Senior Highway Design Lead

Matchtech; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an Associate Director - Highway Engineering Design to lead delivery of highway, traffic, active travel and public realm schemes across the UK from a hybrid working setup in the Manchester area.

You will manage a team of ~5 engineers, develop long‑term client relationships, drive business growth and shape the future direction of the Highway Design Practice while upholding quality, safety and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering highway engineering, traffic, active travel and public realm projects through concept, preliminary and detailed design stages.
• Proven experience leading highway and infrastructure design projects within urban and development‑led environments.
• Strong understanding of UK highway design standards, guidance and approval processes.
• Experience preparing and managing Section 278 and Section 38 submissions for both permanent and temporary highway works.
• Proven experience in active travel, cycling, walking and road‑space reallocation schemes.
• Strong understanding of BIM processes, Common Data Environments (CDEs) and digital project delivery.
• Experience using industry‑standard highway design software, including AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Ability to manage and deliver projects to programme, budget and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multidisciplinary highway engineering projects from concept to detailed design and implementation.
• Manage a broad range of traffic engineering, active travel, public realm and development‑related projects.
• Act as Project Manager on complex schemes, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and quality standards.
• Manage project risks, resources, programmes and stakeholder expectations across the lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, standards, client requirements and quality procedures.
• Maintain focus on commercial performance, profitability and client satisfaction.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across a wide range of highway design projects.
• Review outputs for compliance and drive innovative, efficient design solutions.
• Support business development, bids and framework submissions.

Skills

Highway engineering delivery

Traffic engineering

Active travel

Public realm design

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Bid/tender experience

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

UK highway standards

BIM / CDE

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

CEng or equivalent

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Matchtech is seeking an Associate Director - Highway Engineering Design to lead delivery of highway, traffic, active travel and public realm schemes across the UK from a hybrid working setup in the Manchester area.

You will manage a team of ~5 engineers, develop long‑term client relationships, drive business growth and shape the future direction of the Highway Design Practice while upholding quality, safety and technical excellence.