Job Description

As a major engineering, environmental and design consultancy, AtkinsRealis offers opportunities for talented consultants to work on a wide variety of high-profile projects. We support our clients in making the right strategic investment decisions for critical infrastructure in areas as diverse as water resources, flood management, green infrastructure and transportation. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, the water industry, NGOs and local authorities.


Our highly respected Water Management Consultancy team has been at the forefront of managing the challenges of providing resilient and sustainable water supplies for the future. Our key projects include delivering client's Water Resource Management Plans and progressing the development of Strategic Resource Options (SROs).


Our team specialises in the concept-level development of water resource systems all the way from existing, enhanced or new raw water sources through to the potable water distribution points for customer use. We support our clients throughout identification, appraisal and decision-making stages. This typically encompasses the engineering viability, environmental assessment and financial appraisal stages, often drawing in technical excellence from our supporting multi-disciplinary teams ahead of clearly presenting of the merits of considered and coherent opportunities.


We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Water Resource Engineer to join our dynamic and successful team. The role is primarily based in our Derby office, although consideration will be given to exceptional candidates in other locations. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced candidate looking to progress their career in a vitally important industry with an internationally renowned company.

What you can bring:

Experience working in the UK water industry and demonstrable experience of technical leadership in water resource planning, water supply or similar projects. Excellent problem-solving ability. An understanding of the complex nature of water resource planning and optioneering, with ability to undertake option development and appraisal as well as manage delivery of complex inter-disciplinary plans and projects. Strategic thinking and ability to see the 'bigger picture' at concept stage, as well as an attention to detail to give confidence as appraisals are carried out using consistent approaches. A good understanding of raw and potable water supply transfer systems, water storage and treatment. An understanding of delivery, implementation and operational risks associated with water resource and water supply projects. Client focused and able to build strong relationships through excellent collaborative working skills, ensuring thorough understanding of the needs of our clients and development of work winning opportunities. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage technical discussions with colleagues and clients in a logical and coherent manner. Ability to adapt your presentation style to different types of audience, including non-specialists. Clarity in technical writing is key, including visualisation and interpretation of complex data - both numerical, written and verbal. Excellent interpersonal skills and positive outlook. Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English). Adopts a flexible approach to changes and ability to multi-task and prioritise. Confidence to lead technical work as well as to mentor junior team members in developing their skills. Organisational, project management and commercial awareness skills would be advantageous. An ability to comply with Quality Assurance Management Systems. Relevant degree or vocational qualification, preferably in a civil or environmental engineering subject area. Chartered with a relevant professional institution (i.e. ICE or CIWEM), would be advantageous.

What we offer?

Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. One of the key specialisms is water resources planning and option appraisal. We are particularly well-regarded for delivering innovation and clients see us as a driving force to improve the way that things are done.


In the face of increased risks to water resources from more extreme and changing climate conditions and other future uncertainties, we identify the major water infrastructure required to meet future needs and to provide the evidence base for progressing options through the design, planning and procurement processes. Our work gives us early insight into major work programmes. We have led UK-wide initiatives to develop and apply step changes in the approach to water resource planning through our thought leadership and technical expertise.


You will take an important role in delivering water resource planning and optioneering across our extensive client portfolio and in so doing, enhancing our reputation for technical excellence.

Your day-to-day activities will involve:

Having a leading role in dynamic project teams, working with specialists from other disciplines where appropriate to deliver the technical scope. Taking ownership of technical appraisals and being able to make sound, justified, engineering decisions and judgements that are appropriate for the level of information available and stage of concept development. Proactively seeking improvements to the development and representation of technical options in decision making processes, ensuring a clear and consistent flow of information. Producing and supervising the production of high-quality client and public-facing deliverables, demonstrated through excellence in communication and ability to present visualisations and interpretation of complex data. Maintaining and developing relationships with key clients, strengthening your own and AtkinsRealis' reputation in water resource option development and appraisal. Project and programme management, including managing resources, budgets and programmes and coordinating with other disciplines. Identification of work winning opportunities, actively progressing a suite of projects under your control and development of tender responses and fee estimates where appropriate.

From day one your personal development plan puts you in the driving seat of your career and you'll be supported to go as far as you want to go, with great opportunities to grow as an individual. We're proud that our great work across a wide variety of projects is thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise, and knowledge. When you join us, you'll be a part of this genuinely collaborative environment, where everyone's voice is valued and treated equally. We're passionate about what we do, and we have a thriving team culture, simply put, this a great place to be. So, when it comes to your life outside of work, ask us about our flexible and remote working policies designed to help you get the most out of life.

Why work for AtkinsRealis?

We're ranked as one of LinkedIn's Top 25 Companies, where UK professionals want to work and stay once, they join. We've also made the Times Top 50 employers for women.


Our Infrastructure team uses innovation, new approaches and the power of data to help our clients deliver end-to-end projects and programmes for essential future infrastructure. And as the work becomes ever more complex, our employees continue to challenge the status quo.


We're committed to engineering better for people and our planet, from our global Engineering Net-Zero programme to creating social value through EDAROTH community housing. We're proud of our active employee networks creating awareness and allyship for our under-represented groups. Not to mention programmes supporting communities outside AtkinsRealis, including schools, charities, ex-forces and professionals returning after career breaks.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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