Principal Engineer (Highway Structures)

Job Introduction

Bradford Council is responsible for managing and maintaining a diverse and vital highway structures asset that helps keep people, communities and businesses connected across the district. Our Highway Structures teams oversees the inspection, maintenance, strengthening and improvement of a wide range of assets, including bridges, retaining walls, culverts, footbridges and other highway structures.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Engineer (Structures) to lead our specialist structures teams. In this role you will ensure that the district's highway structures - from culverts to major bridges - are safe, resilient and fit for the future.

Reporting to the Highways Services Manager, you will play a key leadership role across the service, helping to deliver complex infrastructure programmes whilst maintaining high standards of public safety and asset management.

Key Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading and managing two teams of structural engineering professionals and project managers.
• Overseeing feasibility studies, design development, procurement and construction of highway structures projects.  Acting as the Council's competent Technical Approval Authority for highway structures designs.
• Providing expert technical advice to senior officers, elected members and project teams.
• Act as an "intelligent client" ensuring compliance with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority assurance framework and Council project management processes.
• Manage budgets, cost planning and quantity surveying activities to ensure projects are delivered within budgets.
• Support the planning and delivery of major capital programmes, working collaboratively across the highways service.
• Contributing to innovation, continuous improvement and adoption of modern engineering practices, materials and technologies.
• Ensuring effective inspection, maintenance and safety of critical highway structures across the district.
• Be part of the Council's out-of-hours emergency response to deal with emergencies impacting the structures asset.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds an appropriate degree or equivalent qualification in civil or structural engineering.
• Is a Chartered Engineer (or working towards professional accreditation).
• Has strong leadership and team management experience in a technical environment.
• Has experience delivering highway or civil engineering projects and managing complex programmes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of procurement, contract management (e.g. NEC), and project governance.
• Has experience in cost management, forecasting and budget control.
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Experience of project management methodologies (such as PRINCE2) and professional membership (e.g. RICS or equivalent) is desirable.

How to Apply and Selection Process

The selection process will include:

• Completion of the on-line application form and supporting statement showing how you meet the requirements of the job profile.
• Technical assessment and written test (issued in advance to shortlisted candidates)
• 15 minute presentation followed by panel interview

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact Richard Gelder, Highways Services Manager on 07582 109014 or email richard.gelder@bradford.gov.uk. 

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf 

Equal Opportunities 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.