Lead Civil Project Engineer

Lead Civil Project Engineer (Power Infrastructure)
Location: UK Wide (Site Based)

We're recruiting for a leading infrastructure contractor delivering complex power, energy and utility projects across the UK.

Due to continued growth, they're looking for an experienced Lead Civil Project Engineer to support the delivery of major substation, grid connection, renewable energy developments.

This is a site-focused role that will see you taking ownership of civil, structural and architectural (CSA) works across multiple projects, working closely with project teams, designers and subcontractors to ensure safe, compliant and efficient delivery.

The position would suit an experienced Civil Engineer who enjoys being involved in project delivery from design through to completion and is comfortable working within live operational environments.

Role Purpose

The Lead Civil Project Engineer will play a key role on-site in supporting the delivery of complex grid connection and network infrastructure projects. The role involves close coordination with design and construction teams. The successful candidate will oversee the quality and safety of installations and manage technical interfaces with internal colleagues and subcontractors.

This is a site-based role requiring frequent travel with regular attendance to JSM offices, ideal for an experienced and ambitious engineer looking to further accelerate their career in the energy infrastructure market.

Significant experience in the successful delivery of large-scale energy projects from 11kV to 132kV is essential, with some experience in the construction of transmission-connected projects required.

The Lead Civil Project Engineer sits within the Engineering team, who form part of the wider Operations department, reporting to the Engineering Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site activities (Civil, Structural, Architectural) across multiple new connections or infrastructure projects, from initial design development through to construction and final handover. Duties will often involve safely coordinating and managing works within an operational open bus-bar substation for the DNO or TSO.
• Take the lead on overseeing direct resource and subcontractor performance, ensuring all works are delivered safely and in accordance with the appropriate engineering standards and approved designs.
• Act as the primary technical support across all CSA construction activities, acting as the main point of reference for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Define construction strategy (CSA) for a portfolio of projects, from design through to final handover, ensuring alignment with JSM engineering policies & procedures and approved designs.
• Undertake routine inspection, final audit and approval of Civil & Structural works.
• Assist the Engineering team by undertaking surveying onsite for setting out and recording as-built data.
• Ensure all site documentation, test sheets, and as-built records are completed on time and correctly. Manage the uploading of project documents onto Procure, the document management system.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues discovered during the construction phase and prepare technical reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Interface with project management, design teams, and construction teams to ensure an integrated delivery.
• Ensure construction plans and methodologies align with project requirements and integrate CSA activities into the overall project programme.
• Provide technical input into bids and tenders, ensuring construction methodologies and programmes support a competitive and commercially sound tender submission.
• Build trusted relationships with our clients, resolve escalations and drive positive customer satisfaction.
• Represent JSM at client meetings, industry working groups and support trade exhibition events.
• Ability to act as deputy Engineering Manager when required.
   

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential:
 

• Experience in the successful delivery of significant infrastructure projects in the energy market
• Vast experience working in live substations for a DNO or TSO, in the UK, from 11kV to 400kV.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards across a vast portfolio of projects.
• Experience supporting tendering, estimation, and work-winning activities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify root causes.
• A minimum of BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• A valid emergency first aid at work competency and CSCS/EUSR site card.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and present confidently.
• Demonstrable track record of self-motivation and inspiring change in an evolving industry with increased utilisation of technology.
• Flexible and pragmatic approach, able to work independently while also being a team player.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to frequently travel between sites across the UK.
   

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.