Principal Engineer

Job Title: Principal EngineerLocation: South Wales (Hybrid / Flexible Working)Salary: Competitive, dependent on experienceengstaff-in are proud to be working in partnership with a leading public sector highways and infrastructure organisation delivering some of the most important transport improvement programmes across South Wales.This organisation plays a key role in shaping a safer, greener, and more reliable road network, addressing critical challenges such as climate change, increasing transport demands, and infrastructure resilience.This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that have a lasting, positive impact on local communities working with a team that values innovation, inclusion, and technical excellence.The RoleYou will support the Highways Capital Lead and Highways Capital Manager in developing and delivering highways and structures projects across South Wales, ensuring all works meet Welsh Government requirements, adhere to quality management systems, and achieve time, cost, and performance targets.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport the Highways Capital Lead, deputising when required, in developing and delivering the annual programme of highways related projects.Manage and coordinate highway maintenance and renewal schemes, ensuring compliance with Welsh Government policies and internal quality standards.Oversee the procurement, delivery, and administration of design and construction projects through approved service providers.Manage the delivery of highways and structures projects across multiple asset groups, ensuring alignment with current design standards and quality management processes.Implement a performance management regime for design and construction service providers.Develop and review processes to ensure resource allocation, budgeting, and delivery are efficient and effective.Work closely with Area Operations, Network Management Teams, service providers, and stakeholders to maintain an integrated annual programme of works.Assist Welsh Government in planning and prioritising future work programmes.Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, environmental, and quality management systems.Undertake other duties commensurate with the level of the post to support the delivery of objectives.About YouEssential ExperienceProven experience managing the delivery of highways maintenance or engineering projects within a live network environment.Strong background in managing resources and coordinating multidisciplinary programmes of work.Desirable ExperienceExperience managing or operating trunk road or motorway networks of strategic importance.Experience working on high speed road projects.Strong stakeholder engagement and public liaison experience.Skills and AbilitiesEssentialExcellent organisational and time management skills.Proven ability to lead, coordinate, and deliver programmes through third party service providers.Professional, confident communicator able to show initiative and problem solving capability.Strong analytical and financial management skills.DesirableExcellent report writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills.Specialist KnowledgeEssentialStrong knowledge of project management principles and processes for large scale infrastructure projects.In depth understanding of Highways Engineering standards, legislation, and policy.Experience managing projects using NEC contracts or similar procurement frameworks.Technical knowledge of traffic safety engineering design in line with DMRB standards.DesirableExperience delivering design and construction projects through supplier framework agreements.Education and TrainingDegree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience).Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or working toward professional qualification.Training in Health and Safety management.Commitment to ongoing CPD and professional development.Other RequirementsAbility to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.Full, valid UK driving licence.Why ApplyDeliver high profile, high impact highways projects across South Wales.Join a respected organisation committed to innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence.Benefit from hybrid working and flexible arrangements.Access ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities.Apply Nowengstaff-in are managing the recruitment process on behalf of our client. we’d love to hear from you in confidence.