Associate Director (Drainage Technical Lead)

SCP Transport; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation planning consultancy in Leeds seeks an Associate Director (Drainage Technical Lead) to oversee and deliver impactful drainage infrastructure projects. This role combines strategic leadership with advanced technical capability and offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements. Candidates should possess a degree in Civil Engineering and extensive experience in drainage design and project management.

Benefits

Employer Pension Contribution: 8%

Flexible working arrangements

Professional memberships

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in drainage/infrastructure design, including several years in a senior/lead position.
• Proven track record delivering civil infrastructure projects end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design, procurement, and delivery of complex drainage infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical leadership on drainage and flood risk across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Build, maintain, and enhance relationships with local authorities, developers, and key clients.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or near-chartered (ICE/CIHT)

Strong technical expertise in drainage

Strong client-facing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience mentoring and developing engineers

Education

BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage)

Civil 3D

Job description

Associate Director (Drainage Technical Lead)

Leeds, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000+
Employer Pension Contribution: 8%
Hours: 35‑hour working week

Why Join Us?

• High‑Profile, Sustainable Projects – Lead innovative drainage, highways, and transport schemes that enhance connectivity and build resilient, future‑ready infrastructure.
• Technical Leadership – Set design standards, lead technical governance, and provide expert direction across multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• Senior Career Pathway – A key leadership position with opportunities to influence business growth, strategy, and team development.
• Collaborative Culture – Join a people‑focused, supportive team that values technical excellence, professional integrity, and work‑life balance.
• Comprehensive Package – Competitive salary, hybrid working, strong pension offering, professional memberships, and flexible working arrangements.

The Role

As Associate Director (Drainage Technical Lead), you will oversee and deliver high‑profile infrastructure projects across the region, from early feasibility through to detailed design and construction. You will combine strategic leadership with advanced technical capability in drainage design, while supporting operational performance and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design, procurement, and delivery of complex drainage infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical leadership on drainage and flood risk across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Build, maintain, and enhance relationships with local authorities, developers, and key clients.
• Mentor, manage, and support engineers at all levels, driving technical excellence and professional growth.
• Lead on bid preparation, fee proposals, resource planning, and business development.
• Ensure designs meet CDM 2015, DMRB, local authority, and national standards.
• Oversee project budgets, risk management, performance, and resourcing.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or near‑chartered (ICE/CIHT).
• BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
• 10+ years’ experience in drainage/infrastructure design, including several years in a senior/lead position.
• Strong technical expertise in drainage (SuDS, flood risk, surface water management, and below‑ground drainage systems).
• Proven track record delivering civil infrastructure projects end‑to‑end.
• Strong client‑facing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing engineers.

Desirable

• Experience with MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage), Civil 3D, and hydraulic modelling software.
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts and commercial project management.
• Experience working with local authorities or UK regional frameworks.
• Experience supporting business development and writing proposals.

Work Environment & Expectations

Location: Leeds – hybrid working with 2–3 days per week expected in the office.
Travel: Occasional travel to regional client meetings and project sites.
Flexible Working: We support hybrid and flexible working to promote strong work‑life balance.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead the delivery of sustainable, high‑impact drainage projects across the UK, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Since January 2022, SCP has joined the RSK group, a merger that reflects each company’s commitment to an engaging and open culture. SCP will continue to serve its clients with no fundamental changes, expanded geographical capabilities, and a stronger, more sustainable business. SCP is a specialist transportation planning, highway, and drainage infrastructure design consultancy offering multi‑disciplinary professional services to the private and public sectors since 1991. We have offices strategically located around the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, and London. As part of the RSK Group, we operate as a unified entity providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services across a wide range of sectors. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, and we encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.