About Fairhurst LLP – Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.
Role Overview – Fairhurst Group LLP is seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer to join our Inverness office. The role is well suited to a technically strong and commercially aware engineer with consultancy experience, who is looking to play a key role in the delivery and leadership of multidisciplinary civil and infrastructure projects both locally and across the UK.
The successful candidate will combine hands-on technical expertise with project leadership, client-facing responsibilities, and mentoring of junior engineers, while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of Fairhurst.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design & Technical Delivery
- Undertake the design and delivery of civil engineering schemes including highways, drainage, earthworks, levels, and external works.
- Prepare and review technical outputs such as drawings, calculations, specifications, reports, Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, and Site Viability Reports.
- Apply and interpret UK design standards and guidance including Sewers for Scotland, Section 56 Agreements, and full Roads Construction Consent (RCC) packages.
- Deliver engineering solutions across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments.
- Use industry-standard software (e.g. AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PDS, MicroDrainage, Site 3D, Flow, AutoTrack) to produce high-quality technical deliverables.
- Review and check work produced by other team members to ensure technical excellence and compliance with standards.
Project Management
- Lead multiple projects concurrently from concept through to detailed design and construction.
- Plan and manage project programmes, resources, budgets, and risks.
- Coordinate internal design teams and liaise with external consultants to ensure efficient and timely project delivery.
- Undertake site visits to monitor construction progress, resolve technical issues, and provide engineering support to contractors and project managers.
- Support senior management with resource planning and workload forecasting.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a key technical and commercial point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Liaise with architects, contractors, local authorities, regulators, and statutory bodies.
- Attend meetings, design workshops, and presentations, representing Fairhurst in a professional manner.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through high-quality advice and delivery.
- Support business development activities including bids, proposals, networking events, and repeat work generation.
Quality & Compliance
- Deliver all work in accordance with Fairhurst’s Quality Management Systems, procedures, and best practice.
- Ensure compliance with current legislation, standards, and health and safety requirements.
- Maintain accurate and well-organised project documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of technical processes, standards, and design methodologies.
Leadership & Mentoring
- Provide day-to-day supervision and technical guidance to Graduate, Assistant, and Project Engineers.
- Mentor junior staff, supporting technical development, professional accreditation (ICE), and career progression.
- Promote a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive team culture.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and alignment with Fairhurst’s core values.
- Actively contribute to knowledge sharing, training, and internal best practice initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications & Professional Status
- Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered (CEng), Incorporated (IEng) or working towards Professional status with ICE or equivalent institution.
Experience
- Significant experience within a UK civil engineering consultancy environment.
- Proven experience in infrastructure design including drainage, highways, and external works.
- Experience of leading projects and managing small to medium-sized design teams.
- Strong knowledge of UK planning, approval, and regulatory processes.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent written, numerical, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects.
- Commercially aware with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Collaborative team player with the confidence to take ownership and make sound technical decisions.
- Proficient in industry-standard civil engineering design software.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Enthusiastic and ambitious, with a genuine commitment to supporting the growth and reputation of Fairhurst Group LLP.
Alignment with Fairhurst Values
- Excellence: Committed to delivering high‑quality, technically robust work.
- Lasting Relationships: Builds trust with colleagues, clients, and partners.
- Pure Thought: Applies clear, transparent reasoning and maintains professional integrity.
- Continuous Development: Engages in continual learning and development for personal and organisational growth.
What we offer you
- A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
- Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
- Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
- A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
- Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme
- Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award
- Interest-free travel loan
You can learn more about our staff benefits here.
ETHOS
We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.
We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Please submit your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fairhurst.co.uk stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.
