Associate Civil Engineer - Transportation

HDR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Job summary

HDR, a 100% employee‑owned firm, is seeking an Associate Civil Engineer in the Manchester area. You will lead design delivery, manage multi‑disciplinary teams, and work closely with clients to bring visionary projects to life, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on engineering expertise.

You will mentor staff, drive bids and proposals, ensure QA and CDM compliance, and maintain high technical standards in a collaborative, inclusive culture with opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• BEng, MSc in Civil Engineering, or equivalent subject.
• Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved.
• Minimum 7 years’ industry experience ideally working within a design consultancy, (Experience in the Data Centre industry is highly desirable)
• Experience in designing and managing projects.
• Able to undertake computer modelling, organise and direct the production of CAD drawings and correspond effectively with opposite numbers with other consultants.
• Skills in project managing on‑going jobs with limited supervision are desirable.
• Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• To lead the design, management and supervision of project delivery, establish client brief, technical requirements, scope of works, cost plan and agree deliverables.
• Carry out engineering concept design to detailed design, tender and contract on site supervision, to completion, ensuring projects are undertaken in accordance with design briefs and that completion deadlines are achieved.
• Manage design teams to produce co‑ordinated designs that are technically compliant to a consistent quality and standard.
• Ensure all design projects and reports within the group are technically compliant to a consistent quality and standard. Maintain regular ‘in house’ design reviews and checks.
• Implement and manage QA systems and procedures on all projects.
• Implement Company Health and Safety. Ensure all designs respond to the CDM regulations.
• Monitor and control project progress, design variations and project financial budgets.
• Lead the monitoring of resource relative to each project.
• Build and maintain excellent client relationships and contacts to achieve high levels of satisfaction and repeat business. Manage client’s expectations and promote a team approach.
• Pursue new business opportunities with existing clients and develop new business opportunities, including leading and preparing bids, proposals and responses to tenders.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff within the group to build coherent high‑performing teams. Set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop staff to optimise their potential.
• Be familiar and review with various Engineering Conditions of Contract.
• Continuous adoption of all Civil and Structural engineering rules and regulations, endeavouring to always ensure protection of the Companies reputation and Professional Indemnity.

Skills

Project leadership

Client liaison

Budget management

Team collaboration

CDM Regulations

Communication

Education

BEng/MSc in Civil Engineering

Incorporated status preferred

Tools

CAD drawings

Bentley Microstation

REVIT

Civil 3D

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

About The Role

As an Associate Civil Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to lead technical delivery, manage multi‑disciplinary teams, and work closely with clients to bring visionary projects to life. You’ll balance strategic thinking with hands‑on engineering expertise. You will be part of an organisation that is 100‑percent employee owned, that supports and creates many opportunities for you to advance, succeed and fulfil your career aspirations.

About You

We are looking for someone who is personable self‑starter with the ability to project a positive ‘can do’ professional attitude at all times maintaining good working relationships. Someone who enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines, establishing excellent rapport within the team, business and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload and keep to tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• To lead the design, management and supervision of project delivery, establish client brief, technical requirements, scope of works, cost plan and agree deliverables.
• Carry out engineering concept design to detailed design, tender and contract on site supervision, to completion, ensuring projects are undertaken in accordance with design briefs and that completion deadlines are achieved.
• Manage design teams to produce co‑ordinated designs that are technically compliant to a consistent quality and standard.
• Ensure all design projects and reports within the group are technically compliant to a consistent quality and standard. Maintain regular ‘in house’ design reviews and checks.
• Implement and manage QA systems and procedures on all projects.
• Implement Company Health and Safety. Ensure all designs respond to the CDM regulations.
• Monitor and control project progress, design variations and project financial budgets.
• Lead the monitoring of resource relative to each project.
• Build and maintain excellent client relationships and contacts to achieve high levels of satisfaction and repeat business. Manage client’s expectations and promote a team approach.
• Pursue new business opportunities with existing clients and develop new business opportunities, including leading and preparing bids, proposals and responses to tenders.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff within the group to build coherent high‑performing teams. Set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop staff to optimise their potential.
• Be familiar and review with various Engineering Conditions of Contract.
• Continuous adoption of all Civil and Structural engineering rules and regulations, endeavouring to always ensure protection of the Companies reputation and Professional Indemnity.

Skills And Experience

• BEng, MEng, MSc in Civil Engineering, or equivalent subject
• Chartered or Incorporated Civil Engineer (IEng/CEng MICE) or working towards this.
• Minimum 10 years’ industry experience, ideally working within a design consultancy, with expertise in leading and managing highway and drainage infrastructure design projects. Road safety audit experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of industry standards and guidance, including the NEC form of Contract, Manual for Streets 2, DMRB, TSRGD, Local Authority Design Guidance and the Specification for Highway Works.
• Able to undertake computer modelling, organise and direct the production of Civils 3D and CAD/Revit drawings. Proficiency with Bentley Microstation and REVIT required.
• Thorough understanding of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the roles of Designer and Principal Designer
• Experience of undertaking the role of Designer, be fully conversant with the latest Health and safety legislation relating to the construction industry.
• Experience in leading and supporting the production of client bids and proposals, including financial planning and contractual assessments. Knowledge of public sector frameworks is a plus.
• Commercial awareness and experience managing project finances
• Confident communicator with leadership ambition

Required Qualifications

• BEng, MSc in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or equivalent subject.
• Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved.
• Minimum 7 years’ industry experience ideally working within a design consultancy, (Experience in the Data Centre industry is highly desirable)
• Experience in designing and managing projects.
• Able to undertake computer modelling, organise and direct the production of CAD drawings and correspond effectively with opposite numbers with other consultants.
• Skills in project managing on‑going jobs with limited supervision are desirable.
• Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organisational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Primary Location: United Kingdom-England-London

Other Locations: United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Industry: Building Engineering

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Jul 8, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.