Principal Civil Engineer

Penguin Recruitment; Willenhall; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy seeks a Principal Civil Engineer in Birmingham. In this crucial role, you will lead complex design delivery across highways and drainage while mentoring a growing civil engineering team. The ideal candidate has significant experience in infrastructure design, holds a relevant engineering degree, and excels in problem-solving and leadership. Join a consultancy offering structured progression, hybrid working, and the chance to influence high-profile projects throughout the UK.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Ongoing professional development

Structured progression

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience in development infrastructure design.
• Chartered or actively working towards professional qualification.
• Strong communicative skills in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of highways infrastructure projects.
• Oversee drainage strategies and surface water design.
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and UK Building Standards.

Skills

Infrastructure design

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

HNC, HND or degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroDrainage

InfoDrainage

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer

Location: Birmingham

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to join a respected consultancy delivering major residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across the UK. This is your chance to take a leading role in shaping infrastructure design on some of the nation's most high-profile schemes while helping to guide and develop a growing civil engineering team.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will take responsibility for complex design delivery across highways, drainage and external works. You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior colleagues and ensure that all infrastructure work is delivered to the highest standards. This is a role for someone who enjoys solving challenges, building relationships and influencing the quality and direction of project design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and check the design of highways infrastructure including S38 and S278 schemes.
• Manage and oversee drainage strategies, S104 and S98 submissions and detailed surface water design.
• Develop SUDS features, foul pumping stations and balancing facilities.
• Ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations and UK Building Standards.
• Coordinate with clients, authorities, project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to engineers and technicians, supporting their development.
• Contribute to project planning, resourcing, budgeting and programme delivery.

About You

• HNC, HND or degree in Civil Engineering.
• Strong background in development infrastructure design.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and MicroDrainage or InfoDrainage.
• Chartered or actively progressing toward professional qualification.
• Confident communicator who thrives in a leadership role.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Why This Consultancy?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Civil Engineer who wants to work on high-profile UK projects while enjoying hybrid working and a supportive team culture. You will join a consultancy that invests heavily in its people, offering structured progression, ongoing professional development and the chance to help shape the future of a respected civil engineering division.

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