Associate Civil Engineer

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected engineering consultancy in Manchester seeks an Associate Civil Engineer to lead diverse infrastructure projects. In this role, you will manage a team, ensure high standards for project delivery, and contribute to business development. Ideal candidates should have over 7 years of experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, and strong leadership skills. Join a friendly team that values technical excellence and offers competitive benefits, including healthcare and 25 days of holiday.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Company pension scheme

Tech and cycle-to-work schemes

Regular social events and team incentives

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (MEng preferred).
• At least 7 years’ experience in civil or structural engineering design.
• Proven background in roads, drainage, or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and civil design software.
• Strong understanding of industry standards, QA procedures, and health & safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing infrastructure design for roads and drainage.
• Managing and mentoring engineering staff.
• Preparing and checking designs, calculations, and reports.
• Leading design meetings and driving quality assurance.
• Supporting business development and fee proposal preparation.

Skills

Civil or Structural Engineering degree

7+ years' experience in civil/structural design

Proficient in AutoCAD and civil design software

Background in roads and drainage projects

Leadership and mentoring skills

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil design software

Job description

Associate Civil Engineer – Manchester

You’ll be an experienced Civil Engineer ready to take the next step into leadership. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected consultancy in Manchester, where you’ll oversee the design and delivery of varied infrastructure projects – from roads and SuDS to complex civil structures – while shaping the future of a talented engineering team.

Why join?

You’ll be part of a growing consultancy known for delivering high-quality engineering solutions across the North West. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll combine technical expertise with business development – mentoring engineers, driving design excellence, and helping expand the company’s client base in the Manchester region.

The role

As an Associate Civil Engineer, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards, on time and within budget. You’ll have the autonomy to run projects end-to-end, liaise directly with clients and architects, and contribute to developing new business opportunities for the Manchester office.

Expect to get involved in:

• Overseeing infrastructure design for roads, drainage, SuDS, and building-related civil works
• Managing and mentoring engineering staff across local and international offices
• Representing the consultancy at client meetings, design reviews, and site visits
• Preparing and checking designs, calculations, drawings, and technical reports
• Producing fee proposals and supporting the business development team
• Leading design meetings, coordinating input from internal teams and external partners
• Driving quality assurance and compliance with UK design standards and regulations
• Supporting recruitment and training of engineers as the team continues to grow

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a confident communicator and natural leader – someone who enjoys guiding others, solving problems, and building relationships.

You’ll need:

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (MEng preferred)
• At least 7 years’ experience in civil or structural engineering design
• Proven background in roads, drainage, or infrastructure projects
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and civil design software
• Strong understanding of industry standards, QA procedures, and health & safety requirements
• The ability to manage multiple projects, balancing technical quality with commercial awareness
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and engaging in business development

The culture & benefits

You’ll join a friendly, forward-thinking team that values technical excellence and collaboration. Expect plenty of opportunity to shape your own career path and make a visible impact within the business.

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Company pension scheme
• Tech and cycle-to-work schemes
• Regular social events and team incentives

If you’re an experienced Civil Engineer ready to lead, develop, and grow in a supportive consultancy, this role offers the platform to do just that – right in the heart of Manchester.

Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years’ recruitment experience.