We are seeking an experienced and authoritative Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) to lead the engineering delivery for an high-profile, 3-year rail and civils multi-disciplinary project. As the formally appointed CEM under Network Rail Standard NR/L2/INI/02009, you will take ultimate accountability for all engineering, design management, and technical assurance activities. You will ensure that all civil engineering, structural works, and permanent way interfaces are executed safely, sustainably, within budget, and in strict accordance with the client's specifications and legislative frameworks. Core Responsibilities Technical Management & Assurance • Act as the primary, named Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) formally approved by the Network Rail Project Manager. • Deliver technical solutions within the project's budgetary, programme, and quality parameters. • Authorise, sign off, and oversee all relevant Design Task Briefs, Form 001/002/003 submittals, Approval for Construction (AFC) drawings, and Handover documentation. • Direct the engineering lifecycle, coordinating closely with Contractors Design Managers (CDMs) and Construction Managers to eliminate design-to-construction friction. Safety, Compliance, & Risk Mitigation • Enforce rigorous health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) engineering standards across all project phases. • Manage engineering risks proactively by conducting technical feasibility studies, visualisations, and risk workshops. • Ensure all temporary works are fully coordinated, checked, and approved by the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) in line with BS 5975 and rail standards. Stakeholder Engagement & Interface Management • Chair interdisciplinary design reviews (IDRs) and interface meetings to de-conflict structural civils, track, signalling, OLE, and telecoms systems. • Act as the chief technical liaison between the main contractor, Network Rail asset owners, consultants, and independent third-party surveyors. • Compile and deliver transparent engineering progress reports, technical files, and KPIs directly to the Technical Director and client leadership. Required Knowledge Candidates must demonstrate an authoritative, expert-level understanding of: • Network Rail Standards: Full operational literacy in Network Rail suite of standards, specifically NR/L2/INI/02009 (Engineering Management for Projects) and NR/L3/CIV/006 (Technical Approvals). • Civil Infrastructure Systems: Deep technical knowledge of heavy civils infrastructure, including bridges, earthworks, lineside structures, retaining walls, drainage systems, and station platforms. • Rail Operational Interface: Comprehensive awareness of track geometry, ALO (Any Line Open) working restrictions, possessions, and safety-critical rules. • Regulatory Compliance: Expert knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015), Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-RA), and ROGS regulations. Experience Required • Rail Sector Tenure: A minimum of 3–5+ years of proven experience operating specifically as an approved CEM on complex Network Rail multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects. • Major Project Lifecycle: Proven track record of steering multi-million-pound civil and rail projects from initial design freeze through to site construction, commissioning, and final asset handover. • Leadership & Influence: Direct experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering and design teams, resolving technical impasses creatively under rigid project timelines. • Software Literacy: Competence overlooking outputs generated from advanced design platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and MicroStation. Qualifications & Professional Certifications Essential • Academic: Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering or a closely related structural discipline from an accredited institution. • Professional Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or an equivalent professional engineering body. • Safety & Site Access: Valid Personal Track Safety (PTS) competence card and a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) professionally qualified person card. Desirable • Project Management: Formal accreditation in project management methodologies (e.g., APM Project Management Qualification or PRINCE2). • Temporary Works: Completed Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) certification
Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) – Civils & Rail in Birmingham employer: Coyle Personnel
At our manufacturing facility in Doncaster, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values teamwork and innovation. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering employees opportunities to enhance their skills in engineering while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects across the North of England. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee development, we provide a rewarding environment for CNC Machinists looking to make a difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) – Civils & Rail in Birmingham
✨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 Coyle Personnel, 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 Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) – Civils & Rail at Coyle Personnel.
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 Coyle Personnel
✨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!
