At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on design of roads and drainage, ensuring practical engineering solutions.
- Company: Respected UK engineering consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, strong CPD support, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and proven experience in UK highways and drainage design.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Location – Manchester city centre (Hybrid)
Elb Recruit is partnering with a respected UK engineering consultancy with offices in Manchester and Leeds to appoint a Senior Civil Design Engineer (hands-on technical role) with strong experience in roads and drainage design. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys being deeply involved in design delivery, not just oversight, while still taking a leading role within the team.
With a strong pipeline of residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure schemes, you’ll join a forward-thinking consultancy that values practical engineering input, collaboration and technical excellence. We are seeking an experienced design engineer with a strong background in UK civil infrastructure delivery. In this senior position, you will remain closely involved in the production and development of design solutions while also supporting technical leadership across projects.
You will lead the delivery of highways, drainage and SuDS design work, producing, checking and refining design outputs, and ensuring solutions are buildable, compliant and commercially sound from feasibility through to detailed design. Alongside your design responsibilities, you’ll support and guide junior engineers through active project involvement, sharing knowledge directly within live design environments.
- Lead and actively contribute to the hands-on design of highways, drainage, utilities and SuDS systems
- Produce, check and review calculations, drawings and technical outputs
- Use design software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PDS, Causeway Flow / MicroDrainage
- Interpret topographical surveys, ground investigation data and existing infrastructure information
- Develop practical, buildable engineering solutions in line with client and regulatory requirements
- Act as a technical point of contact for clients, contractors and local authorities
- Support fee proposals, project delivery planning and technical resourcing
- Ensure compliance with UK standards including the Highways Act, Water Industry Act and relevant design codes
- Provide on-the-job technical mentoring to junior and intermediate engineers
- Contribute directly to improving design quality, efficiency and best practice within the team
You are a technically strong, hands-on civil engineer who enjoys being close to the design process and delivering real engineering solutions. You combine practical design capability with leadership skills and a collaborative approach.
- Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline
- Strong, proven experience in UK highways and drainage design (hands-on delivery role)
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PDS, MicroDrainage / Causeway Flow
- Experience producing drainage strategies, Flood Risk Assessments and detailed technical reports
- Background in residential, commercial and industrial development infrastructure
- Experience with S38 / S278 highways and adoptable drainage (S104 / S106 processes)
- Strong understanding of UK design standards and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to deliver high-quality design work independently and as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, buildable design mindset
- Experience mentoring engineers through active project involvement
- Excellent communication and client-facing ability
- Full UK driving licence
- Hybrid working and flexible hours
- Strong CPD support and clear technical career progression
- Option to purchase additional holiday
- Cycle-to-work scheme and wellbeing initiatives
- Collaborative, design-focused culture with regular team events
To discuss this opportunity in more detail or looking for an insight into the engineering market, contact, or apply today.
Senior Civil Engineer in Manchester employer: elb recruit
Join a forward-thinking engineering consultancy in the heart of Manchester, where your expertise in roads and drainage design will be valued and nurtured. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises technical excellence and employee growth, you'll benefit from hybrid working options, strong CPD support, and opportunities to mentor junior engineers while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Civil Engineer in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend engineering meetups, seminars, or even local events. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in roads and drainage design. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how you tackled challenges – this will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of UK design standards and regulatory frameworks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D, as well as your approach to producing drainage strategies and Flood Risk Assessments.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 – it shows you're serious about landing that Senior Civil Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Civil Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience in roads and drainage design, as well as your proficiency with relevant software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they align with our focus on practical engineering solutions and collaboration.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your technical expertise. Include details about your experience with drainage strategies, Flood Risk Assessments, and any relevant UK design standards you've worked with.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our forward-thinking consultancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at elb recruit
✨Know Your Design Software
Make sure you're well-versed in the design software mentioned in the job description, like AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools effectively.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in roads and drainage design. Have examples ready that highlight your involvement in the design process, from feasibility to detailed design, and how you ensured compliance with UK standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, think of instances where you've taken a leadership role. Be ready to share how you've guided others through projects and contributed to improving design quality within your team.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the relevant UK design standards and regulatory frameworks, such as the Highways Act and Water Industry Act. Being able to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past projects will show your depth of knowledge and readiness for the role.
