Principal Highway Engineer (Chartered Civil Engineer)- Highway Condition Specialist
Bristol - (Hybrid or Remote for the right candidate)
A leading international highways consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Highway Engineer with specialist expertise in highway condition assessment to join their growing team. This is a senior technical and commercial role with the scope to shape major programmes of work across the UK and overseas.
About the Role
You’ll play a pivotal part in delivering high-impact projects for public and private sector clients, using survey data to inform policy, investment decisions, and bespoke consultancy commissions. This is a leadership position with responsibility for both project delivery and team development.
Key elements of the role include:
*Leading and managing a team to deliver high-quality technical solutions
*Interpreting road condition survey data, including skid resistance analysis
*Ensuring compliance with relevant standards and client expectations
*Providing guidance and oversight to colleagues in similar technical roles
*Taking full commercial ownership of your project portfolio, including budgeting and cost control
*Acting as a key liaison with clients and suppliers, attending progress meetings and responding to queries
*Supporting business development through bid preparation and client engagement
*Promoting the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare
*Playing a technical and managerial leadership role in the organisation’s operations in New Zealand
This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on both UK and international projects, with meaningful autonomy and visibility across the business.
About You
Essential qualifications and experience:
*Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (ICE or equivalent), registered with the Engineering Council
*Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification experience in highway engineering
*Degree in Civil Engineering (BEng/MEng) or related discipline
*Strong background in road condition surveying and data interpretation
*Detailed knowledge of skid resistance principles
*Experience using asset management software (training provided for the organisation’s bespoke system)
*Excellent presentation and communication skills, with confidence engaging UK and international clients
*Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage varied project demands
*Competent user of Microsoft Office applications
Desirable:
*Proven managerial or team-leadership experience
Additional Information
*Travel to New Zealand required for approximately 4-6 weeks per year, typically across 2-3 trips
*First international trip expected in October 2026
*Occasional UK travel for events and client meetings
Benefits
*Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
*Pension scheme
*25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
*Cycle-to-work scheme
*Supportive, collaborative environment with international exposure
This role is recruited for by ACS Performance.