Principal Civil Engineer - Bridges

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

We are an ICE approved employer, providing structured learning and professional development support. 

Join Our Team: Principal Engineer – Highway Structures Opportunity

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

The Principal Engineer (Highway Structures) is a key role in the Asset Management Team and is responsible for delivering a specialist technical engineering function to provide the Trust with internal professional expertise relating to our Highway Structures (Bridges) portfolio, including nearly 900 Public Road Bridges and 3000+ more variations. These include; 

• Fixed Bridges.
• Moveable Bridges: Swing/Turnbridges: & Lift/Bascule Bridges.
• Specialized Towpath Bridges: Turnover (Snake) & Split Bridges.
• Modern Structures.
• Aqueducts.

This role ensures asset safety, regulatory compliance, and long‑term performance through expert engineering oversight, inspections, and contribution to the Trust’s Asset Management Strategy. See a more information & FAQs here: Principal Engineer, Highway Structures - Candidate Information.docx 

Working Hours & Location

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The Principal Engineer opportunity will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Regular travel across our network will be required. See here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers  

Relevant Hubs: Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Gloucester.

A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Role Overview

In this exciting role, you’ll lead the charge in keeping our bridges and highway structures safe, reliable and future‑ready. From delivering critical inspections and driving modern asset management, to shaping standards, influencing planning and providing expert technical advice, you’ll make a real impact every day. You’ll represent the Trust across the industry, guide a talented team, champion our values, and help create an inclusive environment where great engineering — and great people — can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for the management of significant infrastructure risk through the delivery of an integrated asset management system to improve asset condition, safety and performance.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust’s bridge and highway structures Asset Management Strategies.
• Improve the Trust’s adoption of DMRB requirements and contribute to relevant Design Guidance, Standards and Specifications.
• Represent the Trust within professional forums to develop collaborative relationships, share best practice and protect the Trust’s interests.
• Delivery of the Trust’s Public Road Bridge Inspection programme.
• Undertake inspections of Bridges and Highway Structures with some confined space working.
• Deliver inspections to plan, ensuring data is reviewed, approved, recorded and maintained in the prescribed format and to the prescribed quality.
• Act as the Trust’s Technical Approval Authority (TAA) for Bridges and Highway Structures.
• Provide specialist technical advice to both in-house and external design and delivery teams.
• Provide specialist technical advice to support the Trust’s response to Planning Consultations and the management of Third-Party Works.
• Providing effective leadership to a small team of engineers and inspectors to create a high performing team which is inspired to achieve the Trust’s objectives.
• Ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promote inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions.
• Where appropriate participate in the Trust‘s “Stand-by” and” Call-out” rotas.

About You

We welcome applicants with hands on experience in bridge and highway inspections, infrastructure risk management, technical problem solving, and leading high performing teams — plus a commitment to safety, collaboration and inclusive working.

Skills & Qualifications

Technical:

• Chartered Civil Engineer (C.Eng MICE) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Substantial relevant experience of engineering works to Bridges / Highway Structures.
• Extensive experience of engineering design and construction preferably in a water or transport infrastructure environment.
• Expert understanding of CDM Regulations, and relevant Health & Safety regulations.
• Experience of people management.
• Knowledge and understanding of historic infrastructure and the natural environment.

General:

• Demonstrable experience in cross-functional working.
• Able to negotiate with internal and external contacts and support other areas of the business in an appropriate manner, taking account of overall business priorities and resources.
• Able to review conflicting (and cross-functional) risks making appropriate judgements to establish and communicate appropriate order.
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.
• Understanding of the Trust‘s governance, financial controls, Quality Management techniques and compliance.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software e.g. MS Office.
• Experience of GIS or other mapping systems.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.  We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. 

What We Offer

In addition to your annual base salary of £53,750 - £56,250, we also offer Car Cash Allowance (£450 per month), a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.  

#INDHP

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers. 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

Job Details

• Pay Type
• Salary

• Employment Indicator
• Funded

• Hiring Min Rate
• 53,750 GBP

• Hiring Max Rate
• 56,250 GBP