Senior Civil Engineer

Salary: DOE

Location: Newry, United Kingdom; Belfast, United Kingdom; Birmingham, United Kingdom

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

The Vacancy

About the Company

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 15,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Civil Engineer - Associate to lead the successful delivery of civil and structural elements of substation and grid infrastructure projects across the UK.

As part of Nicholas O'Dwyer's growing team, you will play a pivotal leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary project teams and ensuring the highest standards of design, safety, and delivery across all project stages. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical knowledge of substation civil works with strong commercial acumen and client-facing experience.

You will take responsibility for project delivery performance, client relationship management, and business development within the UK power sector — supporting Nicholas O'Dwyer's continued growth as a leading consultancy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the delivery of substation civil and structural projects.
• Oversee the design and delivery of site development, access roads, foundations, drainage, bunding, and control building structures.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective coordination between civil, structural, electrical, and environmental disciplines.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, managing relationships with utilities, transmission operators, and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with UK standards, legislation, and regulations — including CDM Regulations and Principal Designer duties.
• Provide governance and quality assurance for design deliverables and construction documentation.
• Oversee project budgets, risk management, and resource allocation to ensure delivery to programme and cost targets.
• Support and mentor Project Managers and Engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and professional growth.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals, bids, and tenders to support business development.
• Champion Health, Safety, and Environmental best practice throughout project delivery.
• Represent Nicholas O'Dwyer at client meetings, industry events, and professional forums.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation within the project team.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (BEng/MEng or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the ICE, IStructE, or equivalent institution.
• Minimum of 12–15 years' experience delivering civil and structural projects within substations, grid, or transmission infrastructure.
• In-depth knowledge of substation civil design including reinforced concrete foundations, drainage systems, and control buildings.
• Strong understanding of UK power sector standards and regulations (e.g., National Grid, DNOs, CDM, ENA).
• Extensive experience in project delivery and commercial management under NEC or FIDIC contracts.
• Proven leadership ability with experience managing multidisciplinary design teams.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness with ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and reporting.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera).
• Commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in design and delivery.
• You will have an agile and "Can Do" mindset.
• Full UK driving licence.

About Us

Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring about lasting positive change. Through a blend of expertise, innovation and global dedication, we envision a world where sustainable engineering protects growing communities.

Nicholas O'Dwyer provides professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory. We are one of the most respected Irish consultancies operating in local and international markets, providing professional services to public- and private-sector clients.

Whether in Ireland, the UK or internationally, we understand and solve major challenges associated with delivering and adapting infrastructure for an increasing global population while maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.

Nicholas O'Dwyer is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Mental Health Support

Tax Saver Options

Employee Assistance Program

Staff Mentorship Program

Retirement Saving Plan

Flexible and Hybrid Working Arrangements

2 Professional Memberships Paid For

Parking

On-site

Active Sports & Social Committee

An RSK Story