The North West is at the heart of significant investment in water infrastructure, with major programmes underway to improve resilience, water quality and the long-term sustainability of supplies across the region. At Stantec, our Manchester and Warrington teams are supporting clients including United Utilities on some of the sector’s most important challenges, from treatment and asset optimisation to strategic investment and future water resilience.
We’re looking for a Senior Principal Process Engineer specialising in Clean Water to join our growing team, based in either Manchester or Warrington. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced process engineer who wants to shape technical direction, influence major investment decisions and help grow our Clean Water capability across the North West.
You’ll work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative, practical solutions that strengthen water supplies and deliver better outcomes for communities across the region.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Senior Principal Process Engineer, you’ll provide strategic and technical leadership across a portfolio of Clean Water projects, helping shape solutions from early strategy and feasibility through to detailed design and delivery.
You will lead technical direction across complex treatment and water infrastructure projects, providing technical assurance and acting as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams. You’ll support the development of process design solutions, technical standards and engineering approaches, while ensuring quality, safety, sustainability and value are embedded throughout delivery.
You’ll also play a key role in growing Stantec’s Clean Water business in the North West — developing client relationships, identifying opportunities, supporting bids and frameworks, and strengthening our technical reputation across the region. A significant part of the role will be developing people, mentoring senior engineers and helping build the next generation of technical leaders within the Process Engineering team.
YOUR IMPACT
Your technical leadership will directly contribute to the future of water supply across the North West, helping United Utilities and other clients respond to increasing demand, environmental pressures, climate change and the need for greater resilience.
You’ll influence decisions on major investment programmes and treatment solutions, ensuring that projects are technically robust, deliverable and provide long-term value for communities and the environment. Beyond individual projects, you’ll help shape the growth and direction of Stantec’s Clean Water Process capability in Manchester and Warrington — strengthening client relationships, developing our people and creating opportunities for the wider team.
ABOUT YOU
Essential
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Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline.
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Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a relevant professional institution.
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Significant experience in Clean Water process engineering within the UK water sector.
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Extensive technical experience across clean water treatment processes, process design, optimisation and/or water infrastructure.
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Proven experience providing technical leadership and assurance on complex, multidisciplinary water projects.
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Strong understanding of UK water industry challenges, regulatory requirements, standards and best practice.
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Proven ability to develop trusted relationships with clients and influence technical and strategic decisions.
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Experience leading, mentoring and developing engineers and technical teams.
Desirable
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Experience across water treatment works, water resources, strategic supply, treatment optimisation or asset improvement.
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Experience in developing technical strategies, engineering standards or innovative approaches to Clean Water delivery.
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Strong understanding of emerging challenges such as water scarcity, climate resilience, changing water quality requirements and emerging contaminants.
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Experience contributing to bids, frameworks, business development or account growth.
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Demonstrable commitment to developing people and building high-performing technical teams.
WHY JOIN US
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We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
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We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
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We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
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We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups).
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Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
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Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
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Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.