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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting highway and drainage projects from design to construction.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Central London known for managing complex infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive bonuses, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Grow your skills while making a real impact on urban infrastructure and sustainability.
- Qualifications: A Civil Engineering degree and Chartered status are preferred; experience in project management is essential.
- Other info: Mentorship from experienced Directors and a collaborative team environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We have an opening for a Principal Highways & Drainage Engineer to join our clients busy London office on a full-time hybrid basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small Civils team aiming to expand their talent for 2026.
We are ideally looking for someone with 6+ years’ experience in UK based projects, you’ll be joining a team who have significant experience of managing big and complex projects. There is the opportunity for autonomy, ownership, responsibility and a hands‑on approach from yourself with support available from experienced Directors who enjoy coaching and mentoring others.
What’s on offer
- Hybrid / Flexible working
- Bonus scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Professional membership paid
- Social events inhouse and externally for networking
- Further progression with enhanced person training
- Inhouse mentors
The role
- To have a Civil Engineering degree and awarded or nearing Chartered status (CEng, MICE, MCIHT).
- Work closely with architects, clients, stakeholders from initial feasibility, through planning, detailed design to onsite construction.
- Understand the client’s brief, scope technical detail, prepare fee proposals, deliver solutions, exceed client expectations.
- Project manage, mentor and share your knowledge with members of the team.
What you need to succeed
- Commercial management, project management and leading delivery of highway and drainage infrastructure design projects.
- Financial and contractual aspects of the planning of and bidding for projects.
- UK highway and drainage design standards and planning processes, adoption and contract procedures for the provision of infrastructure and regeneration projects.
- Drainage design with experience of national and local policies relating the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies, including liaison with SuDS approval bodies and drainage adoption authorities to gain technical approvals.
- Expert skills in the relevant software packages.
- Gaining repeat work through excellence in performance and key client contacts.
- Highway design with experience of applying DMRB, Manual for Streets, Local Authority standards and design guidance for the design and technical approvals of S38, S278 and Public Realm projects, including knowledge of Highway Adoption and Stopping Up processes.
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Principal Highways & Drainage Engineer employer: Strata Construction Consulting
Contact Detail:
Strata Construction Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Highways & Drainage Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the highways and drainage engineering field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK highway and drainage design standards. Being well-versed in DMRB, Manual for Streets, and local authority guidelines will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific projects you've led or contributed to. Highlight your ability to manage complex projects and mentor team members, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial and contractual aspects of project planning. Understanding how to prepare fee proposals and manage budgets will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Highways & Drainage Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in highways and drainage engineering. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific software expertise that aligns with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to influence outcomes and exceed client expectations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Civil Engineering degree and any professional qualifications, such as Chartered status. Include details about your experience with UK highway and drainage design standards, as well as any relevant certifications.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your mentoring and coaching abilities. Discuss how you have successfully managed teams or projects, and how you can contribute to the development of others within the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strata Construction Consulting
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Principal Highways & Drainage Engineer does. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as project management and understanding client briefs. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your expertise in UK highway and drainage design standards. Highlight your experience with relevant software packages and any specific projects where you've applied DMRB or Manual for Streets. This demonstrates your technical capability and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring and sharing knowledge, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Discuss your approach to coaching others and how you’ve influenced project outcomes positively.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
