Lead Civil Engineer – Water Management & Resources (Mine Water)

Knight Piésold Ltd.; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in London is seeking an accomplished Lead Civil Engineer to lead their Water Management & Resources team. The role involves managing a talented group of engineers, overseeing water projects, and contributing to business development. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience, proven leadership abilities, and expertise in hydrological modelling. Competitive salary and hybrid working options are available.

Benefits

Annual profit-sharing bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Modern office in central London

Training and mentorship programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, and mining infrastructure.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent through ICE, CIWEM or similar professional body.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrological and hydraulic modelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Water Management & Resources team.
• Drive the delivery of complex mine water management projects.
• Provide strategic input on direction and growth of the Water team.

Skills

Leadership in consultancy

Hydrological and hydraulic modelling

Team communication

Water resources knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

GoldSim

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Lead Civil Engineer with 15+ years of experience to head our Water Management & Resources team in London. This is a senior-level opportunity to lead a dynamic group of engineers, shape project delivery, and contribute strategically to the growth of our water practice across mining and infrastructure markets.

As the team lead, you will work on technically challenging and internationally impactful mining and environmental projects, overseeing all aspects of surface water engineering, mine water management, and associated infrastructure.

As the leader of Knight Piésold’s London-based Water team, you will be responsible for managing staff, driving technical excellence, leading multidisciplinary projects, and expanding our water resources service offering. You will collaborate closely with our international offices on high-profile assignments, often involving challenging mine water and water infrastructure solutions in remote and developing regions.

This position also offers the opportunity to contribute to business development, mentor junior engineers, and influence strategic direction in line with our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Water Management & Resources team, including technical leadership, team development, and project oversight.
• Drive the delivery of complex mine water management and water infrastructure projects, from concept through detailed design and implementation.
• Provide strategic input on direction and growth of the Water team in the UK and globally.
• Oversee hydraulic and hydrological modelling tasks and ensure quality outputs using tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, and GoldSim.
• Support and review design of dams, stormwater ponds, sediment control structures, diversion channels, pipelines, and tailings facilities.
• Liaise with global clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to provide high-quality, technically sound solutions.
• Prepare, review and approve reports, design documents, drawings, and proposal bids.
• Represent the UK office in international coordination meetings and support overseas fieldwork where required.
• Manage team workload, budgets, forecasting, and quality assurance processes.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, and mining infrastructure.
• Proven leadership experience within consultancy or client-side engineering projects.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent through ICE, CIWEM or similar professional body.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrological and hydraulic modelling (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, GoldSim); knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS, and dam/tailings design tools highly beneficial.
• Experience across project lifecycles, including design, feasibility, permitting, and field implementation.
• Broad understanding of sustainability, catchment planning, and water stewardship in the mining sector.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience leading teams and communicating with clients at senior level.
• Willingness to travel internationally on short assignments as needed.
• Sponsorship available for the appropriate candidate.
• Lead a technically driven, collaborative, and highly respected Water team.
• Work on high-impact international projects across the mining and environmental sectors.
• Join a global, employee-owned consultancy with strong values and career development focus.
• Competitive salary, annual profit-sharing bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
• Hybrid working environment and modern office in central London.
• Supportive culture with a focus on training, mentorship, and technical excellence.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership credentials to: [e-mail].

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.