Principal Civil Design Engineer – Water\n Location: Manchester\n\nA leading engineering design consultancy is seeking a Principal Civil Design Engineer to take technical ownership of major water-sector design packages. The role provides the opportunity to lead the development of high-quality civil engineering solutions across complex clean water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects. Hybrid working is available with occasional site visits.\n\nAbout the Role\n The Principal Civil Design Engineer will oversee civil engineering design packages, ensuring deliverables meet safety, quality, integration, and programme expectations.

You will manage engineers and CAD technicians, approve design outputs, and provide technical leadership across multiple projects.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nEnsure the design team produces deliverables that satisfy safety and quality requirements.\n\nApprove DRAs, design deliverables, reports, and specifications.\n\nIdentify efficient design solutions from scopes and site visits and communicate these clearly.\n\nDirect and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates.\n\nGuide design in compliance with technical, professional, and water company standards.\n\nEnsure project change for design packages is fully implemented and recorded.\n\nOversee work undertaken within formal processes and procedures.\n\nEstimate hours required for design packages and support programme planning.\n\nAttend and present designs at project meetings.\n\nReview, interpret, and brief standards, procedures, and updates.\n\nAct as Professional Head for the discipline or Responsible Engineer where required.\n\nProvide technical guidance for projects and tenders and support continuous improvement initiatives.\n\nRequired Qualifications & Experience\n\nMinimum 10 years’ civil design experience in the regulated water industry at senior or principal level.\n\nExperience delivering hydraulic calculations and profiles.\n\nGraduate or HND in a relevant engineering discipline.\n\nChartered Engineer.\n\nGood IT proficiency.\n\nExperience across clean water, wastewater, infra, and non-infra designs.\n\nExperience in outline and detailed design.\n\nAwareness of construction methods and materials.\n\nKnowledge of engineering drawing practices.\n\nFull driving licence and access to a vehicle.\n\nKey Skills\n\nStrong technical capability, communication, problem solving, results focus, technical leadership, and ability to develop self and others