Senior/Principal Highway Engineer

A leading independent transport planning & highway engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior/Principal Highways Engineer to join its team in Basingstoke. With a strong national presence and a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to complex transport challenges, this consultancy offers an excellent platform for experienced professionals looking to take the next step in their career.

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role where you will drive the delivery of complex highway design projects, provide technical direction, and play an active role in business growth. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, manage high-profile projects, and lead multidisciplinary teams across a diverse project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead highway design projects from feasibility through to detailed design
• Provide technical leadership and act as a key problem-solver on complex schemes
• Oversee project delivery, including budgets, resourcing, and programme management
• Lead negotiations with highway authorities and key stakeholders
• Review and approve technical reports, drawings, and fee proposals
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (MfS, DMRB, LTN 1/20, TSRGD)
• Oversee junction modelling and traffic analysis
• Lead stakeholder engagement across clients, local authorities, and consultees
• Mentor and develop design teams, including junior engineers and technicians

Essential:

• Significant experience in highway design within a consultancy environment
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and key stakeholders (e.g. local authorities, National Highways, Active Travel England, TfL)
• Proven project management experience (budget, programme, and resources)
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
• Experience in junction modelling and traffic analysis
• In-depth knowledge of relevant design standards and guidance
• Experience with planning obligations (S106/CIL), TROs, and related processes
• Strong leadership and team development experience
• Commercial awareness and experience preparing fee proposals
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer (IEng/CEng) or working towards
• Membership of a relevant professional body (ICE, CIHT, CILT)
• Experience in planning appeals and environmental assessments
• Knowledge of emerging transport technologies and data sources
• Experience with cost estimation tools such as SPONS
• Active involvement in business development

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays
• Enhanced pension contributions (up to 15% with service)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, and critical illness cover
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Payment of two professional subscriptions

If interested in this position, but perhaps 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.