Job Title: Principal Civil Engineer
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: Exeter, Manchester, Croydon
Type: Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working
About the Role:
This is a Principal Civil Engineer position within a multidisciplinary water sector team delivering complex infrastructure design projects across the UK. You will take a leading role in managing technical delivery across optioneering, outline, and detailed design stages, ensuring high-quality outputs that meet client and regulatory standards.
You will also support and guide a team of engineers and technicians while working closely with major UK water utilities and contractor partners on large-scale infrastructure schemes.
About the client:
Our client is a long-established multidisciplinary consultancy operating across the built and natural environment. They deliver engineering and advisory services across infrastructure, buildings, and regeneration, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, technical excellence, and long-term environmental impact.
Their work supports major UK water companies and infrastructure programmes, contributing to nationally significant environmental and engineering outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead technical delivery of civil engineering design across water sector projects
* Oversee optioneering, outline, and detailed design activities
* Ensure all work meets relevant standards, client expectations, and quality assurance requirements
* Manage and coordinate project plans, schedules, and deliverables
* Engage directly with clients, contractors, and third parties
* Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians
* Promote health, safety, welfare, and environmental best practice across all work
* Support multidisciplinary collaboration across design teams
What Our Client is Looking For:
* Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience
* Significant post-graduate experience in civil engineering design
* Experience within the UK water sector (strong preference)
* Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership
* Strong leadership and communication skills
* Experience managing or supporting project teams
* Strong understanding of CAD/Revit and BIM environments
* Knowledge of sustainable engineering practices
* Experience with hydraulic calculations and design processes
* Full UK driving licence
What Our Client Offers:
* Competitive salary (£60,000 – £70,000) and benefits package
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
* Opportunity to lead major UK infrastructure projects
* Strong support for professional development and chartership progression
* Collaborative and technically strong team environment
* Inclusive culture with wellbeing focus
* Long-term career progression within a growing consultancy
Eligibility:
* Must have the right to work in the UK
Opportunity for Growth:
This role offers a clear pathway into senior leadership within the infrastructure and water sector, with scope to influence technical direction, mentor developing engineers, and take ownership of high-profile UK projects.