Role: Civil Engineering Lead
Inside IR35 contract
Location: South East UK (office based)
Duration – one year renewable contract – (anticipated 2 year + duration)
Key experience – Client side / operator experience managing design scopes of engineering contractor
Start date: Immediate
We are recruiting for an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to join a client-side Project Management Team (PMT) supporting a major integrated refining and petrochemical development of over $15bn.
This is a high-profile pre-FEED role where you will act on behalf of the project owner, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective design delivery by the engineering contractor.
Engineering Leadership & Strategy
- Provide civil engineering leadership aligned with project objectives and strategies
- Support risk-based decision-making and ensure risks are clearly understood and communicated
- Collaborate with project management and contractor teams to refine technical concepts
Design Optimization & Value Improvement
- Drive capital efficiency and value improvement initiatives
- Recommend and evaluate design alternatives to optimize cost and schedule
- Ensure appropriate qualification and assessment of new technologies
Standards & Technical Governance
- Own and develop engineering standards, specifications, and design philosophies
- Ensure contractor compliance with project and industry standards
- Contribute to technical definition and FEL (Front-End Loading) maturity
Contractor Oversight & Deliverables
- Provide oversight of contractor design, deliverables, and technical outputs
- Review engineering documents (calculations, drawings, models, specifications)
- Participate in technical evaluations for FEED/EPC contracts
Experience & Qualifications
- 15+ years of relevant civil/structural engineering experience
- Strong background in onshore downstream, refining, or chemical facilities
- Experience across both operator (owner) and contractor environments
- Proven expertise in:
- Engineering standards and design philosophies
- Risk-based technical decision-making
- Large-scale modular project execution
- Familiarity with:
- Heavy oil upgrading, hydroprocessing, sour gas, ethylene, or utilities
- Experience with Middle East projects is advantageous
Key Competencies
- Strong technical leadership and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage ambiguity and complex engineering challenges
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement
- Experience working in multicultural and JV environments
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