Principal Structural Engineer in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Principal Structural Engineer
Nottingham City Centre - Hybrid & Flexible Working

How often do you get the chance to build and lead your own Structural Engineering team, but with the financial backing, project pipeline and technical resources of one of the world's largest engineering consultancies?

We're working with a major international engineering consultancy that's looking to establish a dedicated Building Structures team in Nottingham, and they're searching for an ambitious Principal Structural Engineer to help make it happen.
This is a genuinely exciting opportunity and something quite different from your typical Principal Engineer position. Rather than joining an established team with a predefined structure and limited room to progress, you'll be coming in at the very beginning, with the opportunity to shape the direction of the team, influence recruitment, develop client relationships and ultimately progress into a leadership position.
The business already has a hugely successful Building Structures operation across the Midlands and wider UK, so you're certainly not starting from scratch. You'll have the backing of an established Birmingham team, access to an extensive network of technical specialists and an impressive pipeline of projects already in place.
Their Nottingham office is based in the city centre, conveniently located close to Nottingham train station, making it easily accessible for anyone commuting by rail. They also offer hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

A bit more about the opportunity
This is one of those positions where the longer-term opportunity is arguably just as attractive as the immediate role.
Initially, you'll work closely with the established Birmingham Structural Engineering team, typically spending one day per week in Birmingham during the first 12 months. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the wider business, develop relationships with colleagues and clients, and become involved in the delivery of existing projects.
As the Nottingham workload and local capability develop, the intention is for you to take ownership of the Structural Engineering operation in the city, helping establish and grow a team around you.
You'll have a real say in how that team develops, the type of projects it delivers and the people you bring into the business.

The longer-term ambition is for this person to progress into a Nottingham Structural Team Lead or Studio Lead position.
And unlike some opportunities where progression is talked about but rarely materialises, the development of this team is a specific part of the company's wider regional growth strategy.

Why join this business?
For anyone who's spent their career in Building Structures, the company's reputation and breadth of work should be a major attraction.
They're one of the most recognised names in the engineering industry, with a presence across the UK and internationally, delivering everything from complex building developments and major infrastructure schemes through to highly technical, multidisciplinary projects.
The scale of the business means you'll have access to expertise that smaller consultancies simply can't offer, whether that's specialist structural analysis, digital engineering, sustainability, low-carbon design or input from other engineering disciplines.
At the same time, this particular opportunity offers something that can sometimes be difficult to find within a large organisation: the freedom to build something of your own.
You'll be encouraged to bring ideas to the table, challenge conventional approaches and help shape the future of the Nottingham team, rather than simply following an established formula.
There's also a real commitment to professional development, with excellent internal training, opportunities to collaborate with recognised technical specialists and the chance to develop both your engineering and commercial leadership skills.

What will you be doing?
Initially, the role will involve a combination of technical project delivery, client engagement and supporting the wider Midlands Structural Engineering team.
You'll be taking responsibility for the design and delivery of building structures projects, working across a variety of sectors and construction materials, including steel, reinforced concrete, timber and masonry.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading structural design projects from initial concept through to construction.
• Managing the technical delivery of multiple projects or significant elements of larger schemes.
• Producing and reviewing structural calculations, design reports and technical specifications.
• Providing technical guidance, design reviews and quality assurance.
• Working closely with architects, contractors, developers and other engineering disciplines.
• Developing practical, efficient and sustainable structural solutions.
• Building relationships with existing clients and identifying opportunities for further work.
• Contributing to fee proposals, bids and project planning.
• Supporting and mentoring Engineers across the wider Midlands team.
• Helping recruit, develop and eventually lead a dedicated Nottingham Structural Engineering team.

You'll have the autonomy to take ownership of projects and make decisions, while still benefiting from the support of an experienced national engineering practice.

What are we looking for?
We're particularly interested in speaking with Chartered Structural Engineers who are already operating at Principal level, or experienced Senior Structural Engineers who feel ready to take on greater responsibility.
You'll need a strong background in Building Structures, ideally gained within a multidisciplinary or structural engineering consultancy, and experience delivering projects from concept through to construction.
A good working knowledge of steel, reinforced concrete, timber and masonry design is important, along with experience using structural analysis software and applying Eurocodes and relevant British Standards.
Chartered status through IStructE or ICE is required.
Beyond that, personality and ambition are going to be particularly important.
We're looking for someone who is technically confident, commercially aware and comfortable dealing directly with clients. Someone who can work independently, make decisions and take responsibility without needing constant direction.
You don't necessarily need to have managed an office or built a team before, but you should have a genuine interest in developing people, winning work and eventually taking on a wider leadership role.
If you're currently a Principal Structural Engineer who feels there's limited opportunity to progress where you are, or you're working towards Associate level but can't quite see a route forward, this could be a particularly interesting move.

What's on offer?
Alongside the opportunity to establish and lead a new team, you'll benefit from everything you'd expect from a major international engineering consultancy.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive, flexible benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Modern Nottingham city centre office, close to the train station.
• A defined opportunity to progress towards Structural Team Lead / Studio Lead.
• The chance to influence the growth and direction of a new regional team.
• Access to an established pipeline of Building Structures projects.
• Support from experienced Engineers and technical specialists across the UK.
• Excellent training, CPD and leadership development opportunities.
• Exposure to major multidisciplinary projects and international engineering expertise.
• Flexible holiday arrangements and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• The stability and resources of a globally recognised consultancy, with the autonomy to help develop a new local operation.

Interested?
This isn't simply another Principal Structural Engineer vacancy. It's an opportunity to get involved at the very beginning of something, establish yourself as a key figure within a highly respected engineering business and play a genuine part in shaping its future in Nottingham.
If you're an ambitious Structural Engineer who's ready for more responsibility, more influence and a clearer route into leadership, I'd be keen to have a conversation.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Sam at Calibre Search.

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