At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering diverse civil engineering projects across Orkney.
- Company: Join the smallest council in the UK with a broad range of infrastructure responsibilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation expenses covered.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and travel across beautiful Orkney islands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community infrastructure while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant engineering qualifications and experience in project management.
The predicted salary is between 52361 - 55390 £ per year.
Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Permanent
£52,361 – £55,390
£28.69 – £30.35 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Service Manager Engineering.
Your working pattern is 0900-1700 Monday to Friday, however flexibility will be required to meet service demands. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to lead the Structures Team in providing a broad range of professional Civil/Structural Engineering Services.
The Lead Engineer (Structures) will plan, manage and deliver a wide range of engineering projects and commissions making the best use of available financial and staff resources and ensuring programme, customer care, budgetary control, specification, project timeliness and safety requirements are met.
Whilst the Council is the smallest in the United Kingdom, its roles and responsibilities and the range of its infrastructure is broad, hence the engineering team draws enormous satisfaction from the diversity and intensity of its work. You will lead a small engineering team responsible for designing and delivering civil engineering projects including piers and harbour improvements funded by capital and revenue, coastal protection, flood prevention works, bridges and building structures.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the 'must have' section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
You must be able to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Orkney including the outer islands.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Interview expenses are payable for this post.
Please note interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council Policy.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 21 June 2026 with shortlisting taking place week commencing 22 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 13 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact David Custer at david.custer@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535 extension 2328.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, please refer to the relevant documentation.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Lead Engineer (Structures) - ORK10403 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
As a Lead Engineer (Structures) with the Orkney Islands Council, you will be part of a dedicated team that thrives on the diversity and intensity of engineering projects in one of the UK's most unique locations. The Council offers a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to vital infrastructure improvements that benefit the community. With relocation expenses covered and a commitment to employee well-being, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding career path in a picturesque setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer (Structures) - ORK10403 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know someone at the Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Council's recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by discussing how your skills can help tackle their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t just recite rehearsed lines—be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer (Structures) - ORK10403 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Lead Engineer role. We want to see how you can lead our Structures Team and tackle those exciting engineering projects!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your past projects and how you managed them. We love seeing examples of your leadership in action, especially in civil and structural engineering.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and relevant experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with the Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil and structural engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those related to piers, bridges, and coastal protection. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Engineer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve project goals. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Orkney's unique infrastructure and engineering challenges. Being able to discuss local projects or issues shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the community's needs. It’s a great way to connect with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Since the job requires flexibility in working patterns, prepare to discuss how you’ve adapted to changing demands in previous roles. Share specific instances where you had to adjust your schedule or approach to meet project deadlines or client needs.
