Principal Civil Engineer

Strata Construction Consulting; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Gateshead is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to oversee infrastructure and drainage projects. This senior leadership role emphasizes technical excellence, team mentorship, and client relationship management. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, significant consultancy experience, and proficiency in AutoCAD and related design software. Join a dynamic team driving innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar consultancy role.
• Strong understanding of road, levels, and drainage designs.
• Familiarity with approval processes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver infrastructure and drainage projects.
• Supervise Civil Engineers and Technicians.
• Liaise with clients and professionals.
• Ensure designs meet quality standards.
• Conduct site visits and monitor project progress.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Technical excellence

Mentoring

Education

Relevant degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Site 3D

MicroDrainage

Causeway Flow

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Civil Engineer to lead the delivery of exciting infrastructure and drainage projects across a range of sectors. This is a senior leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives on technical excellence, project management, and mentoring high-performing teams. As a key figure within our civil engineering division, you will drive innovative design solutions, manage client relationships, and help shape the strategic direction of our projects and services.

The role

• The role requires an Engineer who will be client facing, with the ability to represent the Company externally at a competent level, alongside managing their own workload and the ability to manage a number of projects at any one time.
• Production of drawings and construction details using AutoCAD.
• Supervising and supporting with the administration of projects.
• Supervising the Civil Engineers and Technicians throughout the design process.
• Liaise with architects, clients and other professionals whilst carrying out duties and at all times represent the practice in a professional and courteous way.
• Contributing to providing solutions to design problems.
• Ensuring designs meet required standards following our Quality Management System.
• Attend internal (and external) design review meetings.
• Undertake site visits to monitor the progress of works against specifications, and highlight issues to the contractor, client and/or (internal or external) project manager as necessary.
• Residential designs to Local Authority and Water Authority standards.
• Conversant with current building regulations.
• Familiar with NHBC and LABC standards.
• Produce private levels and drainage designs for residential, commercial and industrial development.
• Ability to produce engineering supporting reports for planning applications such as Flood Risk Assessment reports, Utility Assessments, Site Viability assessments etc.
• Provide training / mentoring to less experienced staff

What you need to succeed

• Relevant degree qualification in Civil Engineering.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience within a similar role within a consultancy environment.
• Knowledge of all approval processes including Highways Section 38, 278 and Water Authority Section 104 technical agreements.
• Proficient use of AutoCAD and an understanding of Civil Engineering design packages such as Site 3D, MicroDrainage and Causeway Flow.
• A fundamental and strong understanding of road, levels and drainage designs.