Senior Project Engineer - Civil[1152465]

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team. Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 15,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Manager – Civil to lead the delivery of civil and structural components of substation and grid infrastructure projects across the UK. The ideal candidate will have a strong civil engineering background and demonstrable experience in the design, management, and delivery of substation projects. You will take ownership of all project stages from design development to construction, ensuring safe, high-quality, and commercially successful outcomes. This is a key delivery role within Nicholas O’Dwyer’s growth offering the opportunity to manage significant UK infrastructure projects while contributing to the company’s reputation for excellence.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of civil and structural elements of substation projects, including site development, access roads, drainage, foundations, and control buildings.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring effective collaboration between civil, structural, electrical, environmental, and geotechnical disciplines.
• Develop and maintain project programmes, budgets, and risk registers to achieve time, cost, and quality objectives.
• Ensure full compliance with UK regulations, including the CDM 2015 Regulations and Principal Designer responsibilities where applicable.
• Administer and manage contracts including variations, progress reporting, and cost control.
• Prepare and review technical design documentation, specifications, and tender submissions.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, utilities, and contractors, ensuring clear communication and proactive stakeholder management.
• Provide strong leadership to engineers, designers, and site supervision staff, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and technical excellence.
• Monitor on-site activities to ensure compliance with design intent, safety standards, and environmental best practice.
• Contribute to business development by supporting tender preparation, proposals, and client presentations.
• Champion health, safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout project delivery.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (BEng/MEng or Equivalent)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with professional body (or working toward chartership).
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in civil design and project management of substations, power infrastructure, or similar civil works.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil and structural design standards, reinforced concrete foundations, and substation site development.
• Experience delivering projects through all stages — from feasibility and design to construction and handover.
• Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project or Primavera.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
• Solid understanding of contract administration under NEC, FIDIC, or similar forms of contract.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets and financial reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and environmental performance.
• You will have an agile and “Can Do” mindset.
• Full UK driving licence.