Principal Civil Engineer - Bridges

Posted Monday 22 December 2025 at 01:00 | Expires Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 00:59

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

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. Regular travel across our network will be required. See here:

Relevant Hubs:
Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Gloucester.

Key accountabilities:

• Accountable for the management of significant infrastructure risk through the delivery of an integrated asset management system to improve asset condition, safety and performance.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust’s bridge and highway structures Asset Management Strategies.
• Improve the Trust’s adoption of DMRB requirements and contribute to relevant Design Guidance, Standards and Specifications.
• Represent the Trust within professional forums to develop collaborative relationships, share best practice and protect the Trust’s interests.
• Delivery of the Trust’s Public Road Bridge Inspection programme.
• Undertake inspections of Bridges and Highway Structures with some confined space working.
• Deliver inspections to plan, ensuring data is reviewed, approved, recorded and maintained in the prescribed format and to the prescribed quality.
• Act as the Trust’s Technical Approval Authority (TAA) for Bridges and Highway Structures.
• Provide specialist technical advice to both in-house and external design and delivery teams.
• Provide specialist technical advice to support the Trust’s response to Planning Consultations and the management of Third-Party Works.
• Providing effective leadership to a small team of engineers and inspectors to create a high performing team which is inspired to achieve the Trust’s objectives.
• Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
• Ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promote inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions.
• Where appropriate participate in the Trust’s “Stand-by” and” Call-out” rotas.

Technical:

• Chartered Civil Engineer (C.Eng MICE) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Substantial relevant experience of engineering works to Bridges / Highway Structures.
• Extensive experience of engineering design and construction preferably in a water or transport infrastructure environment.
• Expert understanding of CDM Regulations, and relevant Health & Safety regulations.
• Experience of people management.
• Knowledge and understanding of historic infrastructure and the natural environment.

General:

• Demonstrable experience in cross-functional working.
• 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.
• Able to review conflicting (and cross-functional) risks making appropriate judgements to establish and communicate appropriate order.
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.
• Understanding of the Trust‘s governance, financial controls, Quality Management techniques and compliance.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software e.g. MS Office.
• Experience of GIS or other mapping systems.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.

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.

In addition to your annual base salary of £53,750 - £56,250
, we also offer Car Cash Allowance (£450 per month), a…