Principal Civil Engineer

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership on water and wastewater projects. You will guide the design team, perform detailed analyses, and ensure successful delivery while maintaining safety, sustainability, and quality.

You will work with Project Design Leads and stakeholders, driving innovation, value-for-money solutions, and meeting regulatory expectations. A Chartered Engineer with a strong civil engineering background is required.

Qualifications

• MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution.
• Extensive knowledge of design processes and safety standards.
• Strong understanding of the water industry commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams and provide technical guidance on water/wastewater projects.
• Prepare calculations, specifications and technical content for contracts.
• Ensure designs meet governance, QA and regulatory requirements.
• Manage budgets and resolve complex design issues.
• Promote continuous improvement and digital design concepts.
• Support project managers with budgeting and financial planning.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Design processes

Safety standards

Regulatory compliance

Education

MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering

Chartered Engineer membership

Environmental/numerate subject

Job description

Job Title: Principal Civil Engineer

Location: Brighton (Hybrid or Remote options available)

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: To be discussed at the screening stage

Closing Date

24/11/2026

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership in the delivery of Water/ Wastewater projects. As a key figure within our team, you will guide the design team, provide detailed technical analysis, and ensure successful project delivery. You will work closely with Project Design Leads and stakeholders, driving innovation, ensuring value for money, and delivering solutions that meet our high standards of safety, sustainability, and quality. If you are passionate about technical excellence, innovation, and delivering infrastructure projects that make a difference, this role is for you.

Responsibilities Will Include

Safety & Environment

• Operate in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards (including CDM regulations).
• Develop risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that designs promote environmental sustainability.

Technical Leadership

• Lead and provide technical guidance on the design of water non-infra projects.
• Prepare design calculations, specifications, and technical content for contracts.
• Oversee approval of designs and ensure compliance with technical governance and QA processes.
• Manage project budgets and resolve complex design issues.

Innovation

• Challenge existing practices and promote continuous improvement.
• Research and implement industry best practices, including digital design concepts.
• Support the Discipline Lead in maintaining and updating technical standards.

Financial & Commercial

• Deliver cost-effective, low-carbon solutions that meet project budgets.
• Assist Project Managers with budget tracking and financial planning.

Programme Management

• Ensure design timelines are achievable and proactively address potential delays.

Customer Focus

• Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and contribute to technical papers and press releases.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• MEng/BEng/BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering, Environmental, or a numerate science-related subject.
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant engineering or scientific institution.
• Extensive knowledge of design processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial environment within the water industry

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

“At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.”

Our Commitment To Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional Information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.