Principal Civil Engineer

PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER – HIGHWAYS DESIGN

Cardiff or Bristol | £60,000–£65,000 Negotiable + Excellent Benefits

Lead highways design projects and develop engineering talent for an established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with a strong reputation and ambitious growth plans. Operating across civil and structural engineering, project management and cost consultancy, the practice delivers projects across highways, infrastructure, development, active travel and the built environment.

• Lead highways design projects from initial feasibility and concept through detailed design, approvals and delivery.
• Takes technical ownership of highways, infrastructure, development and Active Travel schemes.
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary project inputs to ensure successful delivery.
• Produce, review and approve technical designs, engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and reports.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and quality assurance across highways design projects.
• Manage project programmes, resources, budgets, risks and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently and to the required technical, commercial and quality standards.
• Apply relevant UK highways design guidance, legislation and industry standards.
• Support the preparation and delivery of highway infrastructure associated with development projects.
• Contribute to Section 38 and Section 278 highway adoption and improvement schemes.
• Liaise effectively with clients, developers, local authorities, statutory bodies, contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with new and existing clients.
• Manage, mentor and support engineers and technicians across career stages.
• Review junior team work and support their technical and professional development.
• Work closely with the Associate Director to support team performance, resource planning and continued growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve technical standards, project delivery and engineering processes.
• Support proposals, bids and business development activities where required.
• Represent the consultancy professionally at client meetings, design reviews and stakeholder discussions.

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant highways design experience gained within an engineering consultancy environment.
• Strong experience delivering highways and civil infrastructure projects through multiple design stages.
• Proven experience leading projects and coordinating engineering design delivery.
• Sound working knowledge of UK highways design standards, guidance and approval processes.
• Experience producing and reviewing highways designs, drawings, specifications and technical reports.
• Knowledge of highway geometry, junction design, access infrastructure and associated civil engineering works.
• Experience with Section 38 and Section 278 agreements and local authority technical approvals.
• Experience working on development infrastructure, highways improvement or Active Travel projects.
• Ability to manage project programmes, budgets, resources and competing priorities.
• Experience providing technical guidance and mentoring engineers and technicians.
• Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Confident, professional and collaborative client‑facing approach.
• Commercial awareness required to deliver high‑quality engineering solutions efficiently and profitably.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Chartered Engineer status with the ICE or an equivalent professional institution, or demonstrable progress towards Chartership is advantageous.
• Relevant highways design software capability would also be beneficial.

• £60,000–£65,000 salary, negotiable according to experience and qualifications.
• Excellent company benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Choice of Cardiff or Bristol office location.
• Interesting and varied highways, infrastructure, development and Active Travel projects.
• Opportunity to lead technically challenging projects from concept through to delivery.
• Genuine influence over engineering standards, project outcomes and team development.
• Opportunity to mentor and develop talented engineers and technicians.
• Support towards professional development and Chartership where applicable.
• Clear opportunities for continued career progression within a growing consultancy.
• A collaborative, supportive and people‑focused working environment.
• The accessibility and influence available within an established independent consultancy.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the continued growth of the Civil Engineering and Highways team.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.