Principal Engineer - Maritime Infrastructure
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Engineer to take strategic ownership of a major historic harbour infrastructure programme worth over £100 million.
This is a unique leadership role, overseeing all engineering aspects across a 5-mile, 200-year-old working harbour - including harbour walls, lock gates, swing bridges, sluices, and flood defences. The successful candidate will be the senior technical lead for capital delivery, asset management, and engineering operations within a critical regional maritime environment.
 
Key Responsibilities:
·Lead the development and implementation of a long-term engineering strategy for harbour infrastructure investment and renewal.
·Manage the full lifecycle delivery of complex, multimillion-pound capital works programmes.
·Directly line manage engineering staff, technical assistants, contractors and specialist suppliers.
·Oversee asset condition reporting, health & safety systems, and environmental compliance (including ISO14001/EMAS).
·Drive innovation and continuous improvement across infrastructure maintenance and capital project delivery.
·Act as technical advisor to internal stakeholders on all matters related to harbour engineering and flood risk management.
 
Requirements:
·Proven experience in leading large-scale infrastructure programmes, preferably within a marine, docks, or heavy civil engineering environment.
·Strong understanding of mechanical, structural and hydraulic systems relevant to maritime infrastructure.
·Demonstrable experience managing engineering teams, budgets, procurement, and external suppliers.
·Capable of working strategically and operationally, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day delivery.
·Chartered Engineer status or working towards it (CEng, MICE, or equivalent) is desirable.
 
What's on Offer:
·A career-defining leadership role in a unique and historic maritime setting
·Long-term investment pipeline and ownership of a critical infrastructure portfolio
·Competitive salary and benefits package
·Excellent long-term career development prospects
 
For a full description and further information on the role, please call Jason Kohle at Carrington West on 02393 876006. 
 
FOOTNOTE: 
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation. 
 
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Traffic & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Our specialist team has a combined 40+ years' experience in this market. Please call Jason at Carrington West on 02393 876006 for more information.  
 
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