At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil engineering design for innovative water sector projects and mentor aspiring engineers.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm with a focus on collaboration and professional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, flexible working, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant office atmosphere with free gym access and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in water industry design and Chartered Engineer status required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to take a leading technical role within our multidisciplinary design team in the water sector. This position is suited to a Chartered Engineer with strong design experience who enjoys solving complex engineering problems, guiding design teams and ensuring high standards of technical delivery. You will lead civil engineering design across projects, mentor engineers at different stages of their careers and provide technical leadership to ensure designs are safe, compliant and efficiently delivered. Working closely with our Design Manager and Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our projects are delivered to high professional and technical standards.
The Role
As Principal Civil Engineer, you will take ownership of the civil engineering design input across a range of water sector projects. Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring design deliverables meet safety, quality and regulatory requirements
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, design risk assessments (DRAs), reports and technical specifications
- Developing efficient and practical engineering solutions based on scopes, site visits and client requirements
- Communicating design solutions clearly to clients and project teams
- Directing and supporting engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Guiding design work to ensure compliance with technical standards, professional guidance and water company specifications
- Ensuring design changes are properly implemented and recorded within project documentation
- Working within established design processes and procedures to maintain quality and consistency
- Estimating design hours and supporting project planning
- Attending and presenting engineering solutions at design reviews, ALM and KM meetings
- Reviewing and interpreting technical standards, procedures and updates
- Undertaking the role of Professional Head for discipline and Responsible Engineer/CRE for specific projects
- Providing key technical guidance for both projects and tenders
- Supporting the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
We are looking for an experienced civil engineer with strong knowledge of water industry design and a track record of leading engineering solutions.
Essential
- 10+ years’ design experience within the regulated water industry
- Degree or HND in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer status
- Experience producing hydraulic calculations and hydraulic profiles
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering systems
- Experience delivering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure designs
- Experience working on outline and detailed design stages
- Knowledge of construction methods, materials and engineering drawing practices
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Experience acting as Responsible Engineer or CRE on engineering projects
- Experience supporting technical development of junior engineers
Location & Working Arrangements
Our team is ideally based from our Manchester office, and we encourage regular collaboration in person where possible. However, we recognise that experienced engineers often value flexibility, and we are open to hybrid or remote working arrangements for the right candidate. Our office is located close to Old Trafford, with free on-site parking, good public transport links including bus and tram stops within a 10-minute walk, and a range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops nearby. Our building also offers free access to a fully equipped gym, with showers, changing facilities, hairdryers, towels and toiletries provided, making it easy to fit exercise around the working day.
Benefits & Development
From the moment you join us, your wellbeing and career aspirations will be supported by:
- Competitive Salary
- Company Pension
- Professional Membership & Chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation
- Regular Line Management engagement and appraisal to support with your career progression
- 23 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Additional annual leave after two years’ service
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Regular CPD opportunities, including lunch-and-learn sessions with industry specialists
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free fruit in the office
- Monthly team brunches and quarterly social events
For contractors, we are also able to offer engagements outside IR35.
Principal Civil Engineer in Manchester employer: ESL UK
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Manchester as a Junior CAD Technician, where you will have the opportunity to develop your CAD skills while working on exciting infrastructure projects in the rail and water sectors. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning through mentoring and structured career development, alongside benefits such as competitive salary, generous annual leave, and access to a fully equipped gym. With strong transport links and a vibrant local area, this role offers a meaningful start to your engineering career in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, especially those in the water sector. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve tackled complex engineering challenges. We want to see your passion for design and leadership!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and connect with professionals in the water industry. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters looking for someone like you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Civil Engineer role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and show genuine interest in joining our team. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in civil engineering, especially in the water sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your design experience and any leadership roles you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Civil Engineer role. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you've tackled complex engineering problems – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially in hydraulic calculations and water engineering systems. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESL UK
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of water industry design principles and regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these principles, showcasing your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll be guiding teams and mentoring junior engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to communicate effectively and support others in their development.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to hydraulic calculations, engineering standards, and compliance. Review relevant case studies or projects you've worked on, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience
Highlight your experience in managing design deliverables and project timelines. Be ready to discuss how you've estimated design hours, supported project planning, and ensured quality and consistency in your work.
