At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new Manchester office, managing teams and delivering rail infrastructure projects.
- Company: Dynamic SME consultancy focused on rail and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Opportunity for professional growth and shaping a new regional hub.
- Other info: Hands-on role with flexibility and support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering; experience in rail infrastructure preferred.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
Rail Civils Director. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a forward-thinking SME consultancy as the Rail Civils Director in Manchester, where you will have the unique opportunity to establish and lead a new office while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will be supported in your growth as a leader and technical authority, all within a dynamic environment that values innovation and client relationships. Enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant city with a commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Civils Director. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and meet-ups to connect with potential employers and peers. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and share your passion for rail and infrastructure!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in the rail sector. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs, especially in leadership and project delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Civils Director. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Rail Civils Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise, and any relevant projects you've managed in the rail and infrastructure sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've built teams, developed client relationships, and delivered successful projects in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires a strong technical background, don’t shy away from mentioning your familiarity with UK codes and practices. We want to see your understanding of civil/structural design and how you’ve applied it in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to rail and infrastructure engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Rail Civils Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and build teams. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or mentored others, and be ready to share how you foster collaboration and high performance.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you can identify and secure new business opportunities, and how your commercial awareness can benefit the company.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in building and maintaining client relationships. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated with clients or stakeholders, and how you ensured their needs were met while delivering projects.
