Senior/Principal Highway Engineer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 28 April 2026
LOCATION
Basingstoke
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£60,000 / year
CATEGORY
Highways & Rail Engineering
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Highway design UK planning system Project management Stakeholder management Junction modelling Traffic analysis CDM Regulations Business development

FULL DESCRIPTION

SENIOR/PRINCIPAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER

LOCATION
Basingstoke, Hampshire

SALARY
£45000 - £60000 per annum

SECTOR
Highways & Rail Engineering

TYPE
Permanent

REF
39891_1776931487

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role where you will drive the delivery of complex highway design projects, provide technical direction, and play an active role in business growth. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, manage high-profile projects, and lead multidisciplinary teams across a diverse project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead highway design projects from feasibility through to detailed design
  • Provide technical leadership and act as a key problem-solver on complex schemes
  • Oversee project delivery, including budgets, resourcing, and programme management
  • Lead negotiations with highway authorities and key stakeholders
  • Review and approve technical reports, drawings, and fee proposals
  • Ensure compliance with relevant standards (MfS, DMRB, LTN 1/20, TSRGD)
  • Oversee junction modelling and traffic analysis
  • Lead stakeholder engagement across clients, local authorities, and consultees
  • Mentor and develop design teams, including junior engineers and technicians

Essential

  • Significant experience in highway design within a consultancy environment
  • Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and key stakeholders (e.g. local authorities, National Highways, Active Travel England, TfL)
  • Proven project management experience (budget, programme, and resources)
  • Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
  • Experience in junction modelling and traffic analysis
  • In-depth knowledge of relevant design standards and guidance
  • Experience with planning obligations (S106/CIL), TROs, and related processes
  • Strong leadership and team development experience
  • Commercial awareness and experience preparing fee proposals
  • Knowledge of CDM Regulations

Desirable

  • Chartered Engineer (IEng/CEng) or working towards
  • Membership of a relevant professional body (ICE, CIHT, CILT)
  • Experience in planning appeals and environmental assessments
  • Knowledge of emerging transport technologies and data sources
  • Experience with cost estimation tools such as SPONS
  • Active involvement in business development

What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary and discretionary bonus
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays
  • Enhanced pension contributions (up to 15% with service)
  • Private medical insurance, life assurance, and critical illness cover
  • Ongoing professional development and training
  • Payment of two professional subscriptions

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