Principal Engineer/Project Manager (Operational Technology)

Let's transform society together...

We're Sweco.

We're future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero chasers, community connectors, social enterprisers and lifestyle improvers.

We're difference makers.

We're Europe's leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy and we're now recruiting for a talented and motivated Principal Engineer to join our Asset Management Business Unit as a Senior Project Manager working on Operational Technology frameworks. The role can be worked flexibly, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Office based working will be at one of our UK offices and will also include occasional travel to client sites in the East Midlands.

Are you currently working in the water sector looking for a new challenge? If so, we would especially like to hear from individuals with expertise in operational technology, are delivery-orientated and can lead workstreams and projects.

What does the role involve?

We are looking for a candidate with proven experience in the water industry, combining operational technology implementation with strong project management capability. The successful individual will bring hands-on experience of delivering ICS technical design within operational environments, alongside a solid understanding of water industry operations. You will be confident managing complex technical workstreams, coordinating stakeholders and suppliers, delivering technical requirements to implement secure and reliable solutions.

You'll take responsibility for the effective and consistent delivery of projects using the project management framework, ensuring technical accuracy of all work completed within agreed timelines and budgets.

You'll provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and assist in the mentoring and development of team members.

To be successful in this role you'll possess:

• Extensive experience in the Water industry working for a consultancy with a thorough understanding of ICS, Operational Technology and project delivery.
• Professional membership of the IET, InstMC, IMechE or similar with expertise in water and wastewater operational technology and remote network security.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to adapt your style to suit different audiences.
• Demonstrable experience of operating and influencing at a senior level.
• Experience of delivering across a multi-site organisation.
• Demonstratable experience of excellent quality management and project controls for the accurate recording and reporting of financial and technical progress at the core of this role.

If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we'd love to hear from you.

Let's transform society together at Sweco!

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company car or car allowance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.

Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients' most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It's important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. To find out more The Armed Forces Covenant - Our Commitments | Sweco UK .

We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. "reasonable adjustments") with the application process?

If you're an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

• Name

• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)

• The position title

• Requisition/vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we'll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.

Sweco UK&I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those "hard to fill" roles.

We have defined processes for recruitment applications and it is company policy not to accept speculative CVs. Any speculative CVs received into the business (whether to a manager or member of the resourcing team) will become the property of Sweco and the agency will not be eligible for an introductory fee.

Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2025 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We'll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2026 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.

Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, as well as gaining access to exclusive events hosted by our experts.

To learn more Join Our Talent Community - Sweco United Kingdom