Principal Civil Engineer

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer for a 12-month contract. You will lead the design and delivery of various water sector projects. The role offers a day rate of up to £550 and the potential for hybrid working after three months. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in civil engineering design and technical leadership, along with a collaborative attitude in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive day rate

Opportunity to work on diverse projects

Positive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in leading civil engineering design projects, specifically in the water sector.
• Ability to work collaboratively under tight deadlines.
• Strong mentorship and technical direction skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the civil engineering design of major water projects.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship within the team.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and manage project delivery.
• Undertake occasional site visits as required.

Skills

Significant experience delivering civil engineering design for regulated water companies

Strong technical leadership skills

Ability to manage multiple complex projects

Collaborative, hands-on approach

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Civil Engineer

Day Rate: Up to £550 per day (outside IR35)

Location: Manchester, with occasional site visits (expenses paid)

Type: 12-month Contract | Full-time | Hybrid (1-2 days WFH)

About the Role

You’ll be leading on the design and delivery of varied water sector projects, including:

• Sewage treatment works upgrades
• Clean water main replacements
• IED schemes at sewage treatment works
• CSO upgrades and storm storage solutions

This senior role involves steering technical excellence while working closely with both internal teams and regulated water clients.

About the Client

Our client is a trusted engineering design consultancy operating across the UK rail and utilities sectors. With a solid reputation and a growing portfolio, they are known for their collaborative culture and strong values.

Wellbeing is central to their ethos – they prioritise a safe, fair and positive workplace where people can do their best work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the civil engineering design of major water projects
• Provide technical direction and mentorship within the team
• Collaborate with stakeholders and manage project delivery
• Undertake occasional site visits as required

What Our Client is Looking For

• Significant experience delivering civil engineering design for regulated water companies
• Strong technical leadership skills (role profile available for detail)
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects to tight deadlines
• A collaborative, hands-on approach

What Our Client Offers

• 12-month contract at £550/day (outside IR35)
• Opportunity to lead diverse and challenging UK water industry projects
• Hybrid working (1-2 days from home possible after 3 months)
• A positive, motivated, and supportive team environment

Eligibility

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.