Tunnels Lead - Director or Associate - RUK&I Civil Structures

Ramboll Group A/S; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the United Kingdom seeks a Tunnels Lead – Director or Associate to manage projects in civil structures. The role requires strong leadership and technical expertise in tunnels and infrastructure, specifically for energy and water transmission. The candidate will oversee project delivery, foster client relationships, and support team development. Ideal applicants have a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, leadership experience, and strong communication skills. Flexible working arrangements are available, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Matched pension contributions

Private medical cover

Life assurance

Commitment to personal development

Qualifications

• Professional accreditation as Chartered Engineer is required.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within an engineering consultancy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and people in existing bridge strengthening and rehabilitation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to maintain best practices.
• Oversee successful delivery of projects, meeting requirements and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Technical guidance

Team management

Business development

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Tunnels Lead – Director or Associate – RUK&I Civil Structures

Tunnels Lead – Director or Associate – RUK&I Civil Structures

Principal Transport offices – London, Southampton, Birmingham, Dublin

We invite you to apply for the role of Associate or Technical Director in our Civils Structures UK & Ireland team with specific responsibility for leading our people and projects in the field of tunnels and infrastructure related to water and energy transmission.

Our clients rightly demand high quality and innovative solutions to the challenges they set us, so we need our senior staff to have strong technical ability in civil engineering with the ability to lead and inspire project teams. We work on projects encompassing all aspects of tunnel, bridge and civil engineering including design of new assets, management and rehabilitation of existing structures.

We specifically need tunnels expertise for our growing portfolio of work in Civils for Energy & Water, covering linear infrastructure for Energy Transmission & Distribution and new Water Infrastructure.

As a global company, we offer the opportunity to work on major international projects as well as within the UK&I market. We aim to provide our clients with the best possible technical advice and seek all our staff to buy‑in to this ethos. As a senior member of the department, we would expect you to have strong commercial skills, be an excellent communicator and be able to contribute to marketing and work winning.

All our staff work flexibly but we’d expect more of your working week to be spent in one of established UK offices where you can positively influence team members.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Lead projects and people in the field of existing bridge strengthening, rehabilitation, assessment works.
  • Contribute to leading the wider Civil Structures department, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
  • Contribute to training and mentoring of civil engineers to ensure professional growth and expertise.
• Business Development & Growth Strategy:
  • Contribute to further growth and development in existing bridges
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and long‑term partnerships.
• Project Delivery Leadership:
  • Oversee the successful delivery of projects, ensuring they meet client requirements, budgets, and timelines.
  • Contribute to managing resources effectively
• Technical Excellence:
  • Provide technical guidance and support to the team to maintain best practices and standards.
  • Champion innovation and incorporate cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies in project delivery.
• Contribute to managing project budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
• Drive profitability through efficient resource allocation and cost management.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is required.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within an engineering consultancy, with a focus on existing bridges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience and industry connections.

Personal Attributes:

• Leader with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Commitment to Ramboll’s values and sustainability goals.
• Able to bring energy, positivity, and constructive challenge.

What we can offer you:

• Commitment to your development
• Leaders guided by our Leadership Principles
• A culture that welcomes you as the unique person you are
• Inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects
• The long‑term thinking of a foundation‑owned company
• Flexible work environment
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions
• Private medical cover and life assurance

Ready to join us?

Please submit your application with your up‑to‑date CV. We invite diversity in all its forms and encourage applicants from all groups to apply.

We recognise that some candidates only apply when they tick every box. However, passion and potential often outweigh a perfect resume and Ramboll’s supportive learning culture can help you grow. So if this role resonates with you but you don't meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this opportunity or another within our team.

Deadline: 31.1.2026

Work at the heart of sustainable change with Ramboll

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. At Ramboll, we believe that diversity is a strength and that different experiences and perspectives are essential to creating truly sustainable societies. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is able to flourish and reach their potential. We also know how important it is to achieve the right balance of where, when, and how much you work. At Ramboll, we offer flexibility as part of our positive and inclusive approach to work. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds and characteristics. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it more comfortable for you. You can contact us at [e-mail] with such requests.