Principal Civil & Structural Designer

IR35: Inside IR35 (PAYE Only)

Our Client has a requirement for a Principal Civil & Structural Designer, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Manchester. 

Role Purpose: The Principal Civil & Structural 3D Designer (Draughtsman) is a senior technical role responsible for the development, coordination, and delivery of high-quality 3D models and detailed engineering drawing packages. Operating within multidisciplinary project teams, the role supports civil and structural engineering design across complex industrial projects, ensuring compliance with UK and international standards. The position acts as a key interface between the head office engineering function and global delivery teams overseas, ensuring consistent design intent, quality, and efficient communication throughout the project lifecycle. 

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and delivery of civil and structural 3D models and 2D drawings in accordance with project specifications, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Develop detailed drawing packages including general arrangements, reinforced concrete drawings, steelwork fabrication details, and construction issue deliverables.
• Coordinate and manage design outputs between UK engineering and design teams and global delivery teams to ensure alignment of technical requirements and standards.
• Review, check, and approve drawings and models produced by the team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior designers and draughting staff within the project team.
• Ensure that all deliverables are produced in accordance with applicable codes, including Eurocodes and British Standards, and company quality procedures.
• Interface closely with civil/structural engineers, architects, and other disciplines including mechanical, piping and electrical to ensure fully integrated design solutions.
• Manage drawing registers, revisions, and document control processes to maintain accurate project records.
• Participate in design reviews, model reviews, and constructability assessments with internal teams and stakeholders.
• Resolve technical queries and design issues arising during modelling and detailing stages.
• Support the development and implementation of CAD/BIM standards, workflows, and best practices across the organisation.
• Ensure efficient use of design tools including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, E3D, Tekla and Navisworks to optimise project delivery.
• Liaise with fabricators, contractors, and site teams where required to clarify detailing and construction requirements.
• Contribute to project planning by estimating draughting hours, monitoring progress, and identifying risks to deliverables.
• Promote continuous improvement in design quality, consistency, and productivity across all offices.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications: Key Accountabilities

• Delivery of accurate, clash-free and constructible design models and drawings.
• Lead communication and coordination between geographically dispersed teams.
• Adherence to project schedules, budgets and quality expectations.
• Compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality management systems.

Typical Outputs

• 3D BIM models and federated design models.
• General arrangement drawings.
• Reinforced concrete detailing.
• Structural steel fabrication drawings.
• Foundations and underground detailing.
• Construction issue drawing packages.
• As-built documentation.

Company information At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Principal Civil & Structural Designer looking for their next contract assignment.