Highways Project Engineer

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bournemouth is seeking a Highways Project Engineer to manage engineering projects that enhance public infrastructure. Candidates should possess a degree in engineering and have substantial experience in highway scheme development. The role requires excellent communication skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

28 days of annual leave increasing to 31 after two years

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in developing highway engineering schemes, design and construction.
• Knowledge of legislation and standards related to highways and transportation.
• Ability to represent the service at public consultations and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of highways and engineering projects, ensuring adherence to cost, quality, and time requirements.
• Prepare drawings, reports, and specifications for highways schemes.
• Coordinate work with contractors and assess compliance with legislation.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Team coordination

Technical expertise

Stakeholder influence

Education

Degree in engineering or transportation discipline

Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or equivalent

Job description

Job Introduction

The pay range for this role will be £42,839 to £49,282 (pro rata for part time colleagues)

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure ]

Seeking Highways Engineering Specialists

Are you passionate about shaping the future of infrastructure and delivering projects that make a real difference to communities?

We’re looking for talented Engineers and have several exciting opportunities to join our Engineering Service and help us build sustainable solutions for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Who are we?

We are a progressive engineering team committed to delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable infrastructure.

From highway improvements to asset management, our work underpins the everyday lives of thousands of people. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.

Transformation and digital ways of working are at the heart of what we do. You will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the Engineering Service within the authority.

The Role

Team: Highway Improvement Team

Job Title: Highways Project Engineer

Role profile: Engineer II / Transportation Engineer II

Other opportunities

We are currently advertising jobs across the Engineering unit. Please look at these if you believe they may be more suitable for your skills and experience

What is the role like?

As a Highways Project Engineer, you will play a key role in the shaping, coordination, and delivery of engineering and construction projects across the Highways service. You will lead the delivery of highways schemes ensuring they are delivered safely, legally, on time, within budget, and to the quality standards expected by the Council and local communities.

You will oversee and guide other staff, contractors, and consultants, ensuring that all work complies with legislation, Council policies, and best practice. The role requires strong technical expertise and excellent communication skills to represent the service at meetings, consultations, and public engagement events.

As part of the wider engineering function, you will contribute to the development of policies, standards, specifications, and processes that support continuous improvement and alignment with Council corporate objectives. You will also be responsible for analysing data, identifying issues and trends, proposing solutions to enhance public spaces and services, and ensuring accurate record-keeping to support governance, audits, and legal processes.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the delivery of highways and engineering projects, ensuring adherence to cost, quality, and time requirements.
• Prepare drawings, reports, briefs, specifications, contract documents, and designs for highways and engineering-related schemes.
• Support procurement and the work of contractors and consultants, monitoring progress, budgets, and valuations.
• Oversee assigned technical staff, ensuring that services and schemes comply with legislation, policies, processes, and approved budgets.
• Conduct consultation and liaison with external bodies and the public, representing the service at meetings and public events, and handling enquiries.
• Coordinate work with external agencies to ensure alignment with joint objectives and related workstreams.
• Analyse issues and trends, identifying improvements that support safer, more effective public spaces and service provision.
• Provide expert technical advice on policies, specifications, procurement, scheme design, and the evaluation of engineering and transport projects.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of standards, processes, and policies across the Highways service.
• Ensure accurate data collection, storage, and record-keeping to inform consultations, legal processes, and analysis of trends and performance.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• 28 Days annual leave increasing to 31 after two years.
• Remote working for parts of your week.
• Professional development and support in your areas of interest.
• Opportunities to work on projects that shape communities and improve lives.

What do you need?

• Degree in a relevant engineering or traffic / transportation discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or equivalent.
• Substantial experience in developing highway engineering schemes, design and construction.
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, standards, and processes relating to highways, construction, and transportation.
• Extensive understanding of contract and project management, including cost control and quality assurance.
• Substantial knowledge of health and safety legislation and its application to engineering, construction and maintenance for highway schemes.
• Ability to plan projects and coordinate the work of others, including team members, consultants, and contractors.
• Ability to persuade / influence a wide range of stakeholders and motivate technical teams.
• Confident communicator able to convey technical information clearly.
• Ability to represent the service at public consultations, meetings, and engagement events.
• Ability to travel between sites (public transport, or valid UK driving licence).
• Ability to work from our central offices and project site offices a minimum two days a week.
• Ability to work occasional nights and infrequent weekends.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive - Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce- we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

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