Structures Manager

South Gloucestershire Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bristol is seeking an experienced Structures Manager to lead strategic management of highway and open space structures. The role involves overseeing a significant budget of up to £3 million annually, ensuring safety and sustainability. Candidates should possess a relevant degree, Chartered Engineer status, and strong leadership experience. The position offers excellent career support and development opportunities while playing a key role in enhancing community infrastructure.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Employee wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and projects.
• Strong knowledge of structures, inspection regimes, and maintenance techniques.
• Experience in managing large budgets and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic management of highway and open space structures.
• Manage inspection, maintenance, and improvement programs.
• Lead a team providing technical guidance and support.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial acumen

Knowledge of highway structures

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status

Management qualification (NVQ Level 4)

Tools

Asset management software (AMX)

Specialist structural design software

Job description

How You Will Make a Difference

As the Structures Manager, you will be a key leader in our Place Operations team, driving the strategic management and maintenance of our critical highway and open space structures portfolio.

This vital role ensures the safety, resilience, and sustainability of our transport network. Your portfolio oversight will include:

• Bridges and Culverts

• Retaining Walls

• Road Restraint Systems

• Geotechnical Assets and other critical infrastructure.

You will set the strategy and policy for all highway and open space structures, providing expert technical advice on all aspects of structural engineering to internal teams.

Financial Impact: You will be responsible for the financial management and delivery of the highway and open space structures capital programmes, managing budgets of up to £3 million per year. This position supports our ambitious £150m infrastructure improvements programme (including CRSTS funding), playing a crucial role in shaping safe and sustainable transport systems for our communities.

What You Will Be Doing

You will act as the strategic and technical lead, managing both people and critical infrastructure assets for the Council.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead a team of senior engineers, engineers, and technicians, providing essential technical guidance and support.

• Provide multi-disciplinary advice on planning issues for major infrastructure projects where structures assets are involved.

Asset Management and Programme Delivery

• Manage and protect Council assets through the day-to-day service provision.

• Oversee the inspection, maintenance, and improvement programmes for all highway and open space structures, including geotechnical assets and enforcement matters.

• Develop and deliver both capital and revenue programmes.

• Plan and manage revenue and capital budgets, ensuring strict compliance with national standards, codes of practice, and health and safety legislation.

• Lead on strategic planning for asset management and lifecycle planning related to structures and geotechnical assets.

Technical Authority and External Relations

• Act as the Technical Approval Authority (TAA), serving as the responsible officer for all technical approvals.

• Serve as the designated Bridge Manager for South Gloucestershire Council and act as the Bridge Strike Champion.

• Manage contractors and external stakeholders, overseeing routine works and specific cross-boundary projects often involving regional agencies.

• Represent the Council at regional and national levels on structures strategy.

What We Need From You (Essential Criteria)

We are looking for an experienced, highly qualified, and strategically-minded leader.

Qualifications and Professional Status

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (essential).

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (ICE or IStructE).

• Management qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent).

Experience and Expertise

• Proven leadership experience focused on delivery, including the ability to coach individuals, develop a team, and manage performance positively.

• Strong, in-depth knowledge of highway structures, inspection regimes, maintenance techniques, and structures issues both locally and nationally.

• Essential experience in managing projects with considerable financial and commercial acumen, and a history of managing large budgets.

• Experience in developing and maintaining complex partnerships, with the ability to influence and build relationships at a senior and management level.

• Knowledge of specialist structural design and assessment software packages.

• Familiarity with asset management software such as AMX, and experience in developing such software to meet the needs of the authority.

What You Need to Know

• Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th of January 2026.

Why a Career at South Gloucestershire Council is Different

We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and ensuring a supportive work environment.

• Generous annual leave (pro rata).

• Access to employee wellbeing support.

• A range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping, and leisure activities.

• We offer quality, breadth, and depth of training and development, helping you make a long-term difference in your work.

• We are building and shaping communities that people are proud of—improving roads, railways, schools, and green spaces.

We are making a difference—be part of it!