Principal Engineer Highways (Section 38)

Job Description HD1 Hybrid (Office ideally Tuesdays)30/03/2026 30/06/202623.37 per hourWe are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer with strong Section 38 Highways adoption experience to join a busy Highways & Transportation team.This role focuses on the negotiation, technical audit and approval of highway adoption schemes under Section 38 of the Highways Act, working closely with developers, consultants and internal teams to ensure designs meet adoptable standards.The RoleYou will:Technically audit Section 38 highway design submissionsReview drainage, utilities and full highway layoutsProvide structured feedback and manage iterative resubmissionsNegotiate amendments with consultants and developersManage live schemes from handover (retirement cover)Ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory and council standardsSupport procurement, financial and resource management where requiredContribute to delivery during periods of changing priorities and resource pressureYou must be confident challenging non-compliant designs and capable of managing complex, ongoing schemes from day one.What Were Looking ForEssential:Direct experience with Section 38 AgreementsStrong highways design knowledge (adoptable standards)Civil Engineering degree (or equivalent experience)Experience within local authority or public sector highwaysStrong technical report writing skillsConfident negotiator with consultantsExperience managing staff performance and workloadsKnowledge of CDM and Health & Safety legislationIT competence (MS Office, GIS, AutoCAD understanding)Desirable:Planning process experienceExperience working within politically sensitive environmentsExperience managing operational response (e.g. adverse weather)The PersonYou will be:Technically strong and decisiveHonest and accountableComfortable working in a fast-changing environmentCapable of prioritising workload under pressureAble to motivate and support junior staffFlexible in approach to hybrid and occasional operational demandsWorking PatternHybrid ideally office-based Tuesdays (flexible for the right candidate).Manager returning 16th March submissions to be reviewed that week.JBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2026-03-07