Senior Civil Engineer

My client is an established civil engineering design consultancy providing infrastructure and development solutions to a diverse portfolio of clients across the UK. With expertise spanning highways, drainage, infrastructure planning and pre-development feasibility, they support projects from the initial concept stage through to detailed design and construction. Due to continued growth and an increasing workload, they are looking to recruit an experienced Civil Engineer to join their Colchester office, specialising in residential developments.
 
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing consultancy where you can take ownership of projects, develop strong client relationships and contribute to the delivery of high-quality infrastructure designs. Alongside your core responsibilities in highways and drainage design, you will have the opportunity to broaden your experience across transport planning, drainage strategies and feasibility assessments, with further exposure to street lighting design.
 
What's on offer
  • Flexible working
  • Company sick pay
  • Generous annual leave allowance
  • Paid professional institution membership
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Opportunities to expand your technical expertise across multiple areas of civil engineering
  • The chance to take on greater responsibility within a growing consultancy
The role
  • Undertaking detailed design of private drainage systems, external works and associated infrastructure for residential developments.
  • Preparing surface water drainage strategies and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) reports to support planning applications.
  • Preparing and coordinating Section 38 and Section 278 highways agreements, alongside Section 104, Section 106 and Section 185 drainage and sewerage submissions, as applicable.
  • Managing day-to-day project delivery, coordinating workloads and resources, monitoring budgets and ensuring deadlines are achieved.
  • Producing technical reports, specifications, design calculations and accurate, detailed engineering drawings to the required standards.
  • Acting as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong working relationships and providing regular updates on project progress, programmes and technical issues.
  • Liaising with local authorities, statutory bodies, architects, engineers and other design professionals to ensure project requirements are fully understood and incorporated into designs.
  • Providing technical guidance and support to junior engineers, reviewing their work and helping them develop their engineering knowledge and design capabilities.
  • Supporting the development of existing client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat and new business, and contributing to fee proposals and client discussions.
  • Contributing to pre-development feasibility assessments, drainage planning and transport planning to help establish viable infrastructure solutions at the early stages of projects.
  • Ensuring all designs and drawings comply with relevant engineering standards, UK codes of practice, statutory requirements and health and safety legislation.
  • Preparing drawings and technical information for tender, construction and as-built stages, ensuring designs remain accurate and coordinated throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Undertaking site visits and surveys when required to support design development and resolve engineering issues.
  • Applying the principles of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), identifying potential design risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
What you need to succeed
  • Demonstrable experience in civil engineering design, particularly highways, drainage and external works associated with residential developments.
  • A strong understanding of engineering principles and the ability to interpret and produce accurate technical drawings.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Site3D and hydraulic modelling software.
  • Experience preparing technical submissions for Section 38 and Section 278 highways agreements, as well as Section 104, Section 106 and Section 185 drainage and sewerage agreements, where applicable.
  • A good understanding of highway and drainage design standards, relevant UK codes of practice, building regulations and statutory requirements.
  • Experience liaising with clients, local authorities, statutory bodies and multidisciplinary design teams.
  • The ability to produce technical reports, specifications, calculations and detailed engineering drawings to a high standard.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and deliver projects within agreed deadlines.
  • Strong numerical and mathematical skills, alongside a practical approach to problem-solving and design development.
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a team while taking responsibility for your own projects and workload.
  • A flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to respond to design changes and resolve technical challenges effectively.
  • An HND or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of five years' relevant industry experience.
  • A valid UK driving licence, with the flexibility to undertake site visits when required.