Principal Consultant Water Resource Management

Apem Limited is seeking a Principal Consultant in Water Resource Management to lead major projects in hydrology and environmental assessment in Stockport, UK. The role involves managing complex projects, providing technical guidance, and mentoring a team. Candidates should have an MSc or equivalent experience, strong knowledge of UK water legislation, and excellent communication skills. The company values diversity and is open to adapting roles for individual skills.
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 the APEM Group and now within Applus+ , we continue to grow and diversify, offering the opportunity to work on innovative and nationally significant environmental consultancy projects.