Principal Civil Engineer

BWB Consulting Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% pension match

Life assurance

Hybrid working

Healthcare

Cycle to Work

Training & subscriptions

Chartership support

Job summary

BWB Consulting is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead complex civil projects across the UK, combining technical excellence with values-driven leadership to deliver sustainable, community-conscious solutions for clients and environments.

You’ll own designs from concept through delivery, coordinate multi‑disciplinary inputs, mentor engineers, nurture client relationships and champion high quality, innovative practice in roads, drainage and external works, while guiding teams to successful

Qualifications

• Experience leading civil engineering designs from concept to delivery.
• Strong communication with clients and authorities.
• Ability to mentor engineers and develop teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead preliminary and detailed civil engineering designs for diverse projects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs to meet quality, programme and cost targets.
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide clear technical guidance.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.

Skills

Technical ownership

Project leadership

Design software

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

BEng/MEng in Civil Engineering

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

MicroDrainage

PDS

Job description

Lead projects. Develop people. Shape better places.

Great civil engineering brings places to life. At BWB, we’re looking for a Principal Civil Engineer who can combine technical expertise with thoughtful leadership to deliver developments that work for clients, communities and the environment.

If you enjoy taking ownership of challenging projects, building trusted client relationships and helping engineers develop their skills, this is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution.

About BWB

BWB Consulting is an award-winning engineering and environmental design consultancy. Recognised as ACE Best Large Consultancy of the Year and winner of the ACE 2024 Wellbeing Award, we bring together technical excellence, fresh thinking and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.

As an Investors in People and Investors in Wellbeing accredited organisation, we invest in our people and their development. Our culture is built on excellence, innovation, integrity, collaboration and sustainability — values that guide how we work and how we support one another.

The opportunity

You’ll play a leading role in delivering civil engineering solutions for a diverse client base, from local authorities to national developers.

Working across roads, levels, drainage and external works in both adoptable and private developments, you’ll help guide projects from initial concepts through detailed design to commissioning. You’ll combine hands‑on engineering with project leadership, bringing colleagues and disciplines together to resolve challenges and deliver practical, sustainable solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking technical ownership: Lead preliminary and detailed civil engineering designs, applying sound judgement to complex challenges.
• Leading project delivery: Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and manage design activities, keeping quality, programme and commercial requirements in focus.
• Creating effective designs: Use Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MicroDrainage or PDS to develop coordinated, efficient engineering solutions.
• Building trusted relationships: Understand clients’ priorities, provide clear advice and maintain strong relationships throughout each project.
• Working with key stakeholders: Liaise with planning authorities, statutory undertakers and national bodies to resolve issues and secure practical outcomes.
• Developing the team: Mentor engineers, review their work and share the knowledge that helps others build confidence and capability.
• Championing better outcomes: Bring fresh ideas and embed sustainability into your approach to design and delivery.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be an experienced civil engineering designer who enjoys taking responsibility and helping others succeed. We’re looking for:

• Strong technical expertise in roads, levels, drainage and external works, with experience taking projects from concept through to delivery.
• Proficiency in relevant design software, with the confidence and willingness to learn new tools.
• Experience coordinating projects and working effectively across engineering disciplines.
• Commercial awareness, with an understanding of project priorities and client needs across public and private sectors.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical information to different audiences.
• A collaborative approach to leadership, with the ability to delegate, mentor and provide constructive guidance.
• A commitment to quality, professional integrity and sustainable engineering.

Why join BWB?

You’ll have the opportunity to influence designs, lead varied projects and see the contribution your work makes to places across the UK. Alongside colleagues from a range of disciplines, you’ll find opportunities to exchange ideas, broaden your expertise and continue developing as a technical and team leader.

We value people who ask questions, take initiative and bring others with them. In return, you’ll join a business that recognises the importance of both professional growth and wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Inclusive Culture – Bring your authentic self to work every day.
• Competitive Rewards – Salary, 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition.
• Time Off & Flexibility – 25 days’ holiday (rising to 28), option to buy more, hybrid working (3 days office), and flexible core hours.
• Health & Wellbeing – Westfield Health, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, wellbeing initiatives.
• Growth & Development – Fully funded training, Chartership support, and paid professional subscriptions.
• Community & Connection – Volunteering days, social events, discounts, and savings.

Accessibility & Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

If you have a medical condition or an individual need for an adjustment to our process, and you believe this may affect your ability to be your best - please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that may be needed.