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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting civil engineering projects and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Join PJA, a top independent consultancy in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make an impact on diverse projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering with extensive technical experience required.
- Other info: Opportunities for quick progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit an experienced Principal Engineer or Associate to support the continuing success of our civil engineering team in the Reading office. This is an excellent opportunity to help develop a strategically important sector of the business.
PJA is currently engaged in a number of projects ranging from small scale highway improvements and developments up to multi-million pound highway, public realm and active travel projects and strategic development sites working with clients in both the private and public sectors.
Our ideal candidate
- Provide design expertise and support on a wide range of highway, public realm and development projects ensuring designs are prepared in accordance with current legislation, best practice, council policies and to the highest technical standards.
- Run their own projects and grow and develop their team, providing technical mentoring to more junior team members.
- Have a degree in Civil Engineering (or other appropriate qualification) and extensive in-depth technical experience.
- Possess strong commercial and financial management skills, as well as expertise in negotiations with highway and planning authorities to agree proposed designs.
They will also have:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of national design standards and best practice (i.e. DMRB, Manual for Streets, LTN 1/20, NRSWA etc).
- Knowledge of adoption agreements for highways and drainage (including S278, S38 & S104).
- Comprehensive understanding and use of software packages including AutoCAD and Civils 3D.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Experience of meeting attendance to discuss issues with clients, architects, contractors, local authorities and other statutory bodies.
- Good time management and organisational skills with the ability to maintain good records.
- Experience of leading a team, managing resources and delivering projects on time and to a budget.
- Ability to build a team and mentor junior members of staff.
- Ability to establish new client relationships to help develop and grow the business.
- The ability to produce technical reports.
- Experience of construction phase site monitoring/supervision and contract management would be advantageous, as would familiarity of producing and reviewing fee proposals and bids, experience of the financial management and control of projects and working knowledge of different contract types and procurement options.
Rewards and Benefits
As a member of the PJA team, you can expect:
- An attractive and modern working environment with good accessibility by all modes of transport.
- The opportunity to progress quickly within the firm.
- A wide range of challenging projects.
- Ongoing support, training and mentoring from senior professionals within the business with a real commitment from senior management towards personal and professional development.
- An attractive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive salary.
- 25 Days annual leave plus the ability to purchase additional days.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Private healthcare.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Payment of professional subscription.
- Membership of our group pension scheme.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for this role, then please email your CV and a covering letter. Please ensure you state the role you are applying for in the email subject. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Engineering – Principal / Associate Engineer – Reading employer: PJA
Contact Detail:
PJA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering – Principal / Associate Engineer – Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific design standards and best practices mentioned in the job description, such as DMRB and Manual for Streets. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the civil engineering field, especially those who have experience with PJA or similar consultancies. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail, particularly how you've managed resources and delivered projects on time and within budget. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research PJA's recent projects and initiatives to understand their focus areas and values. This will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering – Principal / Associate Engineer – Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in civil engineering, particularly in highway and public realm projects. Emphasise your technical skills, such as proficiency in AutoCAD and Civils 3D, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or aspects of PJA that attract you, and explain how your background aligns with their needs, especially in terms of design expertise and project management.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of national design standards and best practices in your application. Reference specific guidelines like DMRB or Manual for Streets to show you are well-versed in the industry standards expected by PJA.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience: Since the role involves mentoring junior team members, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, delivered projects on time, and built client relationships in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at PJA
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your in-depth technical experience in civil engineering during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving highway improvements and public realm developments, as this aligns closely with what PJA is looking for.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires interaction with clients, architects, and local authorities, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication and negotiation skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated discussions or resolved conflicts in past projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Brush up on national design standards and best practices such as DMRB and Manual for Streets. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you are well-versed in the necessary regulations and can ensure compliance in your work.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience in managing resources and delivering projects on time and within budget. Have specific examples ready that showcase your organisational skills and ability to lead a team, as these are key aspects of the role.
