We are seeking an experienced Principal Highways Engineer to provide technical leadership and manage the successful delivery of complex highway and transportation projects. You will oversee design quality, guide multidisciplinary teams, support business development, and act as a key client-facing representative. This role offers hybrid working to support flexible and modern work practices.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Project Delivery

• Lead the design and delivery of highway schemes from feasibility through detailed design and construction.

• Produce and review design drawings, models, reports, and specifications in accordance with DMRB, MCHW, local authority standards, and relevant regulations.

• Manage and conduct geometric highway design using tools such as Civil 3D, OpenRoads, or similar.

• Oversee drainage design, road safety considerations, active travel integration, and traffic management elements of projects.

• Lead technical reviews, value engineering exercises, and risk assessments.

• Ensure compliance with quality assurance procedures and best practice.

Team Leadership & Management

• Manage project teams, coordinate resources, and mentor junior and senior engineers.

• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, coaching, and professional development support.

• Facilitate design workshops, technical reviews, and cross-discipline collaboration.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and delivery partners.

• Attend and lead client meetings, public consultations, and site inspections.

• Support bid preparation, fee proposals, and strategic business growth initiatives.

• Identify opportunities for project innovation, efficiency, and expansion of services.

Skills & Experience Required

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with ICE or CIHT (or working towards with significant experience).

• Typically 8–12+ years’ experience in highways engineering, ideally with experience delivering large or complex schemes.

• Strong technical knowledge of DMRB, MCHW, TSRGD, and other relevant regulations and standards.

• Proficiency in industry design software such as Autodesk Civil 3D, Bentley OpenRoads, or MX Road.

• Experience preparing contract documents (e.g., NEC contracts) and supporting procurement.

• Excellent understanding of highway geometry, drainage principles, and construction methods.

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proven ability to manage budgets, programme, risk, and project governance.

• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing autonomy with collaborative team working.

Personal Attributes

• Technically confident and able to solve complex engineering problems.

• Strong leadership ability with a focus on mentoring and team development.

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively.

• Client-focused with a professional and collaborative approach.

• Committed to innovation, sustainability, and high-quality design delivery.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working structure.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Professional development and chartership support (if applicable).

• Opportunities to work on major infrastructure and transport projects across the region.

• Supportive and inclusive team culture with opportunities for career progression.