Job Title: Principal Wastewater Process Engineer
Location: Manchester, UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Overview
We are looking for a highly experienced process-focused engineer to join a consultancy delivering performance improvement projects for water treatment networks across the UK. This senior-level role combines technical leadership with hands-on delivery, working within a flexible, collaborative team to help clients optimise operations, reduce compliance risk, and develop sustainable infrastructure solutions using both traditional and digital approaches.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead multidisciplinary teams through early-stage design and process optimisation studies.
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Manage scope, budget, schedule, and technical quality for assigned work packages.
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Provide expert advice to clients, partners, and stakeholders on complex treatment challenges.
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Develop technical strategies that minimise operational risk and enhance regulatory performance.
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Contribute to proposals, frameworks, and bids to secure future projects.
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Approve key technical deliverables including modelling outputs, reports, and summaries.
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Mentor and develop capabilities within the wider optimisation team.
Requirements
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Proven expertise in operating, designing, or improving municipal water/wastewater treatment systems.
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Strong understanding of asset lifecycles from planning to operations.
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Experience managing and delivering design or consultancy projects in the water sector.
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Skilled in providing both technical leadership and independent delivery.
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Strong communication, influencing, and coordination skills.
Desirable
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Knowledge of relevant regulations and industry assessment frameworks.
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Full project lifecycle experience from scoping to handover.
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Proficiency in producing technical documentation such as process schematics and mass balances.
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Chartered status with CIWEM, IChemE, or similar professional body.
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Postgraduate qualifications or specialist training in a related discipline.
Why Join?
This is a high-impact opportunity to influence the delivery of critical UK environmental infrastructure projects, improving system resilience, reducing environmental impact, and supporting better outcomes for communities.