Coastal Engineer - Senior Level in Exeter

Moffatt & Nichol specializes in large complex waterfront infrastructure projects and is recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in this field. We are actively looking for a Coastal Engineer to join our Exeter office. As part of the Coastal Group, the Coastal Engineer provides technical leadership and direction of major coastal and maritime projects across the UK and international markets, overseeing multiple projects across all scales, covering complex programmes including coastal protection schemes, marine terminals, ports, waterfront developments, and major infrastructure projects. Acts as a recognised technical authority and strategic advisor, translating business objectives into operational and project delivery strategies while driving growth, innovation, and industry influence. Provides mentoring and leadership across multidisciplinary teams and builds long-term client relationships, contributing to market positioning and major project wins.

About Moffatt & Nichol: Moffatt & Nichol is a leading infrastructure advisor specialising in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines. Reflecting Moffatt & Nichol’s commitment to design innovation since 1945, Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked the company No. 1 design firm for Marine and Port Facilities in the United States and No. 7 internationally. Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists, and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The firm provides clients worldwide with customised service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in three primary practise areas—coastal, environmental, and water resources; ports and harbours; and transportation, bridges, and rail.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the planning, investigation, design, and delivery of multiple often complex coastal and maritime engineering programmes, including: Breakwaters, seawalls, and shoreline protection; Ports, marine terminals, and waterfront developments; Flood defence and resilience infrastructure.
• Acts as a subject matter expert for highly complex or high-risk marine projects, providing technical assurance and advisory support.
• Oversees feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and engineering design strategies for major infrastructure investments.
• Guides value engineering, constructability, and risk mitigation strategies across project lifecycles.
• Translates business strategy into operational plans for the Coastal practice, aligning project delivery with organisational goals.
• Leads business development activities, including: Client engagement and account growth; Bid strategy and major tender submissions; Expansion into new markets and services.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key clients, public sector bodies, and regulators (e.g., Environment Agency, DEFRA, local authorities).
• Supports the development of multi-disciplinary teams and senior professionals, often through subordinate managers.
• Sets direction, priorities, and performance expectations across teams.
• Mentors and develops future technical and leadership talent within the organisation.
• Drives a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and safety.
• Accountable for delivery performance across multiple projects, including: Financial performance (budgets, profitability, utilisation); Programme timelines and resource allocation; Risk and compliance management.
• Oversees cost modelling, contract strategy, and commercial negotiations for major projects.
• Ensures compliance with UK and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., Environmental legislation, marine licensing).
• Represents the organisation in industry forums, committees, and standards development initiatives.
• Contributes to technical publications, best practice guidance, and knowledge sharing.
• Indirect management of senior engineers, project managers, and team leads.
• Leadership across multiple teams, functions, or regions.
• Responsibility for organisational capability development and succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Coastal Engineering (or equivalent).
• 25+ years of experience in coastal/maritime engineering, with significant leadership exposure.
• Demonstrated experience leading major infrastructure projects (large-scale, complex, multi-million value programmes).
• Proven track record in client leadership, project delivery, and business development.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with ICE or equivalent professional body.
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering Coastal, Ocean, or Maritime Engineering.
• Experience acting as: Technical advisor on complex marine projects; Contributor to industry standards, publications, or technical committees; International project experience and cross-border delivery exposure.

All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171.

Working conditions:

Majority of work is office based. Some site visits may be required which may necessitate navigating unpaved or natural terrain while carrying equipment.

Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:

As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with The Equality Act 2010. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship may be considered for exceptional candidates. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We draw from the world’s best and brightest, regardless of geographic, cultural, or institutional background. This approach enables us to better understand and serve our clients, foster innovation, and create a rich, collaborative work environment. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.