Principal/Associate Structural Engineer
| Posting date: | 12 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,000.0 to £75,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Up to £70,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 11 April 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 4BT |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4779062_1773314731 |
Summary
Your new company
Hays are partnered with a design‑led, sustainability‑driven engineering consultancy known for shaping places that improve life for people across the country. They bring together structural, civil, transport, heritage and environmental specialists to create healthier, more resilient and more connected urban environments. Operating from Manchester (60 staff) and several major UK cities, they work on award‑winning buildings, public spaces and urban infrastructure, championing low‑carbon solutions at every turn.
Your new role
As a senior leader within the Manchester structural engineering team of 17, you'll take ownership of a portfolio of large‑scale, high‑impact projects (often £30m+) from major residential developments (including complex high‑rise), to commercial schemes, education facilities, regeneration programmes and mixed‑use environments. You'll be involved from concept to completion, guiding design direction, shaping strategy and working closely with both public and private‑sector clients to influence outcomes at the highest level.
In this role, you'll lead and develop a focused design team of around four engineers, ensuring technical excellence, clear direction and efficient project delivery. You'll take responsibility for resource planning, design reviews, decision‑making and client communication, while fostering a collaborative, ambitious and design‑led team culture. Your leadership, commercial awareness and ability to drive high standards across major project delivery will be central to your success.
What you'll need to succeed
We're looking for a Chartered (ICE or IStructE), decisive and ambitious Principal/Associate Structural Engineer who can take charge of major projects, lead a focused design team and set the technical direction from day one. You'll bring the authority to steer complex structural strategies, the confidence to influence high‑level design discussions, and the leadership presence to elevate the engineers around you. If you thrive on large‑scale challenges, enjoy shaping project outcomes, and want your work to make a visible impact across Manchester and beyond, this is a role you will excel in.
What you'll get in return
- Market Competitive Salary (regularly reviewed, revised and updated)
- Buy and Sell Holidays (26 + BH standard) and Sabbatical Opportunities
- Enhanced Hybrid and Flexi Model & 36.5 hour work week
- Enhanced Maternity / Adoption / Shared Parental Leave
- Volunteering Leave
- Mentoring
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Gym Membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Mental Health Wellbeing Days
- Opportunity for Continued Training and Growth
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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