Principal Highways Engineer/Lead Designers’ Site Representative in Manchester

We are seeking an experienced Lead Designer's Site Representative (DSR) to provide technical and coordination support to the contractor during the construction phase of the M60 Simister Island project. The role ensures that design intent is maintained, technical queries are managed efficiently, temporary and permanent works interfaces are coordinated, and construction complies with statutory, contractual, and safety obligations.

Design Support During Construction

• Provide clarification of design intent to site teams.
• Coordinate technical queries and requests for information within agreed timescales.
• Review and comment on contractor proposals, value engineering submissions, and alternative design solutions.
• Review and respond to material acceptance requests for permanent works.
• Support Early Warning and Compensation Event assessments.
• Produce and update design‑related PCF products as necessary to support Stage Gate Assessment Reviews.

Interface & Team Management

• Act as the primary on‑site representative of the design team, overseeing a team of DSRs.
• Attend site meetings, progress reviews and technical workshops.
• Coordinate:
• Permanent works designers
• Temporary works designers
• Utilities providers
• Earthworks, drainage, pavement, structures and other highways disciplines/teams/subcontractors
• Ensure designs comply with:
• DMRB (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges)
• CDM Regulations 2015
• Relevant Eurocodes and British Standards
• Client technical approval in principle requirements
• Assist in maintaining the Design Risk Register and Hazard Elimination Records.
• Support compliance with technical approval processes.

Change Control

• Identify and assess the impact of design changes on scope and compliance to standards.
• Support design change management procedures in line with NEC or other contract requirements, including maintaining records.
• Provide technical input to programme and cost impact assessments.

Stakeholder & Client Liaison

• Act as a point of contact for client technical representatives.
• Support Technical Approval Authority (TAA) submissions and responses.
• Provide reports on design performance and emerging risks.
• Support production of as‑built documentation, ensuring approved design changes are captured.
• Support audits of design deliverables and site compliance.
• Assist in preparation of Health & Safety File and other handover requirements.

Quality Assurance

• Support production of as‑built documentation, ensuring approved design changes are captured.
• Support audits of design deliverables and site compliance.
• Assist in preparation of Health & Safety File and other handover requirements.

Qualifications Key Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience on UK highways projects (major schemes preferred).
• Knowledge of DMRB and CDM 2015.
• Experience operating under NEC4 contracts.
• Proven understanding of:
• Drainage
• Earthworks
• Pavements
• Highway structures
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications confidently.

Desirable

• Chartered (ICE or equivalent).
• Experience with National Highways schemes.
• Temporary works coordination experience.
• Use of BIM / Common Data Environment platforms (e.g., ProjectWise, BIM360).

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.