Assistant Chief Design Engineer

Role

Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering

Hybrid working with primary locations in Derby, Warrington or Manchester. The role reports to the Chief Design Engineer and serves as a senior leader and technical authority within the civil and structural discipline, managing a team of 75+ engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior‑level technical leadership and governance for all civil and structural engineering activities, chairing reviews and acting as a decision‑making authority on complex, high‑risk issues.
• Lead, inspire, motivate and develop large teams, ensuring safe, high‑quality delivery against programme, cost, and schedule commitments.
• Drive integration across engineering and non‑engineering disciplines, managing interfaces between structures, plant systems, construction and site development.
• Work across the business to drive initiatives related to procurement, supply chain, legal industrialisation and other civil and structural engineering matters.
• Shape and support civil and structural safety cases, engaging confidently with nuclear, environmental regulators, industry bodies, clients and suppliers to secure design acceptance and implementation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering and Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Fellow status, or equivalent, with ICE or IStructE.
• Significant experience delivering civil and structural engineering within highly regulated industries and major infrastructure or energy programmes.
• Deep technical expertise across reinforced concrete and steel design, ideally with nuclear applications and exposure to international codes and standards.
• Experience leading safety case development, regulatory engagement, programme governance and senior stakeholder influence.

Location & Flexibility

Flexible working arrangements with regular travel to UK offices and project locations. Offices are located in Derby, Manchester and Warrington.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary: £85,600 – £108,400 per annum.
• Bonus: Target opportunity of up to 30% performance‑related.
• Allowance: £8,500 per annum for a bespoke package.
• Pension: 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holiday: 28 days per annum (+ public holidays), with the option to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover.
• Life Assurance: 6× pensionable pay (up to £250).

Selection Process

• Initial conversation with Talent Acquisition.
• Technical and leadership interviews.
• Security checks: BPSS clearance, DBS check and financial probity screening.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. Flexible working is supported and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment.

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