arrangements and the “WSP My Hour” for daily personal activities.

• Hybrid Working: Standard policy allowing for two days of remote work per week.

• Health & Support: Access to a Virtual GP, the Thrive wellbeing programme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

• Inclusion: A Disability Confident Leader that actively encourages applications from all backgrounds and provides reasonable workplace adjustments.

Diversity & Representation in UK Water & Engineering

The UK engineering sector is working to close representation gaps. According to the Engineering Council and Royal Academy of Engineering (2024-2025 data):

The Future of Flood Risk (2026)

As of 2026, the industry is navigating a critical shift in drainage legislation:

• Schedule 3 Implementation: With the expected full implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England, SuDS are no longer optional but a mandatory requirement for almost all new developments.

• Climate Adaptation: Consultants are now required to utilize the latest UKCP18 climate projections, integrating significantly higher “climate change allowances” into hydraulic models to account for increased peak rainfall intensity.