Associate / Technical Director (Civil Engineering)
This is a senior leadership role with the opportunity to make a strategic impact. You’ll work closely with Jonathan Cage (Managing Director) to define the future of Civil Engineering within the business by delivering excellence, driving growth, and innovating our service offering. Collaborating with like-minded professionals across the UK, you’ll help foster a dynamic and supportive team culture.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Provide technical leadership and direction across all civil engineering projects (these projects include everything from residential, commercial and retail structures to more complex infrastructure like data centres and anaerobic digestion plants, as well as essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, drainage, and water supply).
- Shape strategy and drive growth, developing future workstreams and expanding our client base.
- Lead the delivery of multiple large or complex projects.
- Represent the discipline internally and externally as a subject matter expert.
- Provide technical direction, peer review, and quality assurance for all team outputs.
- Advise on compliance, risk, and mitigation strategies across a range of sectors.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels.
- Lead or support bids and tenders for new business opportunities.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to junior and senior members of the team.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support recruitment and succession planning for the discipline.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- A degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or a related subject.
- Membership with the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineering Council, or similar.
- Substantial consultancy experience in civil engineering.
- Exceptional technical expertise with deep knowledge of UK guidance and legislation.
- Proven ability to win and deliver large, complex projects with high-profile clients.
- Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities.
- Inspiring leadership style, with a track record of mentoring and developing teams.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and confidence presenting at senior level.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT
- A master’s degree such as Advanced Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering and Construction Management, or a related subject.
- Fellowship or Chartered status (FICE, CEng MICE or similar).
- A recognised profile within the civil engineering community through publications, presentations or committee work.
- Experience influencing policy, standards, or industry best practice.
- A working knowledge of social and digital media channels with a view to using these to promote not only your work but also the business.
WHY JOIN CREATE?
- A competitive salary (based on experience and location) and performance-based bonus scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements – our guiding principle is simple: if a flexible working arrangement works for you, your manager, and your team, it works for us.
- Pet-friendly offices – well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
- Enhanced workplace pension – company makes a 5% contribution.
- Flexible holiday allowance (buy or sell annual leave).
- Role-related benefits such as a mobile phone and access to a vehicle.
- Two paid professional memberships per year.
- Octopus EV salary sacrifice scheme.
- Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- Clear progression pathways and leadership development.
- Mentoring, CPD and knowledge-sharing events.
- A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.
HOW WE DEFINE OUR ROLES
The years of experience outlined below are indicative and serve as a guide. Progression at Create is based not only on time in role but also on technical ability, leadership, and the value you bring to projects, clients, and the wider team.
Graduate – 0-2 years’ experience with a relevant degree.
Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 2-5 years’ experience in the role or similar with some technical expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Senior Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 5-8 years’ experience in the role or similar with a developing set of skills, clearly identifiable technical expertise and direct experience of managing projects, coordinating with clients and supporting other team members.
Principal Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 8 or more years’ experience in the role or similar with a robust set of skills, proven technical expertise and an ability to lead projects, coordinate with clients and support other team members.
Associate Director – 10–15 years’ experience in the role with recognised technical expertise, the ability to lead multiple large projects, coordinate with clients, support and develop other team members and secure future workstreams/projects for the discipline.
Technical Director – 15 or more years’ experience in the role with recognised technical expertise and authority within the industry. Capable of defining discipline strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring technical excellence across all projects. Proven ability to lead multiple large-scale or complex schemes, whilst developing and sustaining long-term client relationships, and actively contributing to business growth.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups in our industry, and from ex-armed forces personnel looking to bring their skills and experience into a new career.
If you have specific requirements or need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.
A NOTE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
We prefer to hire directly. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. We recognise the role recruitment agencies play in our industry and we have a preferred list of suppliers for some specific roles. Agency fees will only be paid where terms have been agreed in advance with our Managing Director. Unsolicited CVs will not be eligible for fees.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role(s) listed above.
READY TO APPLY?
Use the button below to submit your CV and a covering letter telling us why you’re the right fit for this role.
You’re also welcome to include any supporting information – such as example reports or project case studies – that you feel will help us in shortlisting your application.