Job Introduction

Flood & Coastal Principal Engineer

South West Flood & Coastal is a shared service between East Devon District Council and BCP Council. We work with our partners and communities to address the challenges of flooding and coastal erosion in a changing climate. This has created exceptional professional opportunities to work in both regions on exciting projects. Our geographical areas are renowned for their natural beauty, with long stretches of beaches, complex cliffs, stunning landscapes and expansive national parks.

We’re recruiting to our Capital Team which oversees the delivery of a multitude of exciting projects. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer who is a specialist in design and construction management, contract management and project execution. The role provides leadership in large project management, procurement, design process and construction phase planning, providing quality and programme management support to the Capital Projects Manager.

The South West Flood & Coastal capital programme has a clear line of funded projects for the next 5+ years, at circa £60M and growing. Our funded projects include:

• Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme
• Hengistbury Head Long Groyne Upgrade
• Timber Groyne Renewal Programme
• Poole Town Flood Defence Scheme
• Seaton Hole Coastal Protection Scheme.

Beyond these projects, we have an exciting portfolio of future studies and business cases to see through to delivery. 

The capital projects team currently has six engineers and project managers with diverse skills and experience. South West Flood & Coastal has just under 40 staff, ranging from early career professionals through to sector leading subject matter experts covering all areas of flooding and coastal erosion. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other industry experts and share your expertise to help develop engineers of the future, build a legacy and demonstrate the value of our work nationally.

The role’s primary project will be the Sidmouth and East Beach Coast Defence Scheme. Applications from professionals across the South West region are welcome and we can consider hybrid and remote (with infrequent office attendance) arrangements. We have office space available at both BCP (Bournemouth and Poole) and East Devon District Council (Honiton). The role operates under smarter working guidance providing clear objectives and deadlines and giving you the control to find work/life balance that meets service needs and your personal commitments and interests. 

The employee benefits include a great pension package, various salary sacrifice and benefits schemes, and a generous leave offer, further details visit: Colleague benefits and support | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk) 

If you have any questions, please email Peter Christie (South West Flood & Coastal Capital Projects Manager) at peter.christie@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call Peter on 01202 794286.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation and colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. This is expected to be in place in 2024/2025.