The Opportunity
Our Leeds Water team continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for high‑quality hydraulic modelling, hydrology and flood risk expertise across major UK infrastructure programmes. To strengthen our technical capability in this critical discipline area, we are seeking a Principal Hydraulic Modeller to take a key leadership role within our hydraulic and flood risk practice.
What You Will Do
You will lead the development, calibration and assurance of 1D/2D hydraulic models using tools such as Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, InfoWorks or equivalent. You will manage modelling across feasibility, optioneering, outline design, full business cases and detailed design, ensuring outputs meaningfully inform economic appraisal, risk assessment and scheme development. You will provide technical sign‑off on modelling deliverables at senior (G6) level and ensure modelling approaches meet the standards required for major flood risk and infrastructure programmes.
Acting as technical lead or task manager, you will support major Environment Agency, NRW and local authority projects, developing scopes, resource plans, programme schedules and fees for modelling work packages. You will ensure delivery meets expectations for technical quality, cost control, risk management and programme, while leading internal reviews, audits and quality assurance processes. Where appropriate, you will coordinate external suppliers such as hydrology specialists and subcontracted modelling partners.
You will play a key role in mentoring junior modellers, hydrologists and graduates, an identified priority for the Leeds team. You will provide day‑to‑day technical guidance, act as a point of escalation for modelling challenges, and contribute to building internal capability to reduce reliance on external supply chains.
You will build strong working relationships with Environment Agency teams, local authorities and delivery partners. You will present modelling outputs to technical and non‑technical audiences, support bidding activities, and contribute to work‑winning and networking across Leeds and the wider North.
Technical Expertise
* Extensive experience in 1D/2D hydraulic modelling and hydrology for flood risk and water infrastructure projects.
* Proficiency in Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, InfoWorks, with experience of linked river–floodplain models desirable.
* Strong knowledge of UK flood risk policy, EA technical standards, FCERM guidance and assurance processes.
* Experience working within major frameworks (EA, CDF, NRW) is highly advantageous.
* Experience integrating hydraulic modelling with appraisal, economics, environmental assessment and design teams.
Professional Attributes
* Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate multi‑disciplinary delivery.
* Strong communicator capable of managing clients, stakeholders and internal delivery partners.
* Demonstrable experience providing senior technical oversight and quality assurance.
* Experience mentoring, coaching and developing early‑career professionals.
Qualifications
* Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology or related discipline.
* Chartered (ICE, CIWEM or similar) preferred.
What We Offer
* Competitive pay and a fair, equitable total reward package.
* Career growth opportunities within a collaborative, inclusive culture.
* Benefits including private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection.
* Access to flexible benefits covering health, wellbeing and learning.
* Profit share as part of the reward.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Arup is an equal‑opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates.
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