Principal Civil Engineer

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Civil Engineer to provide technical leadership in the delivery of water (non-infrastructure) projects. As a key figure within our team, you will guide the design team, provide detailed technical analysis, and ensure successful project delivery. You will work closely with Project Design Leads and stakeholders, driving innovation, ensuring value for money, and delivering solutions that meet our high standards of safety, sustainability, and quality. If you are passionate about technical excellence, innovation, and delivering infrastructure projects that make a difference, this role is for you. Responsibilities will include : Safety & Environment :

• Operate in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards (including CDM regulations).
• Develop risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that designs promote environmental sustainability.
Technical Leadership :
• Lead and provide technical guidance on the design of water non-infra projects.
• Prepare design calculations, specifications, and technical content for contracts.
• Oversee approval of designs and ensure compliance with technical governance and QA processes.
• Manage project budgets and resolve complex design issues.
Innovation :
• Challenge existing practices and promote continuous improvement.
• Research and implement industry best practices, including digital design concepts.
• Support the Discipline Lead in maintaining and updating technical standards.
Financial & Commercial :
• Deliver cost-effective, low-carbon solutions that meet project budgets.
• Assist Project Managers with budget tracking and financial planning.
Programme Management : Ensure design timelines are achievable and proactively address potential delays. Customer Focus :
• Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and contribute to technical papers and press releases.
  
  Skills & Competencies :
• Full Driving Licence
• Proficient in MS Office and relevant IT design tools
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical ideas to both experts and laypeople.
• Ability to work independently, resolve complex engineering problems, and make confident decisions.
• A collaborative team player who values input from others and works effectively in cross-functional teams.
• A proactive leader with the ability to set measurable goals and drive continuous improvement.
Knowledge & Qualifications :
• MEng / BEng / BSc or HNC in Civil Engineering, Environmental, or a numerate science-related subject.
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant engineering or scientific institution.
• Proven track record in delivering water non-infra projects within the UK Water Industry.
• Extensive knowledge of design processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial environment within the water industry, All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
  This role will be full-time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week.
Southern Water operates a hybrid approach to working between our Falmer office and home. We are offering a salary of up to £65,000 per annum depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including :
• Company and performance-related bonus
• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private medical insurance (Senior Grades only)
Does this opportunity excite you but you're not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that normal' office hours aren't possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can't accommodate every flexible working request, we'll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role? Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24 / 7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That's why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve.