Head of Civil Engineering

Caulmert Ltd - Engineering, Environmental and Planning; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Manchester is seeking a strategic leader for their civil engineering team. The role involves overseeing high-profile projects, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates should have over 20 years of experience in civil engineering, with a strong focus on leadership and commercial awareness. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits including flexible working options, and an opportunity for career progression to Director levels.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible working options

Private medical care

Generous holiday entitlement

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in civil/infrastructure engineering delivery.
• Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary projects.
• Experience in consultancy and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the civil engineering team.
• Oversee design and delivery across civil engineering projects.
• Manage project budgets and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership and people management skills

Excellent stakeholder and client management

Strong commercial awareness

Understanding of standards and regulations

Background in bidding and new business development

Education

Degree in Civil / Structural Engineering

Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng)

Tools

BIM Level 2

Civil software

Job description

This is your chance to step into a strategic leadership role, shape a thriving team, and influence high-profile civil engineering projects across the UK. Your ambition, vision and drive will find their home here.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to and executing Caulmert's strategic growth plans (business development, market positioning, service expansion)
• Leading and growing the civil engineering team, mentoring, coaching, recruiting and retaining talent
• Overseeing design and delivery across civil engineering projects: highways, drainage, infrastructure, earthworks, site works, SuDS, utilities, etc.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations, codes of practice, health & safety, quality, environmental standards, and company QEMS (ISO) procedures
• Acting as Principal Designer under CDM 2015 (where applicable)
• Managing project budgets, fee proposals, risk, resource allocation, contract management, and financial performance
• Building strong relationships with clients, engineers, contractors, authorities and other stakeholders
• Identifying new business leads, supporting marketing/sales efforts, and converting opportunities
• Driving continuous improvement in workflows, technical standards, tools, digital delivery, and efficiency
• Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation
• Degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Civil / Structural Engineering
• Significant experience (typically 20+ years) in civil/infrastructure engineering delivery, with a substantial portion in a leadership / senior technical role
• Proven track record of managing and delivering multi-disciplinary civil engineering projects (UK and Internationally)
• Strong commercial awareness: preparing fees, managing P&L, business growth
• Leadership and people management skills: coaching, mentoring, developing teams
• Excellent stakeholder and client management, communication and negotiation skills
• Understanding of standards, regulations, codes, health & safety, CDM, design risk, etc.
• A commitment to the values of Caulmert: integrity, quality, innovation, teamwork
• Willingness to travel to regional offices and client / project sites as required, Experience working in a consultancy environment
• Background in bidding, marketing and new business development
• Familiarity with digital tools (BIM Level 2, modelling, civil software etc.)
• Exposure to multiple sectors (transport, utilities, energy, water, waste)
• Experience in shaping policy, process, culture in a growing organisation

Benefits

• Your Future Is in Your Hands. At Caulmert, we don't just design infrastructure, we build futures. As a rapidly growing, employee-owned engineering, environmental and planning consultancy, we pride ourselves on innovation, technical excellence, and delivering service that makes a real difference.
• Attractive and competitive salary package, reflecting experience and seniority
• Flexible working and hybrid options to support work-life balance
• Private medical care, pension, and additional benefits
• Generous holiday entitlement (minimum 5 weeks, plus bank holidays)
• Investment in your professional development, training, mentoring & CPD support
• Opportunity to purchase company shares / equity participation (employee-owned ethos)
• A friendly, inclusive, sociable environment across multiple offices
• Exposure to a diverse and high-impact project portfolio across sectors
• Real opportunity for career progression to Director / Board levels