Highways Structures Senior Engineer in Bournemouth

Join to apply for the Highways Structures Senior Engineer role at BCP Council. Seeking Civil Engineering Specialists. Are you passionate about shaping the future of infrastructure and delivering projects that make a real difference to communities?

Who are we? We are a progressive engineering team committed to delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable infrastructure. From highways improvements to asset management, our work underpins the everyday lives of thousands of people. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. Transformation and digital ways of working are at the heart of what we do. You will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the Engineering Service within the authority.

What is the role like? You’ll work on diverse projects across multiple assets, with a supportive environment where your ideas matter and your expertise shapes what we do. This role is responsible for the successful delivery of highway structures schemes and supporting delivery of the programme and asset management objectives. Acting as Designer, Project Manager, Site Supervisor and Structures Inspector for designated projects, the postholder will ensure compliance with contractual requirements, manage risks, budgets and maintain governance throughout the project lifecycle.

The role combines technical, contractual, and leadership expertise for design and construction delivery with the ability to manage elements such as the design process, early contractor involvement and project close-down, achieving agreed cost, quality, and time objectives. Strong stakeholder engagement is key, with the postholder expected to influence teams, contractors and partners, represent the Council at meetings, and maintain transparent communication. The role ensures robust financial and quality control, adherence to legislation and health and safety standards, and accurate record-keeping to support governance and audit requirements. The postholder will also contribute to the development of asset management policies, strategies, plans and highway structures standards, and methods of working to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with wider Council objectives.

You will work alongside a team of skilled and developing technical professionals at various levels, and you’ll be expected to offer appropriate guidance and support to them.

What will you be doing?

• Undertaking work across the road bridges, foot bridges, culverts, subways, retaining walls and gantry assets as part of the planned structures maintenance programme.
• Designing and supporting the development of highway structures schemes working through all the gateway lifecycle stages of a project from concept to construction.
• Producing and reviewing work such as design drawings, specifications, tender and preconstruction information.
• Developing the planned programme based on asset management prioritisation.
• Contributing to ensuring that projects are delivered within budget, on schedule, and in compliance with technical standards and legal obligations.
• Carrying out visual, general and principal inspections on site, assessing site information through desktop studies and asset management software.
• Managing contracts and performance of the team and providers to deliver services.
• Collaborating with multiple teams and stakeholders to reach our objectives.
• Driving innovation in highway structures and asset management.

What do you need?

• Degree in relevant engineering discipline or traffic/transportation discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (ICE/IHE/CIHT/IStructE), Project management qualification (APM), NEC Project manager accreditation, Member of the Institute of Asset Management (MIAM) or Equivalent Status.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of how to deliver highway structures and/or design and construction types.
• Advanced knowledge of theory and practice including regulations, legislation and processes relating to areas of work such as structures, construction, highways, traffic or engineering.
• Substantial knowledge of application of contract and project management, including cost and quality control.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of health and safety legislation and its application to structures, engineering, construction, maintenance, and repairs.
• This role will supervise the site‑specific contract delivery teams.
• This role will likely monitor cost and financial information for projects with an annual value of approximately £1m - £5m.
• A proactive, problem‑solving approach and strong communication skills.
• Ability to plan projects and programmes, including the work of others, such as team members, consultants and contractors.
• Ability to persuade and influence a wide range of internal and stakeholders, and influence teams of technical or professional staff.
• Ability to manage over months for a specific project, and the role holder will need to plan the work of the project team and deal with competing demands.
• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving license with access to own or pool car.
• Ability to work from our central and or project offices a minimum of 2 days per week.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Remote working for parts of the week.
• 28 days annual leave increasing to 31 days after two years.
• Professional development and support in your areas of interest.
• Opportunities to work on projects that shape communities and improve lives.

What does a typical day look like? One day you might be reviewing design plans for a new retaining wall scheme, the next you’re on‑site checking a road bridge for defects as part of a general inspection and what repairs are needed, then looking at asset data of a foot bridge to help inform the future programme. You’ll attend project meetings, collaborate with stakeholders and contractors, and contribute to innovative solutions that keep our infrastructure resilient.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

About BCP Council: BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world‑renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.