Principal Engineer (Highway Infrastructure)

SCP Transport; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading highways consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Principal Consultant to lead infrastructure projects and mentor junior engineers. Candidates should have significant experience in highways engineering and strong client-facing skills. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

8% pension contribution

Career growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Flexible Working Options

Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ experience in highways engineering with at least 2–3 years in a senior/lead role.
• Proven track record in delivering highways projects from design to construction.
• Strong client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the design, procurement, and delivery of highways infrastructure projects.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients.
• Mentor and support junior engineers.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring junior engineers

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Vacancy

Principal Highways Infrastructure Consultant – Manchester, UK

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 + 8% Pension Contribution

Hours: 35-hour working week

Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)

Are you an experienced highways engineer ready to step into a senior technical role where you’ll lead projects, mentor junior colleagues, and play a key part in delivering sustainable infrastructure? If so, we want you to join our growing Manchester team as a Principal Consultant.

Take ownership of complex projects, strengthen client relationships, and support the growth of our highways offering across the North West.

Why Join Us?

• Challenging, High-Impact Projects – Lead the delivery of major highways and transport schemes that improve connectivity and shape sustainable communities.
• Career Growth & Development – Access structured career pathways, professional development support, and opportunities to work towards Associate Director level.
• Collaborative Culture – Join a friendly, team-focused environment where knowledge-sharing and mentoring are highly valued.
• Competitive Package – Benefit from a strong salary, hybrid working options, 8% pension, modern office facilities, and support with professional memberships.
• Client Exposure & Responsibility – Work directly with local authorities, developers, and contractors to influence project outcomes.

The Role

As a Principal Consultant, you will manage and deliver highways infrastructure projects from feasibility through to delivery. You’ll combine strong technical skills with leadership of project teams, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the design, procurement, and delivery of highways infrastructure projects.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients, building strong relationships with local authorities, developers, and contractors.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering professional development within the team.
• Contribute to bid preparation and business growth opportunities.
• Monitor project budgets, risks, and resources to ensure successful delivery.
• Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant design standards.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership through ICE/CIHT.
• BEng/BSc or MEng in Civil Engineering.
• 8–10 years’ experience in highways engineering, with at least 2–3 years in a senior/lead role.
• Proven track record in delivering highways projects, from design to construction.
• Strong client-facing skills with experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers.

Desirable

• Experience across residential, commercial, education, or public sector highways projects.
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT contracts and financial project management.
• Exposure to working with London Boroughs, TfL, or Local Highway Authorities.
• Experience in business development and supporting bid preparation.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Manchester (Fourways House) – expected in-office presence at least 3 days per week.
• Travel to client meetings and project sites as required.
• Flexible and hybrid working options available.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want the opportunity to deliver meaningful highways projects while developing towards leadership, apply today!

About Us

In January 2022, we joined the RSK group: a merger that mirrors each company’s commitment to an engaging and open company culture. We highly value our people’s input, building strong and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, and the desire to grow a strong and sustainable business. SCP will continue to serve its clients without any fundamental changes except by expanding our geographical capabilities and our team.

SCP is a specialist transportation planning, highway, and drainage infrastructure design consultancy that has been offering multi-disciplinary professional services to the private and public sectors since 1991. We have offices located strategically around the UK, including offices in Manchester, Leeds, and London. Our service grouping includes advising and supporting at the master-planning stages of development proposals, conducting detailed assessments for approvals processes and the implementation stages. The business also has long-established expert witness relationships with planning barristers across the UK.

SCP is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues\' growth. We\'re committed to preserving RSK\'s people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.

If you\'re passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?