Principal Engineer / Associate – Highways & Civil Engineering

Envisage Recruitment Limited; Leicester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Extra day off for your birthday

Performance-related bonus

Clear career progression support

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer or Associate to lead and deliver projects in highways and public realm. This role involves preparing technical reports, managing timelines and budgets, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Civil Engineering, extensive project experience, and proficiency in AutoCAD and Civils 3D. A competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in highways, public realm, or development projects.
• Knowledge of national design standards: DMRB, Manual for Streets, LTN 1/20, NRSWA.
• Experience preparing Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from concept to delivery while ensuring compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and manage budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and authorities to resolve issues.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, architects and authorities to resolve design and delivery issues.
• Build client relationships and support business development.

Skills

Strong communication

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

GIS

Job description

Competitive Salary DOE

• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (3 at Christmas)
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Performance‑related bonus (at Director’s discretion)
• Clear career progression and professional development support

We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer or Associate to lead and deliver a variety of projects across highways, public realm, and development schemes. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of projects, mentor a growing team, and contribute to the strategic growth of a successful consultancy.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead projects from concept to delivery, ensuring compliance with legislation, best practice, and local authority requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, Flood Risk Assessments, and drainage strategies for planning applications.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines while mentoring junior staff.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, architects, and authorities to resolve design and delivery issues.
• Build client relationships and support business development.

What We’re Looking For:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in highways, public realm, or development projects.
• Knowledge of national design standards (DMRB, Manual for Streets, LTN 1/20, NRSWA) and adoption agreements (S278, S38, S104).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and GIS.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and team leadership skills.
• Experience preparing Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies; knowledge of SuDS, NPPF & PPG, Flood and Water Management Act, and related legislation.
• Chartered status (CIHT/ICE/CIWEM) or working towards it is desirable.

Nice to Have:

• Construction phase monitoring, contract management, and procurement experience.
• Experience producing bids and managing project finances.
• Understanding of Flood Risk Activity Permitting and Land Drainage Consent processes.

Apply Now

to take the next step in your career with a consultancy that values expertise, leadership, and growth.