At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a key section of a major civil engineering project in Britain’s Ocean City.
- Company: Top civil engineering contractor known for high-quality, complex projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term role, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with exposure to complex engineering challenges.
- Why this job: Take ownership and make a real impact on a nationally significant infrastructure project.
- Qualifications: Experience in heavy civils and a degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Section Engineer to take ownership of a key work package on a flagship civil engineering scheme in Britain’s Ocean City. This is a nationally significant marine infrastructure project involving complex reinforced concrete and heavy civils works. It offers long-term security, technical challenge, and high visibility — ideal for someone ready to step up and take real responsibility on a major scheme. If you’re looking to lead your own section and make a meaningful contribution to a landmark project, this is an opportunity worth serious consideration.
Our client is a leading civil engineering contractor with an established reputation across marine, water, environmental infrastructure, and energy sectors. They are recognised for delivering technically demanding projects to a consistently high standard, maintaining strong client relationships, and securing repeat work across both public and private sectors. This is a performance-driven environment where expectations are high, but support and structure are firmly in place.
As Section Engineer, you’ll take responsibility for the successful delivery of a defined section of works, acting as the key link between site engineering teams, subcontractors, and senior management. You’ll lead the engineering function for your package, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with programme and quality expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Taking ownership of a designated section of works
- Managing and supporting Site Engineers, including mentoring and development
- Coordinating subcontractors and overseeing day-to-day site activities
- Maintaining high standards of quality assurance and control
- Reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings
- Preparing and reviewing RAMS
- Supporting commercial discussions alongside Quantity Surveyors
- Monitoring programme progress and driving short-term planning
- Contributing to technical problem-solving on complex reinforced concrete and marine works
- Upholding strong health & safety standards across your section
This is a hands-on leadership role with clear accountability and real influence on project delivery.
We’re looking for a capable and driven Section Engineer with strong experience in heavy civils. You’ll bring:
- Experience operating as a Section Engineer or Senior Site Engineer on major civil engineering projects
- A strong background in reinforced concrete structures
- Experience within marine or large-scale infrastructure projects (desirable)
- A solid understanding of engineering controls and quality-led delivery
- Strong communication, coordination, and leadership skills
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
- Eligibility to obtain SC Security Clearance
You’ll be proactive, well-organised, and confident taking ownership of performance across your section.
What’s In It For You?
- Long-term role on a major, high-profile infrastructure project
- Leadership responsibility within a nationally recognised scheme
- Exposure to complex, technically challenging engineering works
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Strong pipeline of future projects and career progression opportunities
If you’re a Section Engineer ready to step up, take ownership, and play a key role on a flagship marine civil engineering project, this is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career on a high-impact scheme. Interested? Apply now to find out more.
Section Engineer in Exeter employer: Girling Jones Ltd
Join a leading civil engineering contractor renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality, technically demanding projects in a supportive and performance-driven environment. As a Section Engineer in Britain’s Ocean City, you will not only take on significant leadership responsibilities but also benefit from a strong pipeline of future projects and ample opportunities for career progression, all while contributing to a landmark marine infrastructure scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Engineer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, so you can show how you fit into their vision. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with heavy civils and marine works.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability as a Section Engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Engineer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Section Engineer role. Highlight your experience with heavy civils and reinforced concrete structures, as these are key for this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading site engineers and coordinating subcontractors, emphasise your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and driven project delivery in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the civil engineering project you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the technical aspects, especially around reinforced concrete and marine works. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Section Engineer, you'll be leading teams and coordinating with subcontractors. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your leadership style and how you mentor others can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to engineering controls, quality assurance, and RAMS preparation. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous projects. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Safety Standards
Health and safety are paramount in civil engineering. Be prepared to discuss how you've upheld safety standards in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you implemented safety measures or improved site safety, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
