Principal Engineer - Highway Operations

Salary range:  Grade 14 £54,172 - £55,323 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week 
Location: Croydon

About the Role

Croydon is a distinctive and diverse borough and the most populated in London. It is delivering its largest programme of development and regeneration since the 1960s, creating a positive and sustainable future for residents, businesses and visitors.

We are passionate about high‑quality public services, and our modern headquarters places the customer at the heart of everything we do. It brings together Council services alongside partners including the NHS, Jobcentre Plus, Croydon Credit Union and Citizens Advice Bureau, enabling joined‑up and collaborative working. This is an exciting time to join Croydon Council, delivering vital services to over 360,000 residents.

This is a key senior role within the Streets and Environment Department. The Principal Highway Operations Engineer will play a leading role in delivering the Council’s Highway Maintenance Transformation Programme across approximately 87km², from Upper Norwood to Old Coulsdon. The portfolio includes a 726km highway network and 62 highway structures, including bridges, subways and retaining walls.

As a senior member of the Highways and Traffic Team, you will lead the operational management of highway services and assets and manage schemes from feasibility through to construction. This includes responsibility for budgets, contract administration, programme delivery and performance. You will have a proven track record of delivering highway maintenance and capital programmes to challenging timescales and budgets, while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and compliance.

You will provide technical leadership and support to the wider team, contribute to a broad range of highways and public realm schemes, and represent the Council at technical and stakeholder meetings.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well‑organised Principal Engineer with significant operational experience, specialist technical knowledge and the ability to lead on maintaining and improving the public realm on behalf of the Council.

Reporting to the Highway Delivery and Contracts Manager, you will work closely with colleagues across the Highways Team in a demanding but rewarding role that delivers tangible benefits for those who live and work in Croydon. The successful candidate will hold a relevant formal qualification and substantial post‑qualification experience.

For an informal discussion, contact Rowland Gordon, Highway Delivery and Contracts Manager, on 020 8726 6000 ext. 28553.