Head of Civil Engineering Design

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering organization is seeking a Head of Civil Engineering Design based in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. This senior leadership role involves leading civil and structural engineering projects in sensitive water-based environments, ensuring sustainable development for future generations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, chartered status, and significant experience in project management and leadership. The role offers a salary of £61,673 - £64,469, hybrid working arrangements, and various additional benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working: 2 days on site / 3 days from home

Generous annual leave: 25 days plus public holidays

Excellent pension scheme

Professional fees paid and assistance to study

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience, with at least 3 years in a senior role.
• Strong experience with procurement, tendering, and contract management.
• Experience in water-based, environmentally sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and construction of civil engineering projects.
• Manage projects through feasibility, design, and construction stages.
• Provide expert technical advice on engineering matters.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Health and Safety Knowledge

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced civil engineering leader with a passion for delivering complex infrastructure projects in environmentally sensitive, water-based environments?

MCS Group is recruiting for a Head of Civil Engineering Design on behalf of Waterways Ireland, the North-South implementation body responsible for the management, maintenance, and development of Ireland's inland navigable waterways.

This is a senior leadership opportunity based in Enniskillen, offering the chance to shape the strategic direction, design, and delivery of major civil and structural engineering works across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, ensuring waterways are maintained, enhanced, and developed sustainably for future generations.

The Role

As Head of Civil Engineering Design, you will be a key member of the Technical Services Directorate, responsible for leading professional, technical, and administrative teams and overseeing the delivery of asset maintenance and capital infrastructure programmes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the planning, design, procurement, and construction of civil and structural engineering projects across the inland navigable waterway network.
• Managing projects through feasibility, design, planning, tender, and construction stages, ensuring delivery to programme, budget, and required standards.
• Commissioning and managing consulting engineers, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring value for money and compliance with governance and procurement regulations across NI & ROI.
• Providing expert technical advice to senior management on civil and structural engineering matters, construction procurement, and project delivery.
• Ensuring full compliance with health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation, particularly within water-based and heritage-sensitive environments.
• Leading, motivating, and developing multidisciplinary teams, supporting performance management, training, and professional development.
• Contributing to strategic planning, financial reporting, corporate objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives within Waterways Ireland.
• Representing the organisation at internal and external meetings, stakeholder forums, and public engagements.

The Person

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status (Engineers Ireland, ICE, or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Strong experience delivering multiple projects to budget and programme, including procurement, tendering, and contract management.
• Experience working in water-based, infrastructure, or environmentally sensitive environments.
• Sound knowledge of health, safety, and welfare requirements across the design, construction, and lifecycle of engineering projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Full driving licence and the ability to travel across NI & ROI.

What's in it for you?

• Salary: £61,673 - £64,469
• Hybrid working: 2 days on site / 3 days working from home
• Flexi-time: 9.00am - 5.30pm
• Generous annual leave: 25 days plus public holidays (rising to 30 after 5 years' service)
• Excellent pension scheme
• Professional fees paid and assistance to study
• Free onsite parking

To discuss this opportunity in absolute confidence, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Zachery Downes, Specialist Recruitment Consultant on 02896935501.

If this role isn't quite right for you, we may have others that are. Visit www.mcsgroup.jobs to explore our full range of current opportunities.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in Northern Ireland to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you require a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact us and we will be happy to accommodate your request.