Principal Civil Engineer

Principal Civil Engineer

Temporary 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Scantec Personnel Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead civil engineering projects, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
  • Company: Specialist engineering consultancy in the water sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: 12-month contract with potential for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure projects while leading a talented team.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in civil engineering and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Salary: Competitive rate - outside of scope of IR35

Job Reference: JOB-90283

Published: 06-03-2026

Duration: 12 month contract

Expiry Date: 03-04-2026

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Manchester

Industry: Water

Purpose of the Role

We are working with a specialist engineering consultancy providing design and infrastructure support across the rail and utilities sectors. The organisation supports projects from early design through to installation, delivering safe and efficient solutions on complex infrastructure programmes. The Principal Civil Engineer will be responsible for delivering technical solutions, overseeing design deliverables, and maintaining engineering standards for civil engineering projects across the regulated water industry. The role ensures designs meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements while providing technical leadership to the wider design team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure the design team delivers civil engineering designs that meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  • Review and approve design deliverables, design risk assessments, reports, and technical specifications.
  • Identify efficient and appropriate design solutions from project scopes and site visits, communicating these to clients and project teams.
  • Provide leadership and development for engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates.
  • Guide designs to ensure compliance with relevant technical standards, professional guidance, and water company requirements.
  • Manage and record design changes throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure work is delivered in line with formal processes and procedures.
  • Estimate design hours and support project planning.
  • Attend and present designs at technical and project review meetings.
  • Interpret and communicate relevant engineering standards and procedural updates.
  • Act as Professional Head for the discipline and undertake Responsible Engineer/CRE duties on specific projects.
  • Provide technical input to projects and tenders while supporting continuous improvement of engineering standards.

Required Qualifications

Principal Civil Engineer employer: Scantec Personnel Limited

As a Principal Civil Engineer with our specialist engineering consultancy in Manchester, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive rates and a supportive environment where your expertise will lead to meaningful contributions in the water industry, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, quality, and regulatory excellence while working on complex infrastructure projects.
Scantec Personnel Limited

Contact Detail:

Scantec Personnel Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in water or civil engineering. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best projects and designs. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we’re working with. Express your interest and ask about upcoming projects or roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest engineering standards and technologies in the water industry. This not only boosts your confidence but also shows employers that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer

Civil Engineering Design
Regulatory Compliance
Technical Leadership
Design Risk Assessment
Project Management
Client Communication
Engineering Standards Interpretation
Team Development
Design Change Management
Technical Specification Review
Infrastructure Programme Delivery
Water Industry Knowledge
Presentation Skills
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Civil Engineer role. Highlight your experience in delivering technical solutions and overseeing design deliverables, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you've ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards in past projects. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Relevant Projects: When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase specific projects that demonstrate your expertise in civil engineering within the water industry. We love seeing real examples of your work and how you've tackled complex challenges.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at Scantec Personnel Limited

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest civil engineering standards and regulations, especially those related to the water industry. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've guided engineers or technicians in past projects, focusing on how you ensured compliance with safety and quality standards.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and design thinking. Practice articulating your thought process when identifying efficient design solutions and managing design changes throughout a project lifecycle.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don't just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and challenges they face in the water sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Principal Civil Engineer
Scantec Personnel Limited
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