At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the assessment and approval of developer-led highway schemes for Kirklees Council.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Kirklees Council, making a real impact on local infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career development, and a fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working policies and a friendly team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community by ensuring safe and sustainable highways.
- Qualifications: Experience in highway engineering and strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 47181 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Engineer – Section 38 role at Kirklees Council. We are looking for a skilled and experienced Principal Engineer to join our Section 38 team within the Local Highway Authority. Reporting to the Group Engineer, you will provide senior technical expertise and lead on the assessment, approval, and delivery of developer‑led highway schemes under Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the quality and sustainability of new highway infrastructure across the borough, working closely with developers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
The team is responsible for overseeing the adoption of new roads and highways that are constructed as part of private residential or commercial developments. These roads are built by developers but, once completed to the local authority’s adoptable standards, can be formally adopted as public highways under Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980. The team works closely with developers, legal teams, planning officers, and a range of internal highway departments throughout the lifecycle of a development, from reviewing and approving technical designs through to inspecting the works on site, and ensuring the necessary legal and financial agreements, such as bonds and maintenance periods, are in place. The ultimate goal of the Section 38 team is to protect the Council’s interest while ensuring high‑quality infrastructure is delivered for the benefit of residents and the travelling public.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on the technical review and approval of Section 38 highway designs and construction proposals.
- Provide expert advice on highway engineering standards, materials, and construction methods.
- Support the Group Engineer in delivering team objectives and mentoring junior staff.
- Undertake site inspections and ensure compliance with approved designs and specifications.
- Liaise with legal teams to support the drafting and completion of Section 38 agreements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and policies related to highway adoption.
Benefits
- Hybrid working supporting a balance between home and work.
- A friendly, supportive and professional team environment.
- Opportunities for career development and progression.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Family‑friendly policies, including flexible working.
What a team member says about the role
"Being a Principal Engineer in the Section 38 team is a genuinely fulfilling role. You get to work on a wide range of development projects, applying your technical knowledge to ensure new highways are safe, sustainable, and built to last. There’s a great mix of technical challenge and collaboration, and you’re constantly engaging with developers, consultants, and colleagues across the authority. It’s a role where your expertise really makes a difference."
Accessibility and Inclusive Hiring
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application form or any other format for the application or job description, please contact the Recruitment Team by email or phone (01484 221000) and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
Closing Date 30 November 2025, 11:55 PM
Contact Peter Making is the manager for this role. Please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion or if you need any more information.
Job Details
- Organisation: Kirklees Council
- Directorate: Place
- Service Area: Highways & Streetscene
- Hours: 37 per week
- Number of Jobs: 1
- Location: Civic Centre 1, High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2NF
- Position type: Permanent
- Grade: 10‑12
- Salary: £38,220 – £47,181
- MRS: £3,000
Seniorities and Types
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
- Industry: Government Relations Services
Principal Engineer - Section 38 in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and professional team environment where your expertise as a Principal Engineer can truly make a difference. With hybrid working options, a strong local government pension scheme, and opportunities for career development, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement while contributing to the sustainability of new highway infrastructure in Huddersfield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Section 38 in Huddersfield
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer - Section 38 role you’re after at Kirklees Council.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Kirklees Council a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Kirklees Council.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Engineer - Section 38 at Kirklees Council, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Section 38 in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer - Section 38, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Kirklees Council a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Kirklees Council specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Kirklees Council, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Kirklees Council want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
