Principal Highways Design Engineer

Strata Construction Consulting; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Birmingham is seeking a Principal Highways Design Engineer to manage the design process for various projects. The ideal candidate will oversee resource allocations and budget management, ensuring high-quality designs that meet client expectations. Strong technical skills and project management experience in highway design are essential. Competitive salary and innovative benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Profit Share Bonus

Annual and on-the-spot bonuses

Healthcare cash plan

Flexible working initiatives

Paid membership to a professional institution

Subsidised social activities

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams to handle varying workloads.
• Ability to manage resources effectively across projects.
• Technical expertise in highway design, including DMRB standards.
• Prior experience overseeing budgets and project expenditures.
• Robust knowledge in highway project contract management.
• Ability to advise clients on technical highway issues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver designs on time and within budget.
• Manage team resource allocations effectively.
• Prepare and control project budgets.
• Act as primary contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with local design guidance.
• Authorise design information and provide feedback.

Skills

Pro-active management skills

Resource management skills

Strong technical skills in highway design

Project management experience

Independent judgment

Mentoring and supervision of staff

Knowledge of Highways Technical documents

Experience with contract documents

Client advisory skills

Civils 3D CAD proficiency

Job description

We are on the hunt for an experienced Principal Highways Design Engineer to join our client’s new team in Birmingham. In this key role, you will oversee and manage the design process for a range of projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality designs that meet budgetary and client requirements.

What’s on offer:

• Competitive Salary, dependent on experience
• Profit Share Bonus
• Annual and on-the-spot bonuses
• Healthcare cash plan, including dental and optical
• Flexible working initiatives
• Paid membership to a professional institution (CIHT, ICE, etc)
• Subsidised social activities

The role:

• Ensure designs are delivered within programme and within the budget provided;
• Manage resource allocations to ensure team members are fully utilised on the highest priority tasks;
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring cost control and financial accountability, and monitor and track project expenditures against said budget;
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and other project partners;
• Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure effective communication throughout the project lifecycle;
• Ensure that all designs are prepared in accordance with MCHW, DMRB and/or local design guidance, and that the requirements of all relevant Authorities and Statutory bodies are incorporated into designs, as appropriate;
• Undertake and check / authorise design information and reports providing effective feedback;

What you need to succeed:

• Pro‑active management skills with confidence to manage teams in accordance with a growing and varied workload;
• Great resource management skills ensuring projects are resourced with the most effective staff;
• Strong technical skills and experience in a range of highway design environments;
• Proven project management of highway projects and delivery to programme and budget;
• Display sound independent judgment;
• Experience with developing, mentoring and supervision of Highway Design staff;
• Robust working knowledge of Highways Technical documents within the DMRB;
• Experience managing the development of contract documents in accordance with relevant Highway contracts;
• To be able to work with or advise key clients on technical issues in the highway structures sector at a senior level, and;
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Civils 3D CAD package.