At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a key section of a major civil engineering project in Britain’s Ocean City.
- Company: Join a leading civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, long-term role, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with clear accountability and support for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a nationally significant marine infrastructure project.
- Qualifications: Experience in heavy civils and strong leadership skills required.
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.
The Business
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.
The Role
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.
About You
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
Why This Role?
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 employer: GirlingJones
Girling Jones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Plymouth where Building Surveyors can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees enjoy autonomy in their roles while working on diverse projects that make a real impact. The consultancy's commitment to career progression and its impressive portfolio of repeat work ensure that you will be part of a growing and respected firm in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, especially those who have worked on similar projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with reinforced concrete and heavy civils works, as well as how you’ve led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you took ownership of a project section and successfully coordinated with subcontractors and site engineers.
✨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 and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Section Engineer or Senior Site Engineer. Focus on your background in reinforced concrete structures and any relevant marine or large-scale infrastructure projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for civil engineering and your leadership skills. Mention specific projects where you took ownership and how you contributed to their success, aligning with the key responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, emphasise your understanding of engineering controls and quality-led delivery. Highlight any experience you have with RAMS and technical problem-solving, especially in complex reinforced concrete and marine works.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team on this exciting project!
How to prepare for a job interview at GirlingJones
✨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 subcontractors. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your mentoring abilities and how you've contributed to the development of others in your team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to engineering controls, quality assurance, and problem-solving in complex projects. Brush up on relevant engineering principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality Standards
Health and safety are paramount in civil engineering. Be prepared to discuss how you've upheld safety standards in previous roles and how you plan to maintain these across your section. Showing that you prioritise safety alongside quality will resonate well with the interviewers.
