Freelance Managing Engineer in City of Westminster

My client is seeking an experienced and technically precise Managing Engineer to lead the structural and sub-structure packages on a high-profile, complex Cut and Carve refurbishment project in West London.

The successful candidate will take full engineering ownership across three critical project phases: Deconstruction & Demolition (DeMO), Groundworks & Deep Substructures, and Reinforced Concrete (RC) Frame/Structural Alterations. This role requires strong technical authority, deep knowledge of complex temporary works, and effective management of specialist subcontractors within a tight urban site footprint.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Lead & Structural Delivery

• Package Management: Oversee technical delivery of Demolition/Façade Retention, Underpinning/Groundworks, and RC Frame alterations/extensions.

• Temporary Works Management: Act as or work directly alongside the Designated Individual (DI) / Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC) to manage high-risk temporary works, propping schemes, needle beams, and structural load transfers.

• Cut & Carve Sequencing: Review and sign off method statements (RAMS) and sequencing logic for structural alteration works, stitch-cutting, and structural steel integrations.

• Setting Out & Verification: Direct the site engineering team, ensuring high-precision dimensional control, monitoring regime checks, and structural movement tracking (in-situ sensors, total stations, tilt meters).

Site Operations & Subcontractor Oversight

• Subcontractor Management: Lead day-to-day coordination between specialist trade contractors (Demolition, Groundworks, RC Frame, Piling, Steelwork).

• Workforce & Quality Assurance: Drive Quality Assurance (QA) procedures, reviewing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), concrete mix designs, steel reinforcement sign-offs, and structural handover records.

• Commercial Support: Assist the Quantity Surveying team with technical evaluations of variations, scope gaps, and sub-contractor valuations.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to CDM Regulations, particularly regarding complex stability frames and heavy structural alterations.

• Enforce noise, dust, vibration, and party wall compliance under West London local authority (e.g., RBKC / LBHF / Westminster) environmental restrictions.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven track record as a Senior or Managing Engineer on complex urban Cut and Carve or heavy refurbishment schemes (£15m+ project value).

• In-depth expertise in RC Frame construction, groundworks/substructures, and heavy demolition/propping.

• Strong knowledge of party wall conditions, tight-footprint logisitics, and monitoring systems.

• Proficiency in digital site tools (Procore, Field View, AutoDesk BIM/Navisworks, Total Station data review).

Qualifications & Certifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Construction Management (BEng / MEng preferred).

• SMSTS and CSCS Black/White Card.

• ICE or IStructE professional status (MICE/MIStructE or working towards Chartered/Incorporated status) is desirable.

• Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC) qualification preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Zero High-Risk Incidents: Flawless safety record across temporary works and structural alterations.

2. Structural Handover Gateways: On-time sign-off and approval of temporary-to-permanent structural load transfers.

3. Quality & Compliance: Zero major non-conformance reports (NCRs) across RC frame and groundworks packages.