At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of major highways and transport infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to enhancing transport systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through innovative infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; experience in project management required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
To lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of capital‑funded highways and transport infrastructure programmes, including major funding streams such as the Levelling Up Fund (LUF2) and City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). The role provides senior technical and programme leadership across complex, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure schemes, ensuring successful delivery from business case and funding stage through to construction and completion, in line with governance, statutory, and funding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Leadership & Delivery: Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of capital highways and transport programmes. Develop, manage, and monitor programme schedules to ensure timely and compliant delivery. Provide strategic direction across LUF2, CRSTS, and other funded infrastructure schemes. Ensure alignment of projects with regeneration, transport, and corporate priorities.
- Design, Technical & Cost Assurance: Oversee the development of engineering designs, drawings, cost estimates, and delivery programmes. Provide technical leadership and assurance across all stages of scheme development. Ensure compliance with design standards, funding criteria, and statutory requirements. Support the preparation of business cases and funding submissions.
- Contract & Consultant Management: Manage external consultants, contractors, and specialist advisors supporting programme delivery. Ensure performance, quality, and value for money across all external partners. Oversee contractual delivery and ensure outputs meet agreed requirements.
- Stakeholder & Partnership Working: Act as key liaison between internal council teams, elected members, and external partners. Work closely with regional bodies such as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Coordinate cross‑service collaboration to support integrated infrastructure delivery.
- Public Consultation & Engagement: Lead consultation activities for major infrastructure schemes, including public exhibitions and stakeholder engagement. Manage public and political communication relating to scheme development and delivery. Ensure transparent and effective engagement throughout project lifecycles.
- Governance, Funding & Compliance: Ensure all schemes comply with funding conditions, statutory requirements, and council governance frameworks. Oversee monitoring, reporting, audit, and assurance processes for capital programmes. Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate project and programme risks.
- Strategic Programme Development: Support the development of future capital programme pipelines and investment opportunities. Contribute to business case development and funding bids for major infrastructure schemes. Assist in prioritisation of projects in line with strategic transport objectives.
- Representation & Corporate Role: Represent the service at internal boards, committees, and external regional forums. Act as a professional lead on highways and transport infrastructure matters. Respond to correspondence and enquiries from members, stakeholders, and the public.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications & Knowledge: Degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Highways Engineering, or related discipline. Strong understanding of highway design, transport infrastructure delivery, and capital project management. Knowledge of public sector governance, procurement, and funding frameworks (e.g. LUF, CRSTS).
- Experience: Significant experience delivering capital highways or transport infrastructure projects. Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams and external consultants/contractors. Proven track record in programme delivery from concept through to construction. Experience in stakeholder engagement, including public consultation. Experience working with regional transport bodies or similar organisations.
- Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership and programme management capability. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment. Strong technical judgement and problem‑solving ability. Confident in representing the organisation in high‑profile settings.
Desirable Criteria
- Chartered Engineer (ICE or equivalent) or working towards.
- Experience in regeneration‑led or city‑region transport programmes.
- Familiarity with design software (e.g. AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
- Previous local authority or public sector infrastructure experience.
Principal Engineer – Capital Highways Delivery – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Principal Engineer in Capital Highways Delivery, you will join a forward-thinking organisation committed to enhancing transport infrastructure while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our team prioritises professional development, offering ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area with strong community ties, we encourage innovation and engagement, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public infrastructure.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Capital Highways Delivery – AR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in highways and transport infrastructure. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in delivering complex projects to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Capital Highways Delivery – AR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in capital highways and transport infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects from start to finish, especially in complex environments.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement:This position requires excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Be sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve engaged with public or political stakeholders, as well as how you handled consultations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highway design and transport infrastructure delivery. Familiarise yourself with the Levelling Up Fund and City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams or managed complex projects. Highlight how you ensured compliance and quality in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial for this role. Think of instances where you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders, including public consultations. Be ready to discuss how you handled communication and collaboration to ensure project success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to engineering designs, cost estimates, and programme schedules. Brush up on relevant design standards and statutory requirements. Being well-prepared will help you answer confidently and demonstrate your technical judgement.
