Principal Civil Engineer (Development)

Overview

In this role you lead the day-to-day technical delivery of civil engineering consultancy across the project lifecycle, from feasibility through construction. You’ll apply expertise in drainage, SuDS, flood risk, highways, streetscape, earthworks and utilities to diverse land and infrastructure schemes. You will also provide project leadership on multi-disciplinary programs, guide junior staff, and manage client and stakeholder engagement to deliver on time, within budget, and to required standards. The position offers the chance to contribute to high-profile developments within a large, collaborative team and to advance sustainable urban growth.

Pay / Benefits

• work-life balance
• hybrid working policy (flexible office/home)
• inclusivity and belonging
• Thrive wellbeing programme and Virtual GP
• gym membership support (Gymflex) and menopause support
• flexible working arrangements and part-time options

Responsibilities

• Lead daily technical delivery of civil-engineering consultancy across feasibility to construction.
• Provide subject-matter expertise in drainage, SuDS, flood risk, highways, streetscape, earthworks and utilities.
• Act as Project Manager on multi-disciplinary projects when required.
• Guide and support a team of technical staff across grades.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, and collaborate with internal and external design teams.
• Ensure delivery meets budget, schedule, technical quality, and compliance requirements.

Key requirements

• Knowledge and experience in highway design, drainage strategies, flood risk assessments, and utility design.
• Design experience focused on the development sector (drainage, flood risk, highways, earthworks, utilities).
• Awareness of hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnics and building structures; understanding of construction design stages.
• Ability to produce infrastructure masterplans, site appraisals, technical reports, design calculations and construction drawings.
• Familiar with design codes (Water UK Sewerage Sector Guidance, Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, Local Authority Design Guidance, SuDS Manual).
• Proficiency in relevant software (Micro Drainage, Info Drainage, Civils 3D and/or PDS).
• Experience liaising with clients, co-professionals, authorities to secure technical approvals and agreements.
• Knowledge of planning, design, consent procedures, adoption and contract processes for sewers, SuDS, highways and utilities.
• Understanding of the financial and contractual aspects of planning, bidding and delivering projects.
• Postgraduate experience and nearing Chartership (or equivalent).
• Willingness to become ICE Supervising or Delegated Civil Engineer (SCE/DE) for staff development.

• Stakeholder management
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Collaborative communication across multidisciplinary teams
• Highway design
• Drainage and flood risk engineering
• SuDS design

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