Principal structural engineer

Cluttons; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established engineering firm is seeking a proactive Civil Engineer to join their team. You will handle project management and technical leadership while overseeing various projects in infrastructure and heritage. This role provides opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive workplace, along with competitive benefits and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

25 days holidays, increasing to 30 with service

Enhanced pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in development projects across multiple sectors.
• Proven experience in structural engineering design and construction.
• Strong understanding of structural engineering theory.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from inception to completion and oversee a team.
• Prepare fee proposals and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Act as main contact for clients and support junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Incorporated or Chartered Civil Engineer

Job description

The purpose of this role is to provide proactive support to senior engineering staff. You will manage projects, oversee Senior Engineers, Graduates, and Technicians, and act as the main point of contact for clients and project consultants. The role involves technical leadership for the design team and requires awareness of project financials. This position offers the opportunity to work across various sectors, including heritage projects.

Responsibilities

1. Prepare fee proposals for senior management approval, including resources and programme.
2. Manage projects from inception to completion.
3. Lead quality assurance and ensure timely delivery of multiple concurrent projects, including defining the Design Scope of Work and technical designs.
4. Manage workload and oversee technical and commercial aspects of a small team.
5. Develop methodologies and delegate tasks appropriately.
6. Assess resource requirements at each project stage.
7. Deliver projects within timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
8. Participate in project progress meetings.
9. Oversee responses to design queries during construction and attend site meetings.
10. Communicate critical project issues promptly to Directors and clients.
11. Set up projects and allocate budgets to work stages.
12. Ensure financial data accuracy and coordinate invoice issuance.
13. Assist in preparing monthly workload and fee forecasts.
14. Actively manage projects to minimize Work In Progress (WIP).
15. Mentor junior engineers and graduates.
16. Maintain project documentation in compliance with business systems and procedures.
17. Identify project challenges and risks, recommend mitigation measures, and communicate with clients as needed.
18. Contribute to the development and expansion of the Structural Engineering group’s client base.
19. Design external levels and drainage systems.
20. Ensure projects meet quality and financial requirements.
21. Undertake project management duties and prepare technical reports.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Incorporated or Chartered Civil Engineer, or nearing chartership.
2. Experience in development projects across residential, commercial, leisure, mixed-use, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
3. Proven experience in structural engineering design and construction.
4. Technical expertise using British, European, and international standards and codes.
5. Experience managing drawings and project deliverables.
6. Strong understanding of structural engineering theory and analytical skills.
7. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
8. Experience in preparing detailed reports.
9. Ability to lead project design aspects, manage quality, budgets, and resources.
10. Leadership skills to manage teams and liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Holidays: 25 days, increasing to 30 with service.
• Enhanced pension scheme, life assurance, interest-free season ticket loans, cycle-to-work scheme, health and eye care vouchers, Employee Assistance Programme, and access to discounts.
• Family and wellbeing policies including maternity pay, menopause support, neurodiversity support, and more.
• Flexible benefits allowing additional holiday purchase, gym memberships, dental and medical insurance, and more.

Inclusive Culture

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and support your development, even if you don’t meet all the criteria.