Senior Structural Engineer (Structures – Highways Infrastructure)

Overview

This role is responsible for managing and delivering cost effective design solutions to maintain and improve the M25 structural assets, including bridges, culverts, tunnels and retaining walls. This will be achieved in line with agreed standards and with consideration for the needs of key stakeholders.

You will ensure that outcomes agreed with National Highways and Connect Plus DBFO Co. are delivered to programme and budget, while meeting CPS quality standards.

The role includes the structural review, leadership and management of bridge assessments, along with the design of strengthening schemes carried out by Framework Consultants. You will also lead and manage engineers within the structures design team, coordinating closely with design, asset and project management teams, as well as external stakeholders.

A key part of the role involves managing design delivery and reviewing documentation produced by Framework Consultants.

What you’ll be doing

• Monitor, review and check deliverables from external designers to ensure designs are complete and compliant before submission to National Highways
• Manage external framework design suppliers to deliver agreed outcomes, scope, programme and budget
• Lead substandard structure assessments, including bridges and viaducts, and oversee strengthening schemes
• Prioritise structures for assessment and supervise the full assessment process
• Lead the design of strengthening schemes and report progress to the client
• Support the wider design team with highways improvement schemes
• Manage internal design resources to ensure delivery to scope, programme and budget
• Lead and supervise in house design of selected structural packages
• Undertake optioneering, feasibility studies and whole life cost assessments
• Prepare and review contract documentation
• Work with the CPS Asset Team to develop achievable Asset Management Forward Plans
• Develop and agree design briefs covering scope, budget and programme
• Issue instructions to design suppliers
• Manage and advise on the Design Review and Certification process in line with the DBFO contract
• Ensure all designs meet CPS and DBFO quality standards
• Work with the Project Manager to lead internal gateway reviews and ensure timely approvals
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance in structural engineering
• Manage design budgets and review supplier costs and invoices
• Liaise with National Highways and design partners on technical issues and submissions
• Work closely with internal teams across Connect Plus Services and Connect Plus
• Liaise with statutory bodies including highway authorities, planning authorities and utilities
• Report performance against programme and budget to the Project Manager
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in design and construction delivery
• Support development of in house design capability and processes
• Capture and share lessons learned across the business
• Deputise for your line manager when required
• Support design delivery across related highway improvement schemes
• Promote and apply Connect Plus Services values
• Maintain a strong focus on Zero Harm and safety by design
• Ensure Principal Designer duties are met in line with CDM requirements
• Support sustainability initiatives across the business
• Represent the Engineering Design team at community forums

About you

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Relevant qualification such as MEng, MSc, BEng, BSc, HNC or HND
• Evidence of continuous professional development, including at least 30 hours in the last 12 months, with a focus on structures or highway engineering
• Competence in structural design and assessment, particularly bridges
• Good understanding of CDM and health and safety legislation
• Ability to fulfil designer and Principal Designer duties under CDM
• Broad understanding of environmental requirements in highway projects
• Knowledge of quality management systems and integrated management systems
• Strong IT skills relevant to civil engineering design, including Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of relevant design standards such as DMRB, MCHW and Eurocodes
• Understanding of structural analysis

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional institution such as ICE, IStructE or IHT
• Working towards or close to achieving IEng or CEng status
• Experience in highway structures and asset management
• Knowledge of National Highways approval processes
• Experience working at a senior level within design delivery
• Experience leading design teams and managing design portfolios
• CSCS card or equivalent
• Knowledge of design software and applications
• Experience of stakeholder engagement, including National Highways, local authorities and emergency services
• Understanding of related highway design disciplines
• Knowledge of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual
• Full UK driving licence

Personal attributes

• Strong communication skills
• Effective project management and team building capability
• Ability to build trusted relationships across teams and stakeholders

Behavioural competencies

Results driven
Demonstrates energy and commitment, tackling challenges proactively and delivering outcomes without delay

Focus on excellence
Strives to exceed expectations and continually seeks ways to improve performance

Teamwork and collaboration
Works collaboratively, shares knowledge and supports others to achieve shared goals

Customer focus
Understands and meets the needs of internal and external stakeholders, building strong and positive relationships

Operational excellence
Plans and organises work effectively to deliver safe, efficient and consistent results

Adaptability
Responds positively to change, manages competing priorities and works effectively in a dynamic environment

About us

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK. With around 800 colleagues, we operate and maintain the 117‑mile M25 network on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways, managing over 100,000 assets to keep Europe’s busiest orbital motorway moving 24/7.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer and Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support equality, inclusion and social value, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.