Operational Lead - Coastal Engineering

East Suffolk Council; Woodbridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Woodbridge seeks a Civil Engineer with expertise in coastal management. The role involves leading a team to oversee coastal engineering projects while providing professional engineering advice. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in Civil Engineering and project management with a commitment to achieving climate resilience. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including flexibility and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Access to health and wellbeing initiatives

Employee discounts on products and services

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Civil Engineering, particularly in coastal management.
• Proven track record in project management of community-based projects.
• Ability to manage conflicting deadlines and high-profile outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Energy Planning and Coastal Management.
• Provide professional engineering advice for coastal protection assets.
• Lead on asset maintenance and major coastal engineering projects.

Skills

Inclusive leadership

Problem-solving skills

Relationship management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Job description

• East Suffolk Council, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1RT or Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ
• £60,055 to £66,712 per annum plus Essential Car User allowance
• 37 hours per week
• Permanent

East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to its 250,000 residents.

The role:

You will support the Head of Energy Planning and Coastal Management and the Strategic Lead Coastal Management and Adaptation in cultivating a resilient team of professionals to oversee a program of coastal engineering and operational works which move East Suffolk Council towards achieving a climate‑ready coast.

Leading on asset maintenance and major projects, you will provide professional engineering advice and design in respect of the maintenance and enhancement of coast protection assets.

What you will need:

You will be an inclusive leader, able to support and develop individuals and teams, be highly organised to manage conflicting deadlines and deliver high‑profile outcomes on time and within budget. Excellent problem‑solving skills and being effective in managing relationships with community organisations to achieve shared objectives will be essential in this role.

You will have significant experience in a range of Civil Engineering disciplines, in particular coastal management, as well as a degree or equivalent level qualification in Civil Engineering.

A proven track record in project management and delivering community‑based projects, either in a coastal context or planning regeneration role, involving public/private partnerships is essential.

Why work for us?

East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council, take a look at our video and hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work (YouTube).

Here are some of the main benefits:

• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
• Local government pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.

Find more information about what we offer in our benefits brochure (pdf).

The majority of our teams are working in an agile way, with a mixture of home and office working, depending on service requirements. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements if you were the successful candidate, please contact the recruiting manager listed at the bottom of this advert.

To find out more

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Karen Thomas, Strategic Lead - Coastal Management and Adaptation, by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 07920411955.

Closing date: 12pm, 30th December 2025

Interview date: w/c 12th January 2026

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.

Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (docx). Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).

Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.

For more information, visit the How to Apply section of our Career Site.

East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people's lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.

We hugely value our staff and know that in order for us to remain successful, it is essential for us to recognise talented employees, developing and retaining them within the organisation. We are therefore committed to investing in our staff and providing first‑class support to ensure a positive culture and rewarding careers.

To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council and to hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work, take a look at our video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0