Principal Engineer (Design & Development)

Our team and opportunity

We are a team of Engineers and Technicians that design and/or manage the design of repairs on a diverse range of our historical assets. We are responsible for undertaking designs of technical solutions, preparing specifications and briefing documents for our direct labour force, external Contractors and Consultants. Our works are focussed on conserving and enhancing our precious waterways for future generations.

Our role is to provide design support to maintain, repair and rebuild the Trust’s infrastructure to enable visitors to safely enjoy our canals and rivers and safeguard them for future generations. Our aim is to develop efficient and innovative engineering solutions to the multitude of challenges we face maintaining our waterways and infrastructure day to day.

We are currently looking for a Principal Engineer in the North West with a civil engineering background.

Specifically we;

• Design and specify engineering solutions and where required, act as Principal Designer and/or Designer for works in accordance with CDM 2015.
• Provide design support for the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by the both Trust‘s teams and external Contractors, taking account of, all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements.
• Provide support technical support to the Trust’s internal functions, contractors, Direct Services, Volunteers, Third Party Works, Planning and Externally Funded Works, agreeing standards and specifications.
• Where required, provide temporary works designs to support works delivered by the Trust’s Direct Services.

How we make a difference (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-a-difference) / Our Specialist teams -Engineering (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/engineering)

Location & coverage

The Principal Engineer vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working a collaborative meetings. Significant travel throughout the regional waterway network will also be expected to enable site visits and to conduct improvements. 

Relevant Hubs:

• North West – Ellesmere Port or Burnley

The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage, however regular accessibility to the network is essential.

About the role

As a Principal Engineer you will be responsible for leading a team of Senior Engineers, Engineers and Technicians to undertake the designs and specifications, whilst optimising resources and engaging with our delivery partners to ensure successful delivery of the programme.

The role is accountable for determining the most cost effective design and construction solutions which are driven by a risk management approach.  

Key accountabilities:

• Investigate and develop cost effective design and construction solutions ensuring best value, taking into account user requirements and whole life costs where appropriate.
• Design and specify engineering solutions and, where required, act as Principal Designer and/or Designer for works in accordance with CDM2015.
• Responsible for providing expert engineering analysis and advice, for solutions to infrastructure risks and improvements.
• Write briefs for the Trust’s Professional Services Consultant and manage the design process.
• Engage with the allocation of design resource, either within the Trust or through the contract supply chain
• Where required, provide temporary works designs to support works delivered by the Trust’s construction teams.
• Provide technical support to contractors, the Trust’s Direct Services, and volunteers.
• Contribute to the development and the implementation of the Trust ‘s Design Guidance, Standards and Specifications.
• Management of a small team of Engineers who design and specify engineering solutions.
• Providing effective leadership to an engineering team to create a high performing team which is inspired to achieve operational and customer service objectives.
• Define the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by the Trust ‘s teams and contractors, taking account of, all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements.
• Lead, develop and coach individuals to ensure that the appropriate skills and competencies are maintained to deliver the objectives of the team.
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.

About you

Technical:

• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional qualification (ICE).
• Membership of relevant professional body at an appropriate level e.g. MICE.
• Experience of civil engineering design, and construction preferably in a water environment.
• Substantial relevant experience of delivering complex engineering or concepts.
• Experience of line managing a range of staff including professional engineers.
• Knowledge and understanding of historic infrastructure and the natural environment.
• Demonstrable experience in cross-functional working delivering performance across range of functions.
• Able to negotiate with internal and external contacts and support other areas of the business in an appropriate manner, taking account of overall business priorities and resources as appropriate.
• Able to review conflicting (and cross-functional) risks making appropriate judgements to establish and communicate appropriate order.

General: 

• Confirmation of right to work in the UK (without sponsorship).
• Experience or working within a diverse and multi-disciplined project team.
• Able to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts.
• Good standard of written and verbal communication and proven ability to present technical data to non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software e.g. MS Office. Experience of GIS or mapping systems.
• Where appropriate actively participate in the Trust‘s “Stand-by” and” Call-out rotas”.

If you have any questions about the role please contact [email protected]

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we offer

In addition to your annual base salary of £50,000 - £55,750, we also offer Car Cash Allowance (£450 per month), a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits we are also open to flexible working arrangements.

• Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
• 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
• Home working status with ‘hub’ facilities available should you need the flexibility to work outside of home.
• Annual £200 personal learning & growth award to spend on any learning related activity.
• Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
• Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme.
• 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc.
• Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

We are an ICE approved employer, providing structured learning and professional development support. 

At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others.  We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we’re all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network.  Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.