Senior Director - Civil Engineering

Senior Director – Civil Engineering

Drive Excellence. Shape Tomorrow’s Infrastructure.

Are you ready for a senior leadership opportunity that combines technical excellence with strategic influence? At Tetra Tech RPS, we’re looking for an experienced and visionary Senior Director to lead our Civil Engineering team, based in Newark or Birmingham, with hybrid working available.

This is a unique chance to oversee the delivery of complex highways and aviation infrastructure projects for a diverse range of clients. From large‑scale residential development schemes to strategic airport enhancements, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment while driving innovation and commercial success. Whether you’re actively seeking your next challenge or open to exploring new possibilities, this role offers the opportunity to lead talented teams, influence organisational strategy, and make a lasting impact.

As Senior Director, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for high‑performing civil engineering teams. Your responsibilities will include managing resources across multidisciplinary projects, ensuring commercial governance, and maintaining excellence in project delivery. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to key clients, strengthening relationships and securing long‑term partnerships. This role also involves mentoring senior engineers, fostering professional development, and driving business growth through proactive engagement and cross‑selling opportunities.

With exposure to significant schemes and a growing pipeline of strategic projects, this position offers a platform to shape the future of civil engineering within our organisation.

You’ll be instrumental in delivering complex infrastructure projects, expanding team capabilities, and influencing strategic direction. Success in this role is measured through leadership, collaboration, and commercial performance. In the short term, you’ll establish yourself as a senior leader and ensure excellence in delivery. Medium‑term goals include driving business development and securing new opportunities. Longer‑term, you’ll help define the future of our civil engineering discipline and progress into broader leadership roles.

At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities—the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. But here’s the secret: there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we’d love to hear from you.

You will bring comprehensive expertise in civil engineering design principles, regulatory frameworks, and construction methodologies. A strong understanding of Section 278 agreements, drainage, earthworks, and geometric design is essential, along with proficiency in digital design tools and emerging technologies. Your ability to validate complex designs, resolve technical challenges, and deliver practical, cost‑effective solutions will ensure project success. Chartered Engineer status (ICE or equivalent) and a proven track record in civil engineering design and delivery are required.

As a senior leader, you will inspire and manage a team of skilled professionals, setting clear strategic direction and ensuring resources are allocated effectively. You’ll mentor senior engineers, foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, and maintain high morale across hybrid working environments. Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence will enable you to build trust and empower individuals to deliver their best work.

Commercial success is a cornerstone of this role. You’ll demonstrate a deep understanding of project economics, including cost control, risk management, and profitability. Your ability to negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and identify opportunities for additional services will strengthen client relationships and drive growth. A proven track record in work‑winning, proposal development, and strategic business…