Principal Development Engineer

CHESHIRE East; Crewe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Development Engineer to manage the borough's transport infrastructure. This role involves overseeing third-party highway works, ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards, and leading on legal agreements and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications and have experience in the highways or transportation field. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work flexibly across the borough are essential.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in a highways or transportation environment.
• Proven track record in managing and reviewing highway works.
• Experience in preparing legal agreements under the Highways Act.

Responsibilities

• Shape the borough’s transport infrastructure.
• Manage and review third-party highway works.
• Lead on complex legal agreements and financial risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Planning

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Recognised qualification in a relevant or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role

As a Principal Development Engineer at Cheshire East Council, you will play a key role in shaping the borough’s transport infrastructure. This senior technical position involves managing and reviewing third-party highway works, ensuring designs meet safety, legal, and quality standards while protecting the Council’s long-term interests. You will lead on complex legal agreements, financial risk management, and stakeholder engagement, driving innovation and consistency across highway development processes.

To succeed in the role, you will have:

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised qualification in a relevant or related field (e.g. highways or transportation).
• Post-qualification experience in a highways or transportation environment.
• Proven track record in managing, monitoring, and reviewing the design and implementation of highway works.
• Experience in preparing and enforcing statutory legal agreements under the Highways Act and related legislation.

Technical Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of Highway Law, Planning Law, and statutory procedures.
• Knowledge of Highways Act 1980, Planning Act, New Roads and Street Works Act, and CDM Regulations.
• Familiarity with development control policies, health and safety regulations, and financial risk management.
• Awareness of transport network management and its role in achieving environmental and transport objectives.

Skills and Tools

• Ability to lead, influence, and enthuse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong planning, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and specialist tools such as AutoCAD and adoption management systems.
• Capable of preparing technical designs, safety audits, and legal documentation.

Communication and Flexibility

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and partnership working.
• Flexible approach to work with willingness to travel across the borough.
• Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide accurate advice in spoken English.

For further information please contact Paul Griffiths via email; [e-mail] or for an informal chat about the role please contact Paul Griffiths on 01270 686353 or Simon Skates on 07887 631528.