Civil infrastructure Lead
Location: UK (Hybrid working available)
Sector: Civil Engineering / Infrastructure Consultancy
We’re working with one of our consultancy clients who are looking to appoint a Principal Civil Engineer to lead their civil engineering team. This is a senior, strategic hire and a key leadership role within the business.
The focus of this position is on team leadership, project oversight, and client engagement, rather than day-to-day design production. While there may be times where you provide technical input or get involved in design, the core purpose of the role is to manage and develop the civil team, oversee technical quality, and act as a senior point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys shaping teams, mentoring engineers, and being closely involved in the direction of projects and the wider business.
A standout feature of this role is the clear progression pathway to board level, with the opportunity for the successful person to move into a board position in as little as 12 months, based on performance and fit.
The Role
As Principal Civil Engineer, you will take responsibility for the leadership and performance of the civil engineering function, working closely with senior management and other discipline leads across the business.
Your role will include:
Leading and managing the civil engineering team
Overseeing project delivery, technical quality, and resourcing
Acting as a senior technical authority and escalation point
Mentoring, supporting, and developing engineers at all levels
Playing a key role in setting technical standards, processes, and best practice
Attending and leading client meetings, providing trusted technical input
Supporting project planning, programming, and commercial performance
Contributing to the strategic growth and direction of the business
This role will primarily support private sector development projects, while also maintaining involvement in public sector schemes.
About You
This position would suit a senior civil engineer who is ready to step into a broader leadership role, or an existing principal/associate looking for a clearer route to strategic influence.
We’re looking for someone who:
Has a strong civil engineering consultancy background
Is comfortable leading teams rather than purely delivering designs
Enjoys mentoring and developing technical staff
Is confident and credible in client-facing situations
Brings strong technical knowledge across civil/infrastructure design
Can oversee multiple projects and teams simultaneously
Is commercially aware and experienced in consultancy project environments
Is chartered or working towards chartership (preferred, not essential)
While business development and bringing in new clients is not the core focus of this role, you will be expected to build strong relationships with existing clients and represent the business at a senior level.
Technical Background
You’ll bring a broad technical foundation in civil and infrastructure engineering, enabling you to guide teams, review work, and provide high-level technical direction. This may include experience in areas such as:
Infrastructure and civil engineering design
Drainage and SuDS
Highways and development infrastructure
Multi-disciplinary project delivery
Private sector development projects and public sector works
Hands-on design capability is beneficial, but not essential, as the emphasis is on leadership, oversight, and technical governance.
Leadership, Ownership & Progression
This is an employee-led business where people are genuinely invested in the long-term success of the company. The incoming Principal will be viewed as part of the future leadership group, with a defined opportunity to progress to board level within as little as 12 months.
They place a strong focus on empowering senior staff, developing leaders internally, and giving high performers a real voice in the direction of the business.
Benefits
Competitive senior-level salary
Clear and accelerated pathway to board-level progression
Performance-related bonus
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Hybrid working and compressed hours
Pension scheme with employer contributions
Private medical insurance
Season ticket loan & cycle to work scheme
Ongoing professional development and leadership training
Active social and sports events calendar