Our client, operating within the highways and transportation sector, is currently seeking an Engineer - Highways Design & Construction to join their team on a contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity to support the delivery of highways, traffic, and transport infrastructure projects through the detailed design finalisation, pre-construction, and construction phases.
The successful candidate will work on projects developed through the Project Development Team, assisting in progressing schemes through detailed design review, construction package preparation, and on-site delivery. The role offers the opportunity to manage smaller projects independently while supporting Senior Engineers on more complex schemes.
Key Responsibilities
Design Finalisation & Pre-Construction
- Assist in the review and finalisation of highways and traffic engineering designs prior to construction.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and technical reports to ensure quality and compliance with relevant standards.
- Coordinate design amendments arising from technical reviews, site constraints, and stakeholder requirements.
- Support the preparation of construction-ready information and contract documentation.
- Assist in coordinating surveys, utility investigations, traffic assessments, and other technical inputs required for project delivery.
- Ensure projects obtain the necessary approvals, permits, and statutory consents before construction commences.
- Identify project risks and assist in implementing mitigation measures.
Project & Construction Delivery
- Manage the delivery of assigned highways and transport schemes through construction and completion.
- Support the delivery of larger and more complex projects under the direction of Senior Engineers.
- Assist in coordinating contractor activities and monitoring progress against agreed programmes.
- Undertake regular site visits to monitor quality, safety, progress, and compliance with specifications.
- Maintain project records and provide updates on programme, costs, risks, and issues.
- Support project close-out activities, including snagging, defect management, and handover documentation.
- Contribute to the successful delivery of:
- Highways transport infrastructure projects.
- Traffic and project development schemes.
- Town centre schemes.
- Public realm and regeneration projects.
- Section 106 and Section 278 highway works.
- Section 38 highway adoption schemes.
Contractor & Consultant Coordination
- Liaise with contractors, consultants, utility companies, and developers to support project delivery.
- Monitor contractor performance and report any concerns relating to quality, programme, or safety.
- Attend and contribute to project meetings, site progress meetings, and technical workshops.
- Review contractor submissions, programmes, method statements, and technical information as required.
- Assist in resolving routine technical and operational issues arising during construction.
Health, Safety & CDM Responsibilities
- Support duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).
- Assist in reviewing Construction Phase Plans, Risk Assessments, and Method Statements.
- Undertake site safety inspections and monitor compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Ensure health, safety, and welfare considerations are incorporated throughout project delivery.
- Escalate safety concerns and compliance issues where necessary.
Traffic Management & Statutory Processes
- Assist in coordinating Traffic Management Orders and statutory processes required for project delivery.
- Support implementation of temporary traffic management arrangements.
- Liaise with internal teams, contractors, and statutory undertakers regarding traffic management requirements.
- Monitor progress of approvals, notices, and permit requirements associated with projects.
Financial & Commercial Management
- Assist in monitoring project budgets and expenditure.
- Support preparation of cost estimates, budget forecasts, and financial reports.
- Raise and monitor purchase orders in accordance with procedures.
- Monitor project costs and report financial risks or variations to Senior Engineers.
- Assist with valuation reviews and contractor payment processes.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Respond to enquiries from residents, businesses, Councillors, and stakeholders regarding project activities.
- Support consultation and engagement activities during project delivery.
- Prepare technical correspondence, briefing notes, and reports.
- Assist in investigating and responding to complaints relating to construction activities and project delivery.
- Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Survey, Inspection & Technical Support
- Commission and coordinate routine surveys, site investigations, and technical assessments.
- Analyse survey information and technical data to support project delivery.
- Undertake site inspections and prepare reports on findings and recommendations.
- Maintain project documentation, records, and asset information.
- Provide technical support to colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders as required.
Job Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, a relevant professional institution such as ICE or CIHT.
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
Essential Experience
- Experience in highways, transport, civil engineering, or construction project delivery.
- Experience reviewing engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Experience supporting construction and contractor management activities.
- Experience undertaking site inspections and technical assessments.
- Experience working with consultants, contractors, or external stakeholders.
- Experience preparing technical reports and project documentation.
Essential Knowledge
- Understanding of highway engineering principles and construction practices.
- Working knowledge of highways legislation, standards, and guidance.
- Understanding of CDM Regulations and health and safety requirements.
- Understanding of project management principles.
- Basic understanding of contract administration and procurement processes.
Essential Skills
- Good project coordination and organisational skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to review and interpret engineering drawings and technical information.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Competent use of Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software.
Desirable
- Experience working within a local authority environment.
- Knowledge of Section 38, Section 106, and Section 278 processes.
- Experience of Traffic Management Orders and statutory procedures.
- Working knowledge of NEC contracts.
- Project management qualification or working towards one.
Key Outcomes
- Effective progression of projects from design finalisation into construction.
- Successful delivery of assigned highways and transport schemes to programme and budget.
- High standards of quality, safety, and compliance throughout project delivery.
- Effective contractor and stakeholder coordination.
- Accurate project records, reporting, and financial management.
- Successful completion and handover of schemes with minimal defects and strong customer satisfaction.
