Principal Highways Engineer

Overview

In this contract role in London, you will provide technical leadership across highway design and infrastructure schemes, with a focus on Section 278 and Section 38 agreements. You will lead delivery from design through implementation and coordinate with authorities, developers, and stakeholders. You will review designs and technical submissions, ensure compliance with standards, and advise project teams to solve complex highway problems. This opportunity combines hands-on technical leadership with stakeholder management to deliver high-quality, compliant highway solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of highway and infrastructure projects from design to implementation
• Manage and review Section 278 and Section 38 highway agreements
• Prepare and assess highway designs, technical reports, and supporting documentation
• Provide expert highways advice to project teams, clients, and external stakeholders
• Coordinate with local authorities, developers, contractors, and statutory bodies
• Review technical submissions for compliance with standards and approvals
• Support project delivery through effective communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management

Key requirements

• Significant experience in highways engineering and infrastructure development
• Strong knowledge of highway design principles, standards, and best practices
• Practical experience with Section 278 and Section 38 agreements
• Ability to lead and review highway design and technical documentation
• Understanding of highway approval processes and local authority requirements
• Strong communication, organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work with clients, consultants, contractors, and public-sector stakeholders
• Relevant engineering qualification or equivalent professional experience

• Strong communication
• Organisational skills
• Stakeholder management
• Highways design principles and standards
• Section 278 and Section 38 agreements
• Preparation and review of design and technical documentation

…