You will lead and direct change by developing a clear strategic direction and long-term planning of the district’s civil engineering activities. You will be accountable for leading the civil engineering team to safely deliver the district’s civil engineering programme and asset management. You will champion innovation and contributing towards Forestry England’s objectives and the Five-Year Plan.
Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.
Where you’ll work…
North England District Office
Bellingham
Hexham
Northumberland
NE48 2H
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
- Drive and embed a strong health and safety culture across the district in the civil engineering function. Be a role model for high standards of health and safety and pro-actively seek out opportunities to improve working practices of Forestry England staff and contractors.
- Be responsible and accountable for the health and safety of all civil engineering activities in the district. Pro-actively manage health and safety and environmental issues You will thoroughly evaluate the district’s performance manage investigations into accidents and near misses, making sure lessons learned are shared and implemented.
- Be an effective, visible leader of the district’s civil engineering team and a member of the district’s senior leadership team.
- Drive change and improvement in the civil engineering team and wider district, contributing to delivering a strong, cohesive, and consistent service nationally. This includes influencing and motivating others to deliver change in line with the organisations purpose and objectives.
- Lead the local civil engineering team through coaching, support and promoting a positive and inclusive culture. Own accountability for all the civil engineering activities within the district, ensuring strong linkages between the teams’ work and the delivery of projects throughout Forestry England.
- Lead the implementation of asset management standards, mobilising resources within the local civil engineering team to manage inspection and maintenance programme. Work closely with national and other district colleagues to ensure alignment of approach and delivery.
- Own and manage the civil engineering district budgeting process, ensuring alignment between the 5-year budget planning cycle and the districts operational requirements and aims and objectives. Lead on and support with external/internal funding processes and advising on targets, phasing, and expenditure.
- Build networks both internally and with external agencies and partners to support the management and delivery of Forestry England’s civil engineering activities.
- Plan and deliver civil engineering strategic programmes and capital investment projects. These tend to be projects which are complex, high risk or cross function.
- Be accountable for all commercial aspects associated with the delivery of the districts civil engineering teams works, including compliance with all procurement requirements and contract management. Where necessary undertake tenders outside of existing frameworks.
- Obtain consents for undertaking civil engineering works, including where necessary completion of planning applications among others.
- Actively manage the environmental impacts of our civil engineering activities, including ensuring the accurate measurement and management of carbon emissions. Pro-actively seek out opportunities to reduce carbon emissions within own filed of influence.
- Ensure all civil engineering activities comply with the requirements of UKWAS and other applicable legislation and best practice.
Principal Civil Engineer
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £50,472 to £54,187 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: NE48 2HP
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 6 Nov 2026
Closing date: 3 Dec 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Principal Civil Engineer in Bellingham employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
