Principal Highways Engineer

Principal Highways Engineer- Manchester (Hybrid)
Location: Manchester, UK
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 + 8% Pension
Hours: 35 per week (Hybrid Working Available)

Are you an experienced Highways Engineer ready to take the next step into a Principal-level role? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established, forward-thinking engineering consultancy with a strong presence across the North West.

My client is seeking a Principal Highways Infrastructure Consultant to lead the design and delivery of major transport and infrastructure projects, mentor junior engineers, and play a key role in the continued growth of their highways team.

The Opportunity
As Principal Engineer, you'll take ownership of complex highways projects from feasibility through to delivery. You'll act as a trusted client advisor, provide technical leadership, and ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

You'll also have the chance to contribute to business development, helping shape future growth while supporting and developing emerging talent within the team.

What's in it for you

• Exciting Projects: Deliver high-profile highways and transport schemes that have a lasting community impact.
• Career Progression: Structured pathways to senior leadership and professional development support (including chartership).
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive and knowledge-sharing team culture.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid arrangements and a 35-hour working week for better work-life balance.
• Competitive Package: £50-60K base salary, 8% pension contribution, and professional membership support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, procurement, and delivery of highways infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, risks, and resources to ensure successful outcomes.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of professional growth.
• Contribute to business development, proposals, and bid writing.
• Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant technical standards.

About You
Essential:

• Chartered (CEng) or working towards chartership via ICE/CIHT.
• Degree-qualified (BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering).
• 8-10 years' highways engineering experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Proven record of delivering highways projects from design through construction.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.

Desirable:

• Exposure to residential, commercial, or public sector infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts.
• Experience with local authorities or transport bodies.
• Involvement in business development or bid support.

Work Environment

• Manchester-based (hybrid working - typically 3 days in the office).
• Occasional travel to client meetings and project sites

If interested in this position, but would like to find out more before formally applying, please contact Taylor Smith at Calibre Search Manchester.

Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.