Principal Highways Engineer

Location: Huddersfield (Hybrid)

Rate: £21.98 per hour - Negotiable

Contract: Until 06/11/2026

Hours: Full-time

Start: ASAP

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Highways professional to support the assessment of sites put forward through the Local Plan and planning applications. You will review existing highway networks, assess access feasibility, identify constraints, and provide technical feedback to the Planning team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess sites submitted through the Local Plan process, reviewing highway access, traffic impact, and transport sustainability.
• Analyse the existing and proposed highway network using available highways information and datasets.
• Provide structured, technical feedback on planning applications in line with national and local policy.
• Identify network constraints and propose suitable highway improvements or mitigation measures.
• Complete required assessment criteria and documentation to support Local Plan progression.
• Work collaboratively with Planning, Development Management, and internal stakeholders.
• Attend meetings as required, including site visits and hybrid discussions.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Local Authority highways experience (development management, transport planning, highways engineering or similar).
• Experience assessing planning applications and understanding planning legislation, local plan processes, and national guidance (NPPF, Manual for Streets, etc.).
• Strong understanding of the local highway network and ability to assess site access viability.
• Highways design or highways engineering experience (e.g., visibility splays, junction design, capacity considerations).
• Ability to analyse data, maps and technical information to produce clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills; written technical feedback is a key part of the role.
• Ability to manage workloads independently and work to project deadlines.

Desirable

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation, or related field.
• Experience using GIS mapping systems or AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of local government procedures and highway adoption processes (S38/S278).

Why Apply?

• Long-term contract to 2026
• Flexible hybrid working
• Opportunity to contribute to major local planning and development decisions
• Work with a progressive Local Authority

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Construction