Technical Director in Civil Engineering

Location: Manchester OR Glasgow
Working Pattern: Hybrid - typically 3 days per week office/site/client based
Travel: UK-wide travel required
Sector: Civil Engineering / Major Infrastructure / Defence / Energy / Water / Heavy Civils / Land Development
Level: Technical Director / Senior Technical Leadership

We are seeking an experienced Technical Director - Civil Engineering to join a growing technical leadership team in Manchester.

This is a senior leadership position for an established Civil Engineer who can combine technical excellence, strategic leadership and commercial awareness. You will act as a recognised technical authority within the civil engineering discipline, providing direction across complex infrastructure projects while helping to develop the wider civil engineering capability.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across significant UK infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary projects, with exposure to sectors including land development, energy, defence, water and other major infrastructure.

You will play a key role in shaping technical strategy, supporting business development, developing people and ensuring the highest standards of engineering delivery.

• Provide technical leadership across the civil engineering discipline and contribute to wider technical and business initiatives.

• Act as a recognised technical authority, providing expert advice on complex civil engineering matters.

• Represent the organisation's civil engineering capability to existing and prospective clients.

• Provide strategic technical oversight across complex, multidisciplinary projects and programmes.

• Work closely with internal teams, clients, project stakeholders and external partners at all levels.

• Ensure robust engineering governance, quality standards and best practice are maintained across projects.

• Identify and implement improvements to technical processes, standards, services and delivery methodologies.

• Provide technical leadership and input into bids and proposals, helping to develop effective delivery strategies and competitive submissions.

• Identify opportunities for business development, cross-selling and growth, helping to strengthen and expand key client relationships.

• Support the continued growth and development of the civil engineering team, including mentoring, talent development and succession planning.

• Anticipate emerging technical, regulatory, commercial and industry challenges, identifying risks and opportunities and advising senior stakeholders accordingly.

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex technical issues and provide pragmatic, innovative solutions.

• Contribute to the development of technical strategy and future service offerings.

• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture across the civil engineering and wider multidisciplinary teams.

We are looking for a highly experienced Civil Engineer with strong technical credibility and a proven track record of leadership within complex infrastructure environments.

You will ideally have:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent qualification.

• Chartered Engineer status with a recognised professional institution.

• Extensive experience in progressively senior technical and leadership positions.

• Significant experience leading complex, high-risk and multidisciplinary projects or programmes.

• Strong technical expertise across areas such as:

  • Drainage and utilities

  • Earthworks

  • Pavements and surfacing

  • Access and accessibility

  • Construction logistics

  • Civil infrastructure design and delivery

• Experience across multiple project stages, from feasibility and concept through detailed design, construction and completion.

• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant design codes, standards, legislation and industry best practice, including CDM Regulations.

• Experience within the energy, defence or wider infrastructure sectors would be advantageous.

• A track record of driving technical improvement, innovation and best practice.

• Strong commercial awareness, including experience contributing to successful bids and business development.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly and influence senior decision-makers.

• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, challenge existing approaches and develop innovative solutions.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a genuine interest in developing people and building high-performing technical teams.

• The ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgement and take ownership of complex technical challenges.

Candidates who meet most, but not necessarily all, of the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Relevant experience, technical expertise and leadership capability will be considered alongside formal qualifications.

This is an opportunity to join a high-performing engineering environment and take a leading role in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

The package includes:

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

• Hybrid working arrangements.

• Flexible working opportunities.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Opportunities for career progression and technical leadership.

• Exposure to major and technically challenging infrastructure projects.

• The opportunity to influence technical strategy and business growth.

• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.

The role is based in Manchester with UK-wide travel required. The position operates on a hybrid basis, with approximately three days per week expected to be office, site or client based, depending on project requirements.

Some projects may require security clearance. Where applicable, this will be discussed as part of the recruitment process and will be subject to the relevant eligibility and vetting requirements.

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is treated fairly, respected and supported to achieve their potential. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.