Job Description
Principal Engineer - Highways
* Contract Rate: £45.70 PAYE / £60 Umbrella
* Contract Duration: 3–6 months initially (rolling)
* Working Pattern: Hybrid (ideally in office one day per week, flexible)
* Location: Local preferred
* Interview Process: MS Teams
We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Engineer with expertise in Section 38 (Highways Act) adoption schemes to join our Highways team. This specialist role involves overseeing the technical assessment, negotiation, and approval of highway designs for new developments, ensuring compliance with council standards.
Day-to-day of the role:
Technical Review & Audit
* Conduct detailed technical audits of Section 38 highway design submissions, including road geometry, drainage, utilities, and compliance with standards for adoptable highways.
* Provide written feedback on required amendments and ensure consultants deliver compliant designs.
* Manage multiple submission cycles per scheme, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, safety, and local authority requirements.
Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
* Lead negotiations with developers and consultants to resolve design issues.
* Provide clear, authoritative technical advice and challenge substandard or non-compliant proposals.
* Collaborate with colleagues across Highways, Planning, and other internal services to support delivery.
Scheme Management & Delivery
* Take ownership of a caseload of active S38 schemes, including partially completed projects.
* Apply engineering judgement to quickly understand scheme history and outstanding issues.
* Deliver effective project management across competing priorities and changing deadlines.
Leadership & Professional Standards
* Model positive behaviours and communicate technical information clearly.
* Support a culture of safe working and practical application of relevant H&S regulations.
* Ensure delivery of outputs to required standards, timescales, and budgets.
Required Skills & Qualifications
* Strong background in highways engineering with direct experience in Section 38 adoption schemes.
* Ability to undertake technical audits and challenge consultants constructively.
* Experience in public or private-sector S38 schemes.
* Knowledge of planning processes and development-related highways work.
* Ability to work independently and manage a demanding technical caseload.
* Degree-level qualification in Civil Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in local government highways engineering.
* Familiarity with drainage design, utilities coordination, and adoptable highway standards.
* Understanding of local government processes and internal governance.
* Competence with AutoCAD, GIS, and standard Microsoft Office tools.
Working Arrangements
* Hybrid working model with flexibility for strong candidates. Preferred office day is Tuesday.