The next generation of water infrastructure will require more than engineering expertise. It needs leaders who can bring together people, technical innovation and commercial thinking to deliver complex programmes at scale. At Stantec, we're looking for an ambitious engineering leader to help shape our Mechanical Engineering business across the North East and Yorkshire, taking a strategic role in the continued development of our regional teams and client relationships.
Our involvement in major industry partnerships, including Northumbrian Water's Strategic Technical Partnership, Yorkshire Water's Storm Overflow Alliance and United Utilities' Design Development Partnership, provides an exciting platform for continued growth. Through our Esh-Stantec joint venture, we're also supporting Northumbrian Water's Living Water Enterprise, delivering essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the North East. We're looking for a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to join us in Newcastle or Leeds. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile leadership position, influence our regional direction and help unlock the potential of a significant forward programme of work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll operate at a senior leadership level, combining technical authority with strategic and commercial responsibility. You'll help drive the performance and growth of our Mechanical Engineering teams, providing direction across major water and wastewater infrastructure programmes while working closely with senior colleagues throughout the business.
You'll have an important role in ensuring our engineering capability continues to evolve in line with client requirements, industry challenges and future opportunities.
Your responsibilities will include:
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Setting the strategic direction for Mechanical Engineering across the North East and Yorkshire, aligning regional priorities with wider business objectives.
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Providing senior technical leadership and engineering assurance across complex water and wastewater infrastructure programmes.
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Developing and maintaining senior client relationships, positioning Stantec to secure further opportunities across established frameworks and strategic partnerships.
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Leading, motivating and developing engineering teams, building capability and creating opportunities for future technical and business leaders.
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Taking a leading role in business development, identifying new opportunities, supporting major bids and contributing to regional growth plans.
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Influencing technical standards, engineering governance and best practice, ensuring consistency and quality across project delivery.
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Working with regional and national leadership to manage resources, strengthen operational performance and deliver our long-term business ambitions.
YOUR IMPACT
You'll be instrumental in turning Stantec's regional opportunities into long-term business success. Through your leadership, you'll help ensure our teams are well positioned to deliver the significant investment programmes being undertaken by water companies across the North East and Yorkshire, providing engineering solutions that improve asset performance, resilience and environmental outcomes.
Your influence will extend beyond technical delivery. You'll help shape the people, relationships and capabilities that underpin our future growth, strengthening our position within key frameworks and developing the next generation of engineering leaders. By combining commercial awareness with a strong engineering background, you'll make a lasting contribution to Stantec's reputation, client partnerships and wider Water business.
ABOUT YOU
Essential
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Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
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Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
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Extensive senior-level experience within the UK water sector, with a strong background in mechanical engineering.
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Proven experience providing strategic and technical leadership across major water and wastewater infrastructure programmes.
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Demonstrable experience leading, developing and managing senior engineering teams.
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Strong commercial awareness, with experience supporting business growth, client relationships and strategic opportunities.
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Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior and executive level.
Desirable
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Experience in regional, discipline or business leadership within an engineering consultancy.
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Experience leading business development strategies, major bids and framework relationships.
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A strong network of industry relationships and experience developing long-term client partnerships.
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Experience influencing engineering strategy, operational performance and organisational growth.
WHY JOIN US
We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
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.
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.
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).
Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
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.
Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.
If you're ready to take the next step in your engineering leadership career, influence the direction of a growing regional business and help deliver some of the UK's most important water infrastructure programmes, we'd love to hear from you.