James Gray Recruitment
Principal Bridge Engineer
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Principal Civil / Structural Engineer (Bridge)
Lead Major Infrastructure Projects. Shape Teams. Influence Business Growth.
Are you an experienced Chartered Engineer looking to take the next step in your career with a growing engineering consultancy where your technical expertise, leadership, and commercial input will genuinely make a difference?
We're recruiting on behalf of an established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy seeking a Principal Civil / Structural Engineer to lead the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects whilst playing a key role in developing both people and client relationships.
This is more than a technical position—it's an opportunity to influence project delivery, mentor the next generation of engineers, build long-term client partnerships, and contribute directly to the continued growth of a successful business.
The Role
As a Principal Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of engineering projects from concept through to completion. Working closely with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams, you'll ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.
Alongside leading project delivery, you'll contribute to business development activities, strengthen existing client relationships, and support the strategic growth of the consultancy.
Key Responsibilities
You'll be responsible for:
- Leading the design and delivery of major civil and structural engineering projects.
- Producing and reviewing conceptual and detailed engineering designs, calculations, drawings, and technical reports.
- Providing technical leadership and governance for complex engineering solutions.
- Managing multidisciplinary project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Overseeing programme, budget, and commercial performance across multiple projects.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for future work.
- Supporting business development through client engagement, tender submissions, and proposal writing.
- Mentoring and developing Senior, Graduate, and Junior Engineers.
- Representing the business at client meetings, technical forums, and industry events.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, engineering standards, and quality management systems.
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About You
We're looking for an experienced engineering professional who combines strong technical ability with proven leadership and commercial awareness.
You'll ideally have:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a recognised professional institution.
- A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- Significant experience leading the delivery of complex infrastructure projects.
- Previous experience acting as a Contractor's Responsible Engineer (CRE) or within a similar technical assurance role.
- Strong knowledge of engineering design standards and project governance.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing project programmes, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
- A proactive approach with the confidence to make informed technical and commercial decisions.
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Desirable Experience
Experience within infrastructure sectors such as rail, transportation, energy, or heavy civil engineering would be advantageous, together with familiarity with NEC contracts and relevant industry certifications.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing consultancy where you'll have genuine influence over projects, clients, and the future direction of the business.
You'll work on technically challenging projects, enjoy a high level of autonomy, and have the opportunity to shape and develop engineering teams while continuing your own professional progression.
If you're looking for a role where your expertise is recognised, your ideas are valued, and your career can continue to develop, we'd like to hear from you.
What's on Offer
Our client offers a competitive package, including:
- Competitive annual leave entitlement with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Income protection.
- Professional membership subscriptions.
- Private healthcare.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
Interested?
If you're a Principal Engineer looking for your next leadership opportunity within a progressive engineering consultancy, apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
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