Principal Infrastructure Engineer – Highways & Drainage

Overview

As Principal Infrastructure Engineer you will lead and shape high-profile highways, drainage and flood risk projects within a growing Leeds office. You’ll work closely with leadership to steer multidisciplinary teams, manage programmes and ensure high-quality delivery from feasibility through construction. The role blends hands-on technical leadership with mentoring and business development, strengthening client relationships and contributing to local strategic growth. This is a collaborative, momentum-driven opportunity to influence standards, drive value, and help scale the office.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• autonomy
• long-term progression
• collaborative culture

Responsibilities

• Lead highways, drainage and flood risk schemes from feasibility to construction
• Provide technical direction and oversee project quality
• Manage project programmes and resource planning
• Mentor Engineers and Senior Engineers; review technical work
• Help shape technical standards and best practices across the team
• Support fee proposals and contribute to successful major commissions
• Develop and maintain client and stakeholder relationships
• Identify opportunities to add value across project lifecycles

Key requirements

• Strong background in highways and drainage infrastructure design
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects
• Experience managing technical approvals (S38, S278, S104 and related agreements)
• Ability to produce and review Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategies
• Commercial awareness and client-facing skills
• Chartered status or potential to operate at that level (advantageous)
• Autonomy, leadership qualities and delivery of complex infrastructure projects

• Collaborative mindset
• Leadership and mentorship
• Strong communication and client-facing skills
• Highways infrastructure design
• Drainage and flood risk assessment
• Technical approvals management (S38, S278, S104)

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