Principal Civil Engineer

Carrington West; Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer

My client is a well-established and forward-thinking consultancy that's on the lookout for a talented Principal Civil Engineer to join their team in Bury St Edmunds. This is an exciting career opportunity for an experienced civil engineering professional who's ready to take a leading role in the delivery of innovative, high-impact infrastructure and development projects.

Whether you're stepping up from a senior position or already operating at principal level and seeking broader challenges, this role offers the perfect platform to grow, lead, and influence.

The Opportunity:
This position will see you working on a wide range of complex civil engineering projects across sectors such as residential, healthcare, education, commercial, justice, and public realm. You'll be involved from concept through to detailed design, helping to shape the technical direction of projects while also managing and mentoring a talented internal team.

You'll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and clients—contributing not just technically but strategically through project planning, resource management, and participation in bid development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and deliver civil engineering designs for infrastructure and drainage projects of varying scale and complexity.
2. Oversee project teams, ensuring high-quality output and efficient delivery.
3. Support team development through mentoring and guidance.
4. Engage with clients and stakeholders, managing relationships and contributing to project bids and presentations.
5. Produce and review technical reports, drawings, and specifications.

What You'll Bring:

1. Degree in Civil Engineering (or a related field), with professional qualifications or a pathway toward chartered status.
2. Strong background in infrastructure and drainage design.
3. Proficiency in industry-standard software and design tools.
4. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to lead, collaborate, and influence.
5. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and working within consultancy environments.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

1. Chartered (CEng) or Incorporated (IEng) status, or demonstrable progress toward it.
2. Strong understanding of appointment forms and construction contracts.
3. Demonstrated success in mentoring junior engineers and delivering client-focused solutions.
4. Involvement in CPD and a proactive approach to continuous learning.

This role offers an opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role in a supportive, collaborative environment. The organisation is deeply invested in the development of its people, offering structured progression pathways, mentoring, and flexible working options.

The Package:

1. Competitive salary based on experience.
2. 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
3. Flexible, hybrid working arrangements.
4. Private healthcare, life assurance, and a healthcare cash plan.
5. Company pension scheme and paid professional subscriptions.
6. Ongoing training, CPD support, and access to chartership pathways.