Senior Engineer - Roads, Drainage & Civil Engineering Location: Birmingham, West Midlands - candidates based within a 50-mile radius considered Sector: Civil Engineering | Highways | Infrastructure | Drainage Employment Type: Permanent Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package The Opportunity We are recruiting for an experienced Senior Engineer to join a well-established civil engineering contractor delivering roads, highways, drainage and infrastructure schemes across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. This role is suited to a hands-on Senior Engineer with a strong technical and practical background in civil engineering construction, particularly roads, drainage, setting out and site delivery. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating engineering activities, supervising Site Engineers, managing technical requirements and ensuring construction works are delivered safely, accurately and in accordance with programme. We are particularly interested in engineers who have developed their careers on site and possess strong experience working for civil engineering contractors. Key Responsibilities Oversee engineering activities on roads, highways, drainage and civil engineering projects. Manage and coordinate setting out, surveying and site engineering operations. Support the Site Agent and Project Manager with day-to-day construction delivery. Supervise and mentor Site Engineers, Graduate Engineers and engineering subcontractors. Ensure construction works are delivered in accordance with drawings, specifications and quality requirements. Coordinate engineering activities associated with drainage installation, road construction, earthworks and utilities. Review technical drawings, specifications and construction methodologies. Prepare and review RAMS, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), permits and engineering documentation. Manage quality assurance, inspections, as-built surveys and handover records. Resolve technical and engineering issues arising during construction. Liaise with designers, subcontractors, clients and site management teams. Monitor construction progress and support short-term programming. Coordinate materials, plant and engineering resources. Ensure compliance with site health, safety, environmental and quality procedures. Assist with temporary works coordination and technical approvals where required. Essential Experience Proven experience working as a Senior Engineer or experienced Site Engineer within civil engineering construction. Strong hands-on experience delivering roads, highways and drainage works. Demonstrable experience with setting out, surveying and site engineering. Practical knowledge of drainage systems, road formation, kerbing, surfacing, earthworks and associated infrastructure. Experience working on live construction sites for civil engineering contractors. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical information. Experience managing quality assurance documentation, ITPs and as-built records. Confidence supervising engineering activities and coordinating site teams. Strong understanding of construction sequencing and engineering delivery. Full UK driving licence. Desirable Qualifications & Technical Skills Degree, HNC or HND in Civil Engineering. CSCS card. SSSTS or SMSTS. Experience using Leica, Trimble or Topcon surveying equipment. Proficiency with AutoCAD and engineering surveying software. Temporary Works Supervisor or Coordinator experience. Experience working under NEC contracts. Knowledge of Section 278 and Section 38 highway works. Relevant Project Experience Candidates should ideally have worked on projects involving: Highway construction and road improvement schemes. Road widening, junction improvements and access roads. Surface water and foul drainage installation. Deep drainage, manholes and attenuation systems. Earthworks, excavations and groundworks. Kerbing, road formation, sub-base and surfacing. Utilities and associated infrastructure. Reinforced concrete and structural civil engineering works. Major infrastructure or highway improvement packages. Ideal Candidate Profile We are seeking a Senior Engineer who combines technical engineering ability with practical construction delivery experience. The ideal candidate will have progressed through Site Engineer roles and will be comfortable taking responsibility for engineering activities across multiple work fronts. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering roads and drainage works on site, rather than experience limited to design, consultancy or office-based engineering. Location Requirements Candidates should be based in Birmingham or within approximately 50 miles, including Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Solihull, Tamworth, Redditch, Worcester, Warwick, Stafford and surrounding areas. Regular site attendance across the West Midlands will be required. The Package Competitive salary and benefits package. Long-term career opportunities. Opportunity to work on substantial roads, drainage and infrastructure projects. Supportive engineering and site management teams. Career progression towards Site Agent and Project Manager positions. To Apply If you are a Senior Engineer with strong roads, drainage and civil engineering delivery experience, we would welcome a confidential conversation about the opportunity
Senior Engineer - Highways & Civil Engineering in Birmingham employer: Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
At Diamond and the Danny Sullivan Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in major infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - Highways & Civil Engineering in Birmingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Engineer - Highways & Civil Engineering at Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!