Principal Highways / Infrastructure Engineer in Huddersfield

About Fairhurst LLP – At Fairhurst, our people are the driving force behind our success. We take pride in the opportunities and environment we create for top talent to thrive and leave a positive impact in our communities and society. Fairhurst is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview – The Principal Highways/Infrastructure Engineer will join our growing Roads & Infrastructure team. The Principal Highways/Infrastructure Engineer will lead the design and delivery of highway and infrastructure projects, while supporting junior staff and contributing to project management, client engagement, and technical excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical & Design
  • Develop conceptual and detailed designs of development infrastructure and highway using DMRB, Manual for Streets, and relevant national standards.
  • Prepare detailed design drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
  • Oversee modelling and analysis for horizontal and vertical alignment, pavement design, and traffic-related aspects.
  • Ensure all deliverables meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
  • Review and approve work completed by engineers and technicians.
• Project Leadership
  • Manage projects from feasibility through to construction stages.
  • Develop and maintain project programmes, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Prepare fee proposals and support bid submissions.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, internal departments, and external stakeholders.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as a primary point of contact for clients, local authorities, and external partners.
  • Attend meetings, workshops, and site visits as required.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships to support business development.
  • Attend and contribute as appropriate at design meetings and site progress meetings.
• Quality and Compliance
  • Provide technical governance on projects to ensure a technically excellent delivery in accordance with the client’s brief.
  • Liaise with Statutory bodies and consultees such as local authorities, Transport Scotland, NatureScot, SEPA.
• Leadership & Mentoring
  • Management, guidance, mentoring, and support of junior engineers and technicians within project teams to ensure quality of design output and management of deliverables to a specified budget and programme.
  • Contribute to team development, knowledge sharing, and best practice initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Essential
  • Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
  • Chartered or near-chartered status (CEng MICE or equivalent).
  • Strong experience in the design and delivery of road and highway projects in the UK.
  • Proficiency with software such as Civil 3D, OpenRoads, MX, MicroDrainage (or equivalent).
  • Excellent understanding of UK standards including DMRB and Manual for Streets.
  • Strong project management and organisational skills.
  • Confident communicator with experience in client-facing roles.
  • Ability to lead teams and coordinate multidisciplinary inputs.
• Desirable
  • Experience with active travel and public realm schemes.
  • Understanding of SuDS, drainage strategies, and environmental considerations.
  • Experience working with local authorities and national agencies.
  • Knowledge of procurement routes and NEC contract administration.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package.
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme.
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award.
• Interest-free travel loan.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.