Director of Rail Civils and Infrastructure. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs

We are seeking a dynamic, technically aware, and commercially focused Director to establish and lead an SME consultancy's new Manchester office. The post-holder will take responsibility for building and managing a regional team, developing strong client relationships, and delivering complex rail and infrastructure engineering projects.

Working closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership, the role combines strategic growth, business development, technical oversight, and project delivery. The successful candidate will be expected to act as both a business leader and technical authority, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. This is a hands-on leadership role, providing extensive scope for professional growth and the freedom to shape a new regional hub with the full support of the wider business.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Leadership & Management: Establish and lead the Manchester office, creating a high-performing and collaborative team environment. Provide technical leadership and professional development for staff, acting as mentor and 'go-to' authority on engineering matters. Foster cohesion between UK and non-UK offices and promote best practice across disciplines.
• Business Development & Strategy: Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities within the rail and infrastructure sectors. Prepare fee proposals, manage bids, and build long-term client relationships. Represent the business at client meetings, industry forums, and regional events. Contribute to the strategic growth plan for the Northern region.
• Project Delivery: Oversee the successful delivery of multidisciplinary rail and infrastructure projects, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and reports. Act as CRE / CEM on projects as required by Network Rail or TOCs. Coordinate project assurance submissions and compliance with industry standards. Nurture and develop existing engineering teams elsewhere in the UK and locally within the Manchester office.
• Commercial & Financial Management: Take responsibility for financial performance of the Manchester office, including forecasting, budgeting, and reporting. Ensure efficient allocation of resources, identifying recruitment needs and driving project delivery. Support compliance with audits such as RISQS and ISO.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with infrastructure owners, contractors, and public sector clients. Ensure effective communication at all levels of client management. Coordinate with other company specialist services to maximise value to clients.
• Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE): Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, quality, and environmental legislation, standards, and company policies. Promote the highest levels of HSQE awareness and actively implement the duties of the Designer under CDM Regulations. Support audits and continuous improvement in HSQE performance.

Minimum Competencies Required

• Strong client focus with excellent relationship management skills.
• Proven leadership and team-building ability.
• Innovative approach to engineering and problem-solving.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify and secure new business.
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
• Effective communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Delivery-driven with strong organisational and resource management capability.

Required Previous Experience

• Significant track record in the UK rail and infrastructure sector, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Experience of managing multidisciplinary projects in design and delivery.
• Technical expertise in civil/structural design including rail infrastructure, buildings, and associated works.
• Familiarity with UK codes, practices, and rail industry procedures.
• Experience acting in CRE / CEM roles for Network Rail or equivalent.
• Proven ability to win work, prepare fee proposals, and develop long-term client relationships.
• Demonstrable skills in mentoring and developing less experienced engineers.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends where required by rail operations.
• Commitment to supporting the company values and strategic growth.

Professional Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Degree educated in Civil/Structural Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng, MICE, IStructE) preferred, or working towards chartership.
• Project management and/or commercial accreditations (e.g., MAPM, MRICS) desirable.