Principal Engineer

Bristol City Council; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bristol is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the strategic development and delivery of harbour infrastructure repairs and improvements. This role requires proven leadership in marine or civil engineering, with excellent project management skills. You'll oversee engineering and dredging operations while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The position offers a supportive work environment with hybrid working options and includes a generous rewards package, making a valuable contribution to Bristol's future.

Benefits

Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in marine or civil engineering, infrastructure management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of harbour operations, dredging, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent project management and contract negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and delivery of all engineering and dredging operations.
• Ensure maintenance of harbour infrastructure in line with safety regulations.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital programmes.

Skills

Leadership experience in marine or civil engineering

Understanding of harbour operations

Project management skills

Contract negotiation skills

Commitment to safety and sustainability

Job description

Job description

Full Time, Permanent

Are you ready to be part of the transformation of one of the UK’s most iconic harbours?

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Principal Engineer to develop and deliver a strategic programme of harbour infrastructure repairs and improvements across the next decade.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and delivery of all engineering and dredging operations within the City Docks
• Maintain and ensure a robust asset management approach to all the Harbours infrastructure
• Ensure the safe, efficient, and effective maintenance of harbour infrastructure, in line with Health & Safety regulations and environmental standards (EMAS / ISO14001).
• Provide expert technical guidance and strategic direction to the engineering team.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of all capital programmes and projects.
• Manage supplier contracts, ensuring delivery of improvements and compliance with council standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support the Harbour Act / Order, Byelaws, and wider council policies.

About You

• Proven leadership experience in marine or civil engineering, infrastructure management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of harbour operations, dredging, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent project management and contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to work strategically while managing complex operational demands.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Bristol’s historic harbour, ensuring its resilience and functionality for generations to come. You’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of the city’s most important assets.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.