Principal Civil Engineer

Penguin Recruitment; Painswick; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected consultancy in Painswick is seeking an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to lead the delivery of high-quality civil engineering projects. You will manage project outcomes, oversee design delivery, and mentor junior engineers while building strong client relationships. The role offers a competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Professional membership support

Bonuses

Private healthcare

Enhanced pension contributions

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• At least eight years' experience in civil engineering design.
• Chartered status desirable, though experienced non-chartered engineers are welcome.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of drainage, highway and civil infrastructure design to adoption standards.
• Manage project quality, accuracy and commercial performance.
• Oversee detailed design and reporting outputs.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support bids, proposals and ongoing business growth.

Skills

Civil engineering design experience

Client engagement skills

Technical leadership

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

MicroDrainage

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer

Location: Gloucester
Salary: Competitive plus benefits

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Principal Civil Engineer to join a respected consultancy in Gloucester, taking a leading role in the delivery of high quality civil engineering projects. If you are an experienced engineer who enjoys technical leadership, client engagement and driving project success, this role offers genuine influence and long‑term progression.

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will work closely with the Civil Engineering Director to oversee design delivery, quality management and commercial performance across a varied portfolio. Projects include residential housing, care facilities, industrial sites, remediation schemes and renewable energy developments. You will take ownership of project outcomes, ensuring technical excellence while supporting client relationships and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of drainage, highway and civil infrastructure design to adoption standards.
• Manage project quality, accuracy and commercial performance.
• Oversee detailed design and reporting outputs.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support bids, proposals and ongoing business growth.

About You

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• At least eight years' experience in civil engineering design.
• Chartered status desirable, though experienced non‑chartered engineers are welcome.
• Skilled user of MicroDrainage, AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Strong communication skills and confidence in client‑facing roles.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Apply?

You will join a consultancy offering a competitive salary, flexible working, structured CPD, professional membership support, bonuses, private healthcare, enhanced pension contributions and excellent career progression opportunities.

Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. Contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years' recruitment experience, for more information.