Principal Civil Engineer (Highways) in Cardiff

Principal Civil Engineer (Highways) in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 58000 - 70000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Penguin Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead civil design delivery and oversee project performance across diverse development projects.
  • Company: Respected consultancy with a strong team culture in Cardiff.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical cover, pension, and professional development support.
  • Other info: Flexible working and clear progression opportunities within a growing team.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of projects and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and strong experience in drainage and highways design.

The predicted salary is between 58000 - 70000 € per year.

Are you a Principal Civil Engineer looking to take ownership of project delivery and play a key role within a growing civil engineering team in Cardiff? This opportunity offers leadership responsibility, client exposure and clear progression within a well-established consultancy.

A leading consultancy is strengthening its Cardiff team and is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead the delivery of civil engineering design across a varied portfolio of development projects. As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will oversee drainage, highways and external works design while managing project performance, technical quality and client relationships across schemes in Wales and beyond.

The Principal Civil Engineer will take responsibility for leading project delivery from concept through to approval, supporting team development and maintaining high technical standards. This role suits someone who enjoys leadership, mentoring and influencing project outcomes within a collaborative environment.

  • Key responsibilities:
  • Lead civil design delivery across development projects
  • Oversee drainage, highways and external works design packages
  • Manage project resourcing, programme and technical QA
  • Attend design team meetings and coordinate multidisciplinary inputs
  • Support client management and business development activity
  • Mentor engineers and technicians and support team growth

Candidate requirements:

  • Degree qualified in Civil Engineering
  • Chartered or working towards Chartership
  • Strong experience in drainage, highways and infrastructure design
  • Good knowledge of SAB legislation and approvals
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D and InfoDrainage
  • Strong leadership, communication and client-facing skills

This role offers the opportunity to join a respected consultancy with a strong team culture, flexible working and varied project exposure. The salary for this position is £58,000 - £70,000, alongside private medical cover, pension, professional subscriptions and strong development support.

For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years' recruitment experience.

Principal Civil Engineer (Highways) in Cardiff employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Join a respected consultancy in Cardiff that values leadership and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact project success. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a diverse portfolio of projects, this role as Principal Civil Engineer not only provides competitive salary and benefits but also fosters an environment for professional growth and mentorship.

Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Contact Detail:

Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer (Highways) in Cardiff

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join local engineering groups, and connect with fellow professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to drainage and highways. When you meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed projects and mentored team members in the past. Confidence in your abilities will shine through and impress interviewers.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We have a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our growing team in Cardiff.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer (Highways) in Cardiff

Civil Engineering Design
Drainage Design
Highways Design
External Works Design
Project Management
Technical Quality Assurance
Client Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Civil Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience, project delivery successes, and any relevant technical skills like AutoCAD or Civil 3D.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about civil engineering and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team in Cardiff. Don’t forget to mention your client management experience!

Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those involving drainage, highways, or external works design. This will help us see your hands-on experience and how you can add value to our consultancy.

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 during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the projects you’ll be discussing. Review your past work in drainage, highways, and external works design. Be ready to share specific examples of how you led project delivery and overcame challenges.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Civil Engineer, leadership is key. Prepare to discuss your experience mentoring engineers and technicians. Think of examples where you influenced project outcomes or improved team performance, and be ready to explain your approach to fostering collaboration.

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

Make sure you’re up to date with SAB legislation and approvals, as well as the latest tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and InfoDrainage. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your technical expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards.

Prepare for Client Management Questions

Expect questions about client relationships and business development. Think of times when you successfully managed client expectations or contributed to business growth. Highlight your communication skills and how you build rapport with clients to ensure project success.