At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative civil engineering projects focused on asset disposal and risk management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the UK's waterways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel across the national waterway network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure while enjoying flexible working options.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and experience in civil engineering design required.
The predicted salary is between 53750 - 58750 ÂŁ per year.
Join Our Team: Principal Engineer Opportunity (Non Core Asset Disposal)
We’re excited to welcome a new Principal Engineer to the team. Our work spans the full asset management lifecycle, including developing technical solutions, preparing specifications and briefing documents to repair and rebuild the Trust’s infrastructure. We’re now looking for a Principal Engineer, with a civil engineering background, to join our Non‑Core Asset Disposal Project Team. This team plays a critical role in reducing asset liability and exposure to risk, while enabling selective investment to support the responsible disposal or transfer of non‑core assets. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
This role follows a 37 hour, Monday–Friday working pattern with flexible working options. The role is home‑based, with attendance at Trust hub locations as required for collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Relevant Hubs: Birmingham / Gloucester / Little Venice / Newark / Ellesmere Port / Leeds. The role requires significant travel across the national waterway network. Travel patterns will be discussed at interview, but regular accessibility to the network is essential.
Role Overview
You’ll be responsible for providing professional engineering expertise to help assess asset condition, risk and value, and to identify practical strategies that enable safe and viable disposal or transfer. You’ll implement a structured and financially disciplined approach to managing non‑core assets. This includes targeted capital investment, works to enable adoption, and structured dowry arrangements to facilitate transfer to third parties. Your role is to assess risks, define technical solutions and support delivery—working closely with internal teams and external partners to progress robust, acceptable and sustainable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate and develop cost‑effective design and construction solutions, ensuring best value and whole‑life cost considerations.
- Design and specify engineering solutions and, where required, act as Principal Designer and/or Designer in accordance with CDM 2015.
- Provide expert engineering analysis and advice, for solutions to infrastructure risks and improvements.
- Write briefs for the Trust’s Professional Services Consultant and manage the design process.
- Engage with the allocation of design resource, either within the Trust or through the contract supply chain.
- Provide technical support to the Non‑Core Asset Disposal Project Team, contractors.
- Define maintenance, repair and renewal works, ensuring alignment with statutory, technical and operational requirements.
- Develop and coach colleagues to maintain capability and competence.
- Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life.
About You
You’re an experienced civil engineer with strong judgement, excellent communication skills and a commercial mindset. You’re comfortable assessing risk, balancing competing priorities and working collaboratively to enable successful asset transfer or disposal.
Skills & Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional qualification (ICE). Incorporated Engineer status will also be considered.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. MICE).
- Experience of civil engineering design and construction.
- Knowledge of historic infrastructure and the natural environment.
- Demonstrable experience of cross‑functional working and risk‑based decision making.
- Ability to negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience working within diverse, multi‑disciplined project teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non‑technical audiences.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at . We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a salary of ÂŁ53,750 - ÂŁ58,750 plus ÂŁ450 per month car cash allowance. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Principal Civil Engineer (Non Core Asset Disposal) in England employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer (Non Core Asset Disposal) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex engineering concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on roles that align with your expertise in asset management and civil engineering. Check out our website for openings that match your skills and interests; we’re always looking for talented individuals like you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It also keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer (Non Core Asset Disposal) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your civil engineering experience and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can help us manage non-core assets effectively!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can explain technical issues to non-technical audiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any past projects or roles that involved risk assessment and asset management. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex situations, so share those experiences that showcase your judgement and decision-making skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering knowledge, especially around asset management and disposal. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with diverse teams and stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with non-technical audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about risk assessment and decision-making. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated competing priorities or resolved conflicts in a project setting.
✨Understand the Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values and behaviours. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these in your work, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion in engineering practices.