At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale structural projects and guide a talented design team to success.
- Company: Sustainability-driven engineering consultancy shaping urban environments across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and health perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact on major projects in Manchester and beyond.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with leadership skills and experience in complex projects.
Your new company is a design-led, sustainability-driven engineering consultancy known for shaping places that improve life for people across the country. They bring together structural, civil, transport, heritage and environmental specialists to create healthier, more resilient and more connected urban environments. Operating from Manchester and several major UK cities, they work on award-winning buildings, public spaces and urban infrastructure, championing low-carbon solutions at every turn.
Your new role involves taking ownership of a portfolio of large-scale, high-impact projects (often £30m+) from major residential developments (including complex high-rise), to commercial schemes, education facilities, regeneration programmes and mixed-use environments. You'll be involved from concept to completion, guiding design direction, shaping strategy and working closely with both public and private-sector clients to influence outcomes at the highest level.
In this role, you'll lead and develop a focused design team of around four engineers, ensuring technical excellence, clear direction and efficient project delivery. You'll take responsibility for resource planning, design reviews, decision-making and client communication, while fostering a collaborative, ambitious and design-led team culture. Your leadership, commercial awareness and ability to drive high standards across major project delivery will be central to your success.
We're looking for a Chartered (ICE or IStructE), decisive and ambitious Principal/Associate Structural Engineer who can take charge of major projects, lead a focused design team and set the technical direction from day one. You'll bring the authority to steer complex structural strategies, the confidence to influence high-level design discussions, and the leadership presence to elevate the engineers around you. If you thrive on large-scale challenges, enjoy shaping project outcomes, and want your work to make a visible impact across Manchester and beyond, this is a role you will excel in.
What you'll get in return includes:
- Market Competitive Salary (regularly reviewed, revised and updated)
- Buy and Sell Holidays (26 + BH standard) and Sabbatical Opportunities
- Enhanced Hybrid and Flexi Model & 36.5 hour work week
- Enhanced Maternity / Adoption / Shared Parental Leave
- Volunteering Leave
- Mentoring
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Gym Membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Mental Health Wellbeing Days
- Opportunity for Continued Training and Growth
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Principal/Associate Structural Engineer in Manchester employer: Hays
Join a forward-thinking engineering consultancy in Manchester that prioritises sustainability and design excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and flexible working arrangements, all while leading impactful projects that shape urban environments. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/Associate Structural Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and achievements. We want to see what you can do, so make sure it’s easy to access and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s the final exam! Research the company, understand their projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/Associate Structural Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal/Associate Structural Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience and any large-scale projects you've managed, as this will show us you're ready for the challenge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about structural engineering and how you can contribute to our sustainability-driven projects. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about the software and methodologies you’re familiar with, especially those relevant to high-impact projects. This will help us understand your capability to lead complex structural strategies.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand your past projects, especially those that are similar to what the company is working on. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your expertise and ability to lead complex projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Principal/Associate Structural Engineer, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on how you foster collaboration and drive high standards. This will demonstrate your capability to elevate the engineers around you.
✨Understand Their Sustainability Goals
Since the company is design-led and sustainability-driven, research their approach to low-carbon solutions. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals and share any relevant experiences where you've implemented sustainable practices in your projects.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the company's projects, culture, and future direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to client communication and project delivery.
