Principal Civil Engineer

Job description

Principal Civil Engineer
Leeds
Flexible Working | Hybrid Options | Employee-Owned Consultancy

Looking for a Principal Civil Engineering role where you can get involved in genuinely interesting projects, have a real influence on how they're delivered and work for a business that gives you the freedom to do your job properly?

I'm recruiting for an established, employee-owned engineering and environmental Consultancy in Leeds that's looking to bring an experienced Principal Civil Engineer into its team.
This is a business with a fantastic reputation across flood risk management, water infrastructure, river engineering and environmental improvement. They've spent decades helping clients tackle complex engineering challenges, combining traditional Civil Engineering with specialist environmental knowledge, advanced modelling and increasingly innovative approaches to design.
What makes the opportunity particularly interesting is the breadth of work. You could be overseeing the design of a major flood defence scheme, developing infrastructure associated with reservoirs or pumping stations, or helping deliver river restoration projects that combine engineering with environmental enhancement.
It's a refreshing alternative to working on the same type of development or infrastructure scheme year after year, and you'll have the opportunity to work alongside some highly regarded specialists from across the industry.

A bit more about the role
This is a position for someone who enjoys taking ownership of projects and wants to be involved in the bigger picture, rather than simply being responsible for producing and checking designs.
You'll act as a technical lead across a range of Civil Engineering schemes, working closely with project managers, designers, environmental consultants, hydrologists, hydraulic modellers and other engineering disciplines to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
Projects will vary considerably in size and complexity, with your involvement covering everything from initial feasibility and options assessments through to detailed design, technical specifications, tender documentation and construction support.
You'll also have the opportunity to build relationships with clients, including the Environment Agency, water companies, local authorities and other public and private sector organisations.
Alongside technical delivery, you'll take responsibility for managing resources, monitoring budgets, maintaining design standards and ensuring projects meet the relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements, including CDM.
There's a strong leadership element too. You'll be supporting and developing Engineers within the team, providing technical guidance, reviewing work and helping less experienced colleagues build their confidence and professional capabilities.
As a Principal, you'll also be encouraged to contribute ideas, support tender submissions and help identify new opportunities for the business. It's a role where your experience and opinions will be valued, and where you'll have the freedom to influence how projects are approached.

What sort of background would suit?
We're keen to speak with experienced Civil Engineers who have developed a strong technical foundation within a design consultancy and are now looking for a position offering greater responsibility, variety and professional influence.
A background in flood risk management, river engineering, drainage, water infrastructure, coastal engineering or other civil infrastructure projects would be particularly useful.
You'll ideally have experience of leading design packages or projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and communicating directly with clients and stakeholders.
From a technical perspective, experience of civil structures, reinforced concrete, retaining walls, hydraulic structures, drainage systems or associated infrastructure would all be relevant.
A degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is expected, with Chartered or Incorporated status desirable. Engineers actively working towards professional registration will also be considered.
Importantly, you don't necessarily need to be working at Principal level already. If you're an established Senior Civil Engineer who has been taking on increasing responsibility and feels ready to make that next move, this could be a very good opportunity.

What makes this business different?
One of the biggest attractions is the company's approach to its people.
As an independent, employee-owned Consultancy, there's a genuine sense of shared responsibility and involvement in the direction of the business. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge existing approaches and take pride in the work they deliver.
The business has also developed a particularly strong culture around flexibility and work/life balance.
Rather than insisting on everyone being in the office five days a week or working fixed hours, they offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with alternative working patterns and reduced hours also considered.
It's an environment that recognises you can be an excellent Engineer without spending every waking hour at your desk.
Professional development is another area where they invest heavily. Whether you're looking to achieve chartership, strengthen your technical expertise, develop your project management capabilities or eventually move into a more senior leadership position, you'll have access to mentoring, training and a wider network of experienced professionals.
There's also a genuine commitment to innovation. The company is actively involved in developing digital engineering techniques, exploring nature-based approaches to flood management and finding ways to reduce the carbon and environmental impact of infrastructure projects.
You'll be joining a business that wants its Engineers to think creatively and help shape the future of the industry, rather than simply following the same processes because that's how things have always been done.

The package and benefits
Alongside a competitive salary, the company offers a range of benefits designed to support employees both professionally and personally, including:

• Employee ownership and associated bonus opportunities
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for part-time and alternative working patterns
• Pension scheme
• Structured career development and professional training
• Support towards ICE and other professional qualifications
• Employee wellbeing and mental health initiatives
• Family-friendly working policies
• Opportunities to work with specialist teams across the UK
• A varied project portfolio with genuine scope for career progression

Interested in finding out more?
This could suit an experienced Principal Civil Engineer looking for a more varied workload, greater flexibility and a business where they can have a genuine influence.
Alternatively, if you're a Senior Civil Engineer who's beginning to feel you've outgrown your current position, but don't necessarily want to move into a role that's purely management-focused, it's certainly worth a conversation.
You'll still be able to get involved in the engineering, but with the added opportunity to lead projects, develop people and help shape the direction of the team.

For more information, contact Sam Smith at Calibre Search for a confidential discussion, or click apply to register your interest.

Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.

Reference 225783734