Technical Principal - Bridges

Location/s: Manchester, UK
Recruiter contact: Ainsley Anstess

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit 
We help conceive, drive, and implement transport solutions for cities, regions, and asset owners/operators around the globe. From preparing the business case and advising on related issues - such as revenue, procurement, and environmental legislation - to delivering the completed infrastructure and helping maintain it. Our planning, engineering, environmental and management skills cover the whole project cycle. We play a major role in developing and delivering the Global Transport Sector Strategy.

Overview of the role

We are looking to recruit a Technical Principal to join our Bridges team in Manchester to lead the technical delivery of a range of rail projects in the UK and Ireland, delivering major rail improvement to smaller local community rail enhancement and renewal projects, and supporting cross sector projects more broadly. You will have the opportunity to help shape and grow the local Bridges team, focusing on embedding technical excellence at the core of everything we do.

Our existing team currently has a well-established work bank and long-standing relationship with UK rail infrastructure managers and operators, Contractors and other Rail stakeholders, and we are looking to expand our team’s capability locally in response to significant investment in rail travel in the region.

Successful candidates will provide Engineering Leadership to our projects, developing stronger relationships with our clients by working closely with them to understand their challenges and provide high quality, efficient design solutions. Candidates will be involved in a range of small to large scale railway projects which will be high profile within local communities and the wider rail industry. The role will be varied and offer a fantastic opportunity for personal/career development.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Lead the rail portfolio within our Bridges team
• Lead projects, focussing on providing technically excellent civil engineering design solutions
• Provide technical guidance and support to our team and project portfolio
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including clients and our interfacing rail discipline leads
• Undertake the role of Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE)
• Prepare and review project documentation, including reports, drawings, and specifications
• Identify and mitigate project risks, implementing effective solutions to address challenges
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify and pursue new project opportunities
• Manage the preparation of tenders and proposals for potential projects
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery

Candidate specification

Essential:

• Extensive experience within the UK rail sector
• The candidate must demonstrate leadership and a suitable track record of civil engineering experience with a specialism in bridges
• Proficiency in civil engineering software, strong management skills, and excellent communication abilities
• Demonstrable technical leadership and collaborative capabilities, with the ability to coordinate and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Track record of overseeing projects from client relationship and bid development phase, through to planning, design, and delivery phases
• Strong technical skills and a detailed understanding of standards and client requirements for the design of railway bridge infrastructure
• Ability and enthusiasm for supervising the work of others, including check and approval of key deliverables
• Experience within the role of Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE)
• Degree qualified in a relevant Engineering or related field
• Chartered Professional with a relevant Institution/Organisation

Desirable:

• Experience in business development and work winning
• Engaged industry connections
• Experience within the role of Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM)

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at [email removed] and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.