Senior Engineer - Design (Drainage)

Protect Communities and Infrastructure: Senior Engineer – Drainage Design

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer – Drainage Design to lead the planning, design, and delivery of highway drainage solutions across Derbyshire. This role is critical to managing flood risk, improving network resilience, and supporting sustainable development through innovative drainage design.

You will manage complex projects from feasibility through to detailed design, ensuring compliance with national standards and technical excellence. Working collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and external partners, you’ll deliver schemes that protect communities, enhance safety, and support the council’s climate change objectives.

This is a senior technical role requiring strong leadership, advanced design skills, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the design and delivery of highway drainage schemes, including SuDS.
• Investigate flooding incidents and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare technical specifications, cost estimates, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with DMRB, CDM 2015, and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Manage budgets and ensure value for money.
• Liaise with stakeholders, contractors, and statutory bodies to ensure efficient delivery.
• Champion innovation and sustainable drainage practices.
• Provide technical input to multi-disciplinary project teams.

About You
• Substantial experience in drainage design and flood risk management within a highways or civil engineering context.
• Strong knowledge of drainage standards, hydraulic design, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in CAD and relevant design software.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Essential Qualifications and Experience
• HNC/HND or equivalent in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex drainage projects.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and technical standards.

Desirable
• Membership of professional institutions (e.g., ICE, CIHT, IHE).
• Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
• Experience as Principal Designer under CDM regulations.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and collaborative delivery models.
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Support & Benefits:
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work-life balance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Provides financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead the design of sustainable drainage solutions that protect communities and enhance network resilience, we’d love to hear from you!

📅 Closing Date: Sunday 1st February 2026
📝 Interview Date: 9th to 13th February

Candidates who have previously applied and were unsuccessful need not reapply.

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Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.