Civil Engineering Lead

Main purpose of job This is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and growing our civil engineering service within an established multidisciplinary consultancy. We are seeking an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer to lead civil engineering, highways, flood risk, drainage design and strategic infrastructure advice across a broad range of UK projects. Working closely with Directors and project teams, you will have the autonomy to lead commissions, shape technical approaches and help define how the civil engineering team develops.

The role combines technical delivery, client contact, mentoring, business development and long-term service growth. It will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, variety and influence, and who is looking for a clear pathway towards wider technical leadership, team leadership or senior management. Main responsibilities
1. Technical leadership:
Lead civil engineering input from feasibility and planning through to detailed design, construction support and completion.
2. Prepare and review highway, access, drainage, SuDS, flood risk, levels, external works and infrastructure design information.
3. Identify key constraints, risks and opportunities, including flood risk, access, services, ground conditions, buildability and authority requirements.
4. Project delivery:
Manage scope, programme, fees, resources, quality, risk and change control on civil engineering commissions.
5. Review calculations, drawings, specifications, reports and design outputs prepared by engineers and technicians.
6. Promote effective use of drainage, highway, CAD and BIM design tools, with consistent standards and workflows.
7. Client and authority liaison:
Coordinate civil engineering design with clients, consultants, contractors and wider project teams.
8. Liaise with approving bodies, including planning authorities, highway authorities, lead local flood authorities, water companies and the Environment Agency.
9. Represent the practice at meetings, site inspections and project workshops. 10. Growth and team development:
Support Directors with fee proposals, bids, appointments, client relationships and business development. 11. Mentor engineers and technicians, sharing knowledge and helping to build team capability. 12. Maintain clear project records, correspondence, calculations, design decisions and quality information. Location and Communication The role would ideally be based in Bedford or Southampton, with flexibility to work with Directors, colleagues and clients across the wider business.

It is a visible, client-facing position with active involvement in delivery, technical leadership and business development. Why join us? You will join an established, supportive and collaborative consultancy with a strong multidisciplinary project base. The role offers meaningful variety across commercial, residential, education, healthcare, industrial, public sector and development-led schemes, with the autonomy to shape technical solutions and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

A senior role with real influence over the growth of our civil engineering service. Direct access to Directors and decision-makers. Clear progression towards Associate, Associate Director, technical discipline lead or senior management roles, subject to experience and performance. Opportunity to help shape workload, technical standards, client relationships and team development. A varied workload spanning strategy, planning, design, approvals and construction support.

A collaborative multidisciplinary environment focused on practical, coordinated solutions. Support for continued professional development, mentoring and knowledge sharing. Flexibility to be based in Bedford or Southampton while working across the wider business. If you are a chartered civil engineer looking for a role with influence, variety, autonomy and clear progression, we would be pleased to hear from you. Knowledge, skills and experience required Degree qualified in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

Chartered Civil Engineer, preferably CEng MICE or equivalent, with relevant UK consultancy experience. Strong technical capability in highways, drainage, flood risk, SuDS, external works and civil engineering design. Experience preparing and reviewing flood risk, drainage and highway submissions for planning and technical approval. Ability to lead projects, coordinate teams and communicate clearly with clients, authorities and consultants. Commercial awareness of budgets, programmes, scope, risk and fee proposals.

Competence with relevant design software, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D or similar tools. Proactive and collaborative, with the confidence to lead, mentor and advise colleagues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.