Principal Highway Engineer – Highway Condition Specialist

Connected Local Government; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Government Agency in the UK seeks a driven Professional Civil Engineer specialized in highways engineering. This role involves leading projects, managing teams, and engaging with clients. Ideal candidates will hold a Civil Engineering degree with over 10 years of highway engineering experience. Responsibilities include technical oversight, budget management, and business development. The role requires some travel to New Zealand and attendance at events in the UK. Full-time position with comprehensive benefits including pension and holidays.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Pension scheme

Onsite parking

Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Chartered or Incorporated Membership of the ICE or equivalent.
• 10 years experience in Highway Engineering.
• Ability to interpret road condition survey data.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team for technical solutions.
• Take commercial responsibility for project budgets.
• Act as key liaison with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Chartered or Incorporated Membership of the ICE (or equivalent)

10 years post qualification experience in Highway Engineering

Strong presentation skills

Competency in using Microsoft Office applications

Education

Degree (BEng/MEng) in Civil Engineering

Tools

Asset management software

Job description

Job Purpose & Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a driven and experienced Professional Civil Engineer with a strong background in highways engineering to join our team. This is a leadership role with both technical and commercial responsibilities, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on a range of projects, including international work.

• Working with public and private sector clients to analyse survey data to inform policy objectives, programmes of work, and to deliver bespoke consultancy commissions.
• Lead and manage a team in the delivery of technical solutions, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and client expectations.
• Provide oversight and guidance to colleagues performing similar roles within WDM.
• Take full commercial responsibility for projects within your portfolio, including budget control and cost management.
• Act as a key liaison with clients and suppliers, attending progress meetings and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Support the development of new business by contributing to bid preparation.
• Promote and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare across all project activities.
• Fulfil a technical and managerial leadership role in our operations in New Zealand.

Skills/Qualifications

• Chartered or Incorporated Membership of the ICE (or equivalent recognised body) registered with the Engineering Council.
• 10 years post qualification experience in Highway Engineering.
• A degree (BEng/MEng) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in road condition surveying, with the ability to interpret survey data and a detailed knowledge of skid resistance principles.
• Proficiency in using asset management software (note: the WDM system is bespoke to our organisation).
• Strong presentation skills and confidence in engaging with both UK-based and international clients.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the varied demands of the role.
• Competency in using Microsoft Office applications.
• Managerial skills (Desirable)

Additional Information

The candidate will be required to travel to New Zealand for around 4-6 weeks/year (spread over 2-3 occasions) The first of these trips will be in October 2026.

Attendance to events across the UK may also be required.

Proposed Start Date:April 2026

Working Hours/Benefits

Working hours:Full time 37.5 hours per week, you may be required to work additional hours as and when required.
Holidays:25 days per annum, plus recognised public holidays.
Pension:The company operates a pension scheme which fully complies with all pension scheme automatic enrolment legislation.
Parking:Onsite parking available.

Cycle 2 Work Scheme