Principal Civil Engineer

Principal Civil Engineer
Location: Peterborough with Flexible & Hybrid Working

Fancy working on engineering projects that actually make a difference?

We're working with one of the UK's most respected independent engineering and environmental Consultancies as they look to strengthen their Peterborough team with an experienced Principal Civil Engineer.
This isn't your typical consultancy role. You'll be joining an employee-owned business that has built an excellent reputation for tackling some of the UK's biggest challenges around flooding, climate change, infrastructure resilience and environmental protection. Their work goes far beyond conventional Civil Engineering, bringing together technical design, environmental expertise, advanced modelling and innovative thinking to deliver projects that genuinely improve communities and the places we live.
From major flood alleviation schemes and river engineering to reservoirs, pumping stations, coastal defences and infrastructure improvements, the variety of work is a real selling point. One project might involve developing a traditional reinforced concrete structure or flood defence, while the next could see you working alongside environmental specialists to develop a nature-based solution that reduces flood risk and improves biodiversity.

It's interesting, technically challenging work, and you'll have a genuine say in how it's delivered.

The opportunity
As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll take a leading role in the delivery of engineering projects, providing technical direction, managing multidisciplinary teams and developing relationships with clients across the public and private sectors. You'll be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies, optioneering and concept design through to detailed engineering, construction support and delivery.
You'll have the autonomy to make technical decisions, influence design approaches and take ownership of projects, while having access to a wider network of specialists across Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, geotechnics, hydrology, hydraulic modelling, environmental science and digital engineering. The business works extensively with the Environment Agency, local authorities, water companies, infrastructure organisations and private developers, giving you exposure to an excellent range of projects and clients.
Alongside the technical work, you'll have an important role in developing the team. Whether that's mentoring younger Engineers, reviewing designs, helping colleagues progress towards chartership or contributing to bids and new opportunities, you'll be someone who can help shape the future of the engineering team.
There's also a strong emphasis on doing things differently. The consultancy actively invests in innovation, digital technology and sustainable design, encouraging its Engineers to challenge traditional approaches and explore smarter, more efficient and lower-carbon ways of delivering projects.

What are they looking for?
Ideally, you'll already be operating at Senior or Principal Engineer level within a consultancy environment, with a solid background in Civil Engineering design and the confidence to take responsibility for technical delivery.
Experience in flood risk management, river engineering, water infrastructure, drainage, reservoirs, coastal engineering or environmental infrastructure would be particularly relevant, although they're open to Engineers from other infrastructure backgrounds who can bring transferable experience.
You'll be comfortable managing projects, coordinating design teams, working directly with clients and balancing technical quality with commercial considerations.
A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline would be expected, alongside Incorporated or Chartered status, or demonstrable progress towards professional registration.
Above all, they're looking for someone who enjoys engineering, takes pride in delivering good work and wants to play a meaningful role in the development of a growing team.

Why consider this Consultancy?
There are plenty of Consultancies offering interesting projects, but what makes this business particularly appealing is the combination of technical variety, independence and the way they treat their people.
Employee-owned and independent - The business isn't driven by external shareholders or short-term investor demands. Employee ownership is central to its culture, with a shared interest in the long-term success of the company and access to an employee ownership bonus scheme.
Proper flexibility - Flexible hours, hybrid and remote working opportunities, and a willingness to consider alternative working patterns, including part-time arrangements. They understand that experienced Engineers have commitments outside work and don't believe everyone needs to follow the same rigid schedule.
Investment in your development - A generous training budget, structured professional development, mentoring and support towards professional registration. There's also scope to develop your career beyond Principal level, whether your ambitions are technical, project leadership or wider management.
A genuinely varied workload - You'll be exposed to projects across flood risk, water management, environmental engineering and major infrastructure, rather than being tied to one repetitive type of scheme.
Innovation is encouraged - The business actively supports research, development and new technology, with opportunities to contribute to digital engineering, nature-based solutions and lower-carbon design.
A supportive working environment - You'll join a collaborative team where knowledge sharing is encouraged, backed by experienced specialists across the wider business. Additional benefits include pension provision, wellbeing and mental health support, family-friendly policies and incentives for sustainable commuting.

If you're an experienced Civil Engineer who enjoys the technical side of the job but wants more influence over projects, greater variety and the opportunity to develop others, this could be an excellent move. Equally, if you're currently a Senior Civil Engineer who's ready to take that next step into a Principal position, we'd be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please contact Sam Smith at Calibre Search, or click apply for immediate consideration.

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.