Associate (Civils – Highways) in London

Robert Bird Group is a global consulting engineering firm delivering innovative, sustainable and buildable solutions across structural, civil, geotechnical, construction engineering and virtual design & construction (VDC). Established in Brisbane in 1982, we now have more than 850 staff across twelve offices in Australia, the UK, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

As part of SJ Group, a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, we are connected to a global network reimagining a smarter, more sustainable future. Headquartered in Singapore, the group brings together 16,000 specialists across more than 40 countries, spanning architects, designers, planners, engineers, facilities managers and other built environment experts. We can draw on this depth of expertise while retaining the agility and focus of a specialist consultancy, to deliver projects of any scale and complexity. We work collaboratively with clients, architects and contractors to realise shared ambitions and achieve certainty in cost, programme and quality.

From buildings and transport to energy, healthcare, sports and entertainment, we provide innovative end-to-end engineering solutions. We think, plan and design with the construction process in mind, applying construction engineering expertise to anticipate challenges, improve efficiency and enhance buildability. Our advanced digital design tools and modern methods of construction enable us to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability throughout project lifecycles.

Our portfolio spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Battersea Power Station and 21 Moorfields in London, to the Camp Nou regeneration in Barcelona, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place, and Snowy Hydro 2.0 in Australia. We combine vast experience with the curiosity, passion and creativity needed to solve the most complex challenges. Each project demonstrates our ability to collaborate across disciplines and geographies, delivering solutions that meet complex structural, logistical and environmental challenges.

Driven by a culture of integrity, agility and collaboration, we continue to push the boundaries of engineering design and delivery in pursuit of our goal: to shape a better world through the relentless pursuit of engineering excellence.

About The Role

The Associate (Civils – Highways) will provide technical, commercial and people leadership across highways and infrastructure projects. The role is responsible for delivering high‑quality engineering solutions, managing project performance, developing teams and supporting the growth of the UK highways practice through strong client relationships and work‑winning activity.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Motivate and lead project teams proactively and ethically to deliver outstanding outcomes.
• Provide supervision, mentoring, and career development support to staff under your direction.
• Identify training needs and ensure team members receive appropriate development opportunities.
• Contribute to technical excellence, culture, procedures, professional development, and continuous improvement across the UK practice.

Client & Business Development

• Promote Robert Bird Group to existing and prospective clients.
• Establish new clients and strengthen relationships through excellent project delivery and repeat business.
• Lead client liaison with Project Directors, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded.
• Ensure client requirements are understood by all project personnel and manage changes as they arise.
• Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and fee variations.
• Represent the company at client, consultant, and coordination meetings.

Technical & Project Delivery

• Lead highways, access road and temporary/enabling works design across sectors including Roads, Rail, Urban Regeneration and Aviation.
• Deliver work across feasibility, optioneering, detailed design, planning support and design & build.
• Geometric highway design including alignments, junctions and roundabouts.
• Design in accordance with DMRB, Manual for Streets, National Highways and Local Authority standards.
• Drainage design including surface water, foul water and SuDS.
• Earthworks, pavement design and road construction detailing.
• Signing, lining, vehicle restraint systems and Road Safety Audits (Stages 1–3).
• Utilities liaison, diversions and service protection in accordance with NRSWA / NJUG.
• Stakeholder engagement with Local Planning Authorities, utilities and statutory bodies to secure approvals.

Health, Safety & Site Support

• Implement and oversee Health & Safety policies and procedures on projects.
• Participate in the Workplace Health & Safety Committee when required.
• Provide technical support and problem‑solving guidance to both site and office teams.

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering; Chartered (or working towards) ICE or equivalent.
• Strong experience in highways and civil infrastructure projects from concept to delivery.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage projects commercially and technically.
• Solid knowledge of UK highways standards (DMRB, Manual for Streets, Local Authority / National Highways).
• Experience across highway geometry, drainage, earthworks, pavements, utilities and RSAs.
• Confidence dealing with clients, local authorities and statutory stakeholders.
• A collaborative leader with excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Commercially aware, solutions‑focused, and committed to technical excellence.

What We Offer You

RBG is a growing, fast-paced business which offers birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, paid parental leave, recognition awards, an active and engaging social club, along with a supportive team environment where healthy lifestyle balance is encouraged.

If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every criterion, we’d love to hear from you.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support—such as receiving the application form in an alternative format—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team.

Your experience throughout the application process is important to us. We welcome feedback on how we can improve and are happy to provide any further information you may need to help you make an informed decision about joining us.

If there’s anything more we can do to support you, please let us know, we’re here to help.

Agency

Please note that any unsolicited resumes or CVs submitted through our website or directly to SJ Group employees’ personal email accounts will be considered the property of SJ Group. As such, we will not be liable for any agency fees associated with these submissions.

To be recognized as an authorized recruitment agency or search firm for SJ Group, a formal written agreement must be in place. Additionally, agencies must be invited by our Recruitment Team to submit candidates for specific roles.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!

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At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!