Principal Civil Engineer – Water Infrastructure
Manchester or Leeds | Hybrid (3 days/week in office)
GHD | Global Engineering, Architecture & Environmental Consulting
GHD is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Engineer to join our expanding Water Infrastructure team in the UK. With the unprecedented scale of investment and delivery required for AMP8, this is an exciting time to join GHD. We are exceptionally well positioned to deliver major capital programmes for our clients, making this a fantastic opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK’s water sector.
About the Role
As a Principal Engineer at GHD, you will:
1. Lead the technical delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects from feasibility through detailed design and construction support.
2. Oversee multidisciplinary design teams, integrating civil, process, and MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation) disciplines.
3. Champion innovation, safety, quality, and commercial performance across all project stages.
4. Act as Discipline Lead on large/complex projects, managing scope, schedule, budget, risks, and change control.
5. Provide construction-phase support, technical clarifications, and resolve non-routine issues.
Key Responsibilities
6. Lead the design of wastewater infrastructure (., CSOs, UIDs, sewer rehabilitation, SUDS, storage, rising mains, gravity pipelines, outfalls).
7. Oversee network and drainage modelling (InfoWorks ICM, MicroDrainage), including defining scope, QA, and validation.
8. Coordinate process/MEICA designs and manage technical interfaces with vendors.
9. Drive digital delivery improvements, BIM protocols, and document control.
10. Mentor and coach engineers, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
11. Lead proposals and fee estimates for major frameworks and capital delivery programmes.
12. Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and contractors to secure repeat business.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
13. Chartered Engineer status (., CEng MICE) or equivalent senior professional standing.
14. 10+ years’ experience in water/wastewater infrastructure design and delivery within consultancy or utility frameworks.
15. Advanced technical expertise in wastewater networks and assets, network modelling, and hydraulic analysis.
16. Proficiency in InfoWorks ICM, MicroDrainage, and ideally Flood Modeller Pro, TUFLOW, GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS), Civil 3D/Revit.
17. Demonstrable leadership in multidisciplinary coordination, vendor reviews, and constructability.
18. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and business development skills.
19. A collaborative, commercially aware, and client-centric approach.
What GHD Offers
20. The chance to be at the forefront of AMP8 delivery, working on some of the UK’s most significant and high-profile water infrastructure projects.
21. Hybrid working: 3 days/week in our Manchester or Leeds office.
22. Supportive team culture and professional development pathways.
23. Competitive salary and benefits package.
24. A global network of experts and resources.
25. A dynamic environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of major capital delivery programmes and your own career progression.
Ready to make a meaningful impact in water infrastructure and take your career to the next level?
Let’s connect — we’d love to hear from you.