Associate / Associate Director Civil Engineer

GirlingJones; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate/Associate Director Civil Engineer for its Exeter office. The role involves leading drainage and highways design projects, fostering client relationships, and supporting junior staff in a collaborative environment with opportunities to progress to senior management.

Benefits

Performance-based annual bonus

Health cash plan

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in civil engineering.
• Experience in drainage and highways for residential projects.
• Proficient in civil design software and modern digital practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead drainage and highways design for residential projects.
• Produce technical documentation including specifications and calculations.
• Manage budgets and project timelines while supporting junior engineers.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

Civil Design Software

Education

Chartered Engineer (or working towards)

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: [Exeter]
Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 per annum

The Role

A leading, anonymous civil engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate/Associate Director Civil Engineer to join its team. You will play a key role in delivering integrated drainage and highways designs, with a strong emphasis on projects within the residential sector. In addition, you will work on commercial, mixed-use, and industrial schemes, ensuring that all designs meet technical, safety, and sustainability standards from initial concept through to construction. You will also play a key role in business development and the growth and shaping of the Civils team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of drainage strategies and highways design for diverse projects, with a focus on residential applications.
• Produce detailed technical documentation, including design calculations, reports, and specifications.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate civil designs with broader project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, including SuDS principles.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Manage and support junior civil engineers, promoting professional development.
• Assist in business development and foster strong client relationships.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ post-qualification experience in civil engineering.
• Significant experience in delivering drainage and highways projects within the residential sector, as well as exposure to commercial and industrial projects.
• Chartered (or working towards chartership) with a recognised professional institution (e.g., ICE, IStructE).
• Proficiency in civil design software (AutoCAD, relevant analysis tools) and modern digital design practices.
• Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver cost-effective, sustainable design solutions.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive salary circa £55,000 to £75,000, negotiable DoE.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Benefits package including pension, health cash plan and wellbeing perks.
• Professional development opportunities with tailored training and support for chartership if applicable.
• A collaborative, innovative work environment.
• Exposure to a broad portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial sectors.
• Genuine opportunity to progress to Director/Partner in the future.

The Company

This consultancy is well established and recognised for quality civil and structural engineering, delivering cutting-edge solutions across multiple sectors. With a commitment to technical excellence and sustainability, the company has a diverse project portfolio spanning residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial developments and deliver long-term value for clients. They have 4 offices across the UK, including their newly opened Exeter branch.