Principal Design Engineer - Highways

BWB Consulting Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% pension match

Healthcare cash plan

Flexibility & Wellbeing

Career growth opportunities

25+ days holiday

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Manchester is seeking a Principal Design Engineer for highways. The role involves driving design for public highways, mentoring juniors, and collaborating across various projects. Ideal candidates will have strong Civil 3D and MicroDrainage skills, excellent communication, and a proactive mindset. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a supportive culture focused on career growth.

Qualifications

• Technical independence in Civil 3D and MicroDrainage.
• Confidence in liaising with clients and stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design of public highways focusing on geometry and drainage.
• Mentor and inspire graduates and engineers.
• Work collaboratively across disciplines on multi-dimensional projects.

Skills

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage

Client liaison

Commercial awareness

Leadership

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Design Engineer - Highways role at BWB Consulting Ltd

BWB Consulting is a dynamic, award‑winning engineering and environmental design consultancy. We push boundaries, innovate, and deliver exceptional results—earning us the 2024 Wellbeing Award and the ACE Best Large Consultancy of the Year (2022).

We’re serious about people – BWB is an Investors in People and Investors in Wellbeing accredited organisation. We invest in talent, growth, and a high‑performance culture where you can thrive, challenge yourself, and make an impact.

Why Join Us?

• Drives Excellence – We set the standard and exceed expectations.
• Innovates – We embrace fresh ideas and cutting‑edge solutions.
• Works with Integrity – We do what’s right, always.
• Collaborates – We believe in teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
• Leads in Sustainability – We integrate sustainable solutions into everything we do.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drive the design of public highways — geometry, drainage, pavements and more.
• Use your engineering judgement to tackle problems, make decisions, and keep projects moving.
• Mentor and inspire graduates and engineers, shaping the next generation of talent.
• Collaborate across disciplines to bring multi‑dimensional projects to life.
• Work with developers, contractors and local authorities — adapting to different client needs and building strong partnerships.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical independence with Civil 3D and MicroDrainage (OpenRoads or PDS experience also welcome with a willingness to upskill).
• Confidence liaising with clients, consultants and project managers.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate, influence and grow relationships.
• A visible, hands‑on leadership style — willing to take responsibility for technical solutions while supporting and mentoring others.
• Excellent communication skills — able to adapt your style to suit different audiences.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset, combined with positivity, drive and a real desire to succeed.

What We Offer

• High‑Performance Culture – Work alongside a driven, innovative team where ideas are encouraged and success is celebrated.
• Competitive Salary & Benefits – Enjoy a market‑leading package with 5% pension match, healthcare cash plan, and exclusive perks.
• Career Growth – Access fully funded development programmes, chartership support and professional memberships to drive your progression.
• Flexibility & Wellbeing – Benefit from hybrid working, core hours, 25+ days holiday (with the option to buy more), and a genuine focus on wellbeing.
• Make a Difference – Contribute to meaningful projects, engage with communities and help shape a better future.

We Welcome All Talent

As a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists and military families. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. We champion diversity, inclusion and individuality—whatever your background, if you’re ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you.

Explore our guide, Working for BWB, to find out more and start your journey today!