Principal Consultant Water Resource Management

APEM Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal in Water Resources Management to lead major projects. This role includes managing drought and water resource plans, providing technical guidance, and mentoring a team of consultants. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in water resources planning and a strong understanding of environmental legislation. APEM offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Vast experience across water resources planning, drought management, and environmental assessments.
• Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice to clients and colleagues.
• Experience preparing high-quality technical reports for public and private sector clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of major water projects, including drought permit applications.
• Provide technical guidance and oversee financial and project management.
• Mentor and lead a team of senior consultants and consultants.

Skills

Experience in water resources planning

Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Flexibility to manage shifting priorities

Education

MSc or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced water resources specialist looking to lead high‑profile, technically challenging projects? Do you enjoy shaping solutions for clients while guiding and developing talented environmental professionals?

We’re looking for a Principal – Water Resources Management to join our growing Water Management Division. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of water resources, hydrology, hydrometry, drought planning and environmental assessment, contributing to projects that directly influence how the UK manages its water now and in the future.

You’ll lead a portfolio of major water projects, including water company drought and water resources plans, regional water resources planning, drought permit applications, monitoring programmes and associated assessments such as WFD Compliance Assessments, SEA and HRA. Working within a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team spanning hydro‑ecology, water quality, geomorphology, planning and aquatic ecology, you’ll bring together expertise to deliver high‑quality, evidence‑led outcomes for clients across the public and private sector.

This role offers the scope to take ownership of complex projects, provide authoritative technical guidance, oversee financial and project management, and play a key role in developing client relationships and winning new work. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor and lead a team of senior consultants and consultants, helping shape capability and capacity within a fast‑growing discipline.

What we’re looking for

You’ll need to bring:

• MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. water resources management, hydrology, environmental science)
• Vast experience across water resources planning, drought management, hydrometry, monitoring programmes and environmental assessments
• Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation relating to water resources, drought planning and associated assessments
• Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice to clients and colleagues
• Experience preparing high‑quality technical reports for public and private sector clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines
• Flexibility to manage shifting priorities in a fast‑paced consultancy environment

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience in water risk and security, resilience planning or climate resilience
• Hydrometric data analysis expertise
• Experience delivering or overseeing water cycle studies, sustainability assessments or water level management
• Technical input to HRA, SEA, WFD or Environmental Assessment Reports
• Scheme appraisal or regulatory support experience

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast‑growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applicants.

About Us

At APEM, we balance technical excellence with flexibility and wellbeing. You’ll be part of a team that works across some of the most interesting and complex water management challenges in the UK, supported by specialists across water resources, hydrology, hydro‑ecology, geomorphology, water quality and ecology.

As part of APEM Groupand now withinApplus+, we continue to grow and diversify, offering the opportunity to work on innovative and nationally significant environmental consultancy projects.