Principal / Associate Civil Engineer in Bristol

A growing engineering consultancy is looking to bring an experienced Principal / Associate Civil Engineer into its Civil Engineering team. This is a role for someone who is ready to have a genuine influence on projects, people and the direction of a growing team. Rather than simply being responsible for producing designs, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, provide technical leadership and help shape the engineers working around you.

The project portfolio is particularly varied, covering major regeneration, education, commercial, sports, residential and infrastructure schemes, alongside highways, earthworks and wider development infrastructure.

What will you be responsible for?

• Involvement throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility and concept design through planning, detailed design and ultimately construction.
• Taking technical ownership of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
• Leading the design of highways, external works, levels, earthworks and site infrastructure.
• Developing drainage strategies and detailed SuDS, foul and surface water drainage solutions.
• Managing projects, programmes, resources, fees and deliverables.
• Reviewing and signing off technical work produced by engineers and technicians.
• Providing direction and technical support to project teams.
• Working directly with clients, architects and other disciplines to develop practical, coordinated solutions.
• Liaising with Highway Authorities, LLFAs, water companies and other statutory bodies.
• Supporting fee proposals, project planning and commercial management.
• Mentoring and developing engineers and technicians.
• Helping shape the continued growth of the wider Civil Engineering team.

The kind of experience we're looking for:

• Operating at a senior level within a UK civil engineering consultancy.
• Comfortable taking responsibility for both technical delivery and project management.
• A strong background in infrastructure, drainage and development-related civil engineering.
• Chartered status, or significant progress towards Chartership.
• Strong experience across civil engineering, infrastructure and drainage design.
• Detailed knowledge of SuDS, flood risk and drainage principles.
• Experience with highways, levels, earthworks, external works and site infrastructure.
• Confidence leading and mentoring engineers and technicians.
• Strong knowledge of relevant UK standards and design guidance.
• Experience with Civil 3D, AutoCAD, InfoDrainage, Causeway Flow or comparable software.
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Good commercial understanding, including project fees, resources and programmes.

Why consider it?

The attraction here is the breadth of the role. You'll be working on a varied project portfolio rather than being tied to one particular sector, while having the autonomy to take projects forward and influence the way they are delivered. There is also scope to make your mark beyond individual projects - developing junior staff, supporting the growth of the Civil Engineering function and becoming an important part of the wider consultancy as it continues to expand.

The package includes:

• Competitive salary.
• Benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• UK and international project exposure.
• Significant technical and project ownership.
• Mentoring and leadership opportunities.
• Support for continued professional development.
• Long-term progression within a growing consultancy.

If you're already working at Principal or Associate level and are looking for a position where you'll have genuine responsibility rather than simply another step up the ladder, this could be worth exploring.