Head of Civils/ Design CRE

Are you a Head of Civils / Design CRE (Rail Infrastructure) looking for your next contract opportunity?

Location: Surrey Quays, London (Hybrid - 3 days onsite, 2 days remote

Sector: Rail Infrastructure / Civil Engineering
Type: Contract
Duration: Long-term assignment
Start Date: ASAP (within 2-3 weeks)
Rate: Dependant on experience
IR35 determination: To be confirmed

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Civils / Design CRE to join a major rail infrastructure programme supporting a Maintenance a multi-million-pound contract awarded by Rail for London (RfL), a subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). It covers the planned and reactive maintenance, faulting, and renewals across key London Overground assets.

This is a senior leadership position requiring a technically strong civil or structural engineering professional with extensive rail experience and a proven background in assurance, governance, and team leadership. The role is not design-focused; instead, it centres around engineering assurance, asset verification, and leading multidisciplinary teams delivering civil and structural works.

Key Responsibilities
·Lead all civil and structural engineering activities across the programme.
·Act as the Civil Engineering Authority and provide technical leadership to project teams.
·Manage teams undertaking site inspections, asset reviews, and verification activities.
·Review and assure engineering reports, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.
·Oversee engineering governance, assurance processes, and technical approvals.
·Provide leadership and line management to engineers and site-based teams.

Essential Requirements
·Degree qualified in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
·Chartered Engineer status (CEng) preferred.
·Significant experience within the rail sector
·Strong background in engineering assurance, governance, and technical review.
·Demonstrable experience managing engineering teams and line management responsibilities.
·Experience reviewing and assuring civil and structural engineering outputs.
·Strong stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

Highly Desirable Experience
·Previous experience working on TfL projects.
·Knowledge of premises and lineside assets.
·Experience acting as CRE (Contractor's Responsible Engineer) or similar engineering authority.

Why Apply?
·Opportunity to lead engineering assurance on a high-profile rail programme.
·Long-term contract potential on a major infrastructure project.
·Senior leadership role with significant influence across project delivery.
 
If you are a senior rail civil engineer with strong assurance and leadership experience and are looking to play a key role on a major London rail project, we would like to hear from you.