Principal Highway and Public Realm Design Engineer

My client is a dynamic and forward-thinking transport consultancy who's dedicated to shaping more connected, sustainable, and vibrant urban spaces. Projects range from highway improvements to innovative public realm transformations, all with a strong focus on community needs and environmental resilience. As industry leaders, they deliver integrated design solutions that enhance urban mobility, safety, and quality of life.
Job Overview
They are seeking an experienced Principal Highways & Public Realm Design Consultant to lead their design team in delivering complex transport and urban design projects. In this role, you will oversee project lifecycles from concept through to implementation, ensuring each solution reflects the companies commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and technical excellence. You'll lead a team of consultants to create transformative outcomes in cities and communities across the UK.
Responsibilities
Project Leadership: Lead and manage the design of highways and public realm projects, ensuring the integration of multi-disciplinary elements and alignment with the companies strategic vision.
·Client Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for clients. Build strong relationships to understand client goals, provide design insights, and exceed expectations.
·Technical Excellence: Develop innovative, sustainable, and technically sound design solutions for complex urban transport and public realm challenges, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
·Team Mentorship: Mentor and lead a team of up to 6 people, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.
·Project Delivery: Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, managing risks and troubleshooting design issues proactively.
·Quality Assurance: Ensure rigorous quality control on all project deliverables, maintaining high standards in design documentation, technical drawings, and reports.
 
Essential Requirements For The Role
As a Principal Consultant, you will need to bring in-depth expertise in a variety of specialised urban design and transport areas. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical abilities, a deep understanding of design best practices, and a proven ability to integrate complex elements into cohesive and innovative solutions.
Key requirements include:
·Detailed Design Expertise: Proven experience in creating comprehensive and technically accurate detailed designs for highways and public realm projects. Ability to produce high-quality design documents, technical drawings, and plans that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory guidelines.
·Public Realm Design Skills: A robust portfolio of public realm projects, showcasing a strong understanding of spatial planning, user accessibility, and aesthetic considerations in urban spaces. Ability to integrate functional and visually appealing elements that contribute to vibrant, accessible, and community-friendly environments.
·Cycleway and Active Transport Infrastructure: Expertise in the design and implementation of cycleways, pedestrian pathways, and other active transport infrastructure. Familiarity with relevant safety and accessibility guidelines, as well as a commitment to promoting sustainable and user-friendly transport options in urban areas.
·Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and a solid understanding of design standards such as DMRB, Manual for Streets, and relevant guidance on sustainable urban mobility. Ability to apply these tools to produce efficient, innovative, and compliant designs.
·Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to analyse complex design challenges and propose solutions that optimise safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
·Experience in conducting feasibility studies and using data to inform decision-making is highly valued.
Desirable Experience In
·Traffic Calming and Safety Measures:
1) traffic-calming schemes & techniques road safety
·Parking Design and Management:
1) parking layouts and on-street and off-street parking solutions
2) parking management strategies
3) CPZ design
·Bus Priority
1) Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
2) Design and Implement Bus Priority Measures
3) Community Engagement and Stakeholder Outreach
Key Skills & Qualifications
·Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Design, Transport Planning, or related field. Chartered status with a relevant institution (e.g., ICE, CIHT) is preferred.
·Experience: A good level of relevant experience in highways, transport, or public realm design with a track record in consultancy or leadership roles.
·Technical Skills: Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, Adobe Suite) and knowledge of relevant design standards (e.g., DMRB, Manual for Streets).
·Leadership Abilities: Strong team management, mentorship, and collaborative skills, with the ability to inspire and develop talent within the team.
·Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interaction with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.
·Innovative Thinking: A passion for sustainable, community-focused design with the ability to create solutions that prioritize safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.