At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative Temporary Works design for the groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing project.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in major infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and a strong pension plan.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to continuous improvement and employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with extensive Temporary Works design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) is one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. LTC is a new road that will connect Kent and Essex through a tunnel beneath the River Thames and will be the greenest road ever built in the UK – creating six times more green space than road. The reliable new route will almost double road capacity over the river east of London to reduce congestion and give millions of people more choice on where they live, work and spend their valuable time.
We have a diverse programme team on LTC that reflects the communities we work in and fosters an inclusive culture by actively supporting the programme’s Purpose, Principles and Cultural Pillars and growing employee networks.
As a Principal Temporary Works Designer on the project, you will plan, manage, prioritise and report to the Engineering Director on all Temporary Works (TW) design activities associated with the Lower Thames Crossing project.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the Chief Design Engineer and Design Managers in defining and delivering the Temporary Works design strategy for the Lower Thames Crossing project;
- Leading the planning, coordination and management of Temporary Works design workload across multiple workstreams and interfaces;
- Providing expert technical leadership in Temporary Works design, including complex and high‑risk structures both above and below ground;
- Ensuring all Temporary Works designs comply with relevant standards including BS5975, Eurocodes and project‑specific requirements;
- Acting as a senior checker/reviewer, verifying the work of others and ensuring design robustness, safety and buildability;
- Ensuring design risks are identified, assessed and mitigated, and that residual risks are clearly communicated in accordance with CDM Regulations;
- Leading design assurance activities including audits, reviews and governance meetings across project teams;
- Supporting work‑winning activities, including tenders and client engagement, by developing innovative and cost‑effective Temporary Works solutions;
- Providing technical support to construction teams, including attending Temporary Works coordination meetings and supporting Temporary Works Coordinators (TWCs);
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with designers, consultants, supply chain partners and internal stakeholders;
- Driving the implementation of BIM and digital engineering within Temporary Works design;
- Supporting the Technical Director in promoting continuous improvement, lessons learned and best practice sharing across the business;
- Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of industry developments, standards and emerging technologies in Temporary Works and construction engineering;
- Undertaking technical audits both in office and on site, ensuring actions are closed out effectively;
- Fulfilling Designer duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Who we’re looking for:
- Chartered Engineer (e.g. MICE, MIStructE) with a valid CSCS card;
- Extensive experience in Temporary Works design within major infrastructure projects (preferably highways or large‑scale civil engineering such as Lower Thames Crossing);
- Strong technical expertise across a broad range of Temporary Works including earthworks support, falsework, formwork, working platforms and heavy lifting operations;
- Proven ability to lead design teams and manage complex, multidisciplinary design interfaces;
- Strong understanding of geotechnical and structural behaviour in Temporary Works applications;
- Proficient in relevant design software and BIM processes;
- Demonstrates leadership, authority and professional credibility to influence senior stakeholders and drive high standards;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships under pressure;
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and innovative solutions;
- Experience in technical governance, audits and design assurance processes;
- Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Why work for us:
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Benefits:
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata);
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave;
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.
Diversity and Inclusion:
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Principal Temporary Works Designer in Grays employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets infrastructure development. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including generous leave policies, a supportive culture for families, and opportunities for professional advancement within the context of one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, the Lower Thames Crossing. Our inclusive workplace fosters diversity and encourages collaboration, making it an ideal setting for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Temporary Works Designer in Grays
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Balfour, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Temporary Works Designer at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Temporary Works Designer in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!