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Senior Civil Engineer - Job Opportunity at Alfred Recruitment

Cardiff, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 10, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 45,000-55,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive flexible working arrangements supporting work-life integration in today's competitive talent market
Generous 24-day annual leave package plus bank holidays with structured Christmas closure ensuring team-wide rest periods
Progressive annual leave reward system adding one day per five years of service to recognize long-term commitment
Complete life insurance and assurance coverage plus Westfield health cash plan providing financial security and immediate healthcare support
Above-market pension contribution scheme with 7% employer contribution significantly exceeding statutory minimums
Full professional membership fee coverage for major engineering institutions supporting continuous professional development
Structured pathway to Professional Membership with mentorship and guidance for career advancement
Comprehensive training investment including formal external courses and regular peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
Regular CPD sessions delivered by external experts ensuring cutting-edge technical knowledge
Holistic social benefits program including sports, wellness, and charity engagement fostering team culture
On-site parking and casual dress policy reducing daily stress and commuting costs
Company events and team building activities strengthening professional networks

Key Responsibilities

Lead and shape the strategic direction of the Drainage Infrastructure team while working directly with Associate Director level leadership
Drive the delivery of complex Civil Engineering design solutions across high-impact infrastructure projects with focus on sustainable urban drainage systems
Spearhead innovative approaches to conventional surface water drainage design contributing to environmental sustainability initiatives
Manage and mentor multi-level engineering teams providing technical leadership and strategic resource planning aligned with Integrated Management Systems
Orchestrate concurrent project delivery ensuring optimal prioritization and client satisfaction across multiple high-stakes engagements
Develop and maintain critical relationships with statutory bodies including Natural Resources Wales and Environment Agency impacting project approvals
Navigate complex regulatory frameworks including Water Authority statutory approval processes and SuDS Approval Body requirements
Provide technical expertise in flood risk management and infrastructure design requirements within National Planning Policy context
Demonstrate autonomous leadership while maintaining collaborative approach to cross-functional project delivery

Requirements

Education

Civil Engineering degree – Preferably a Masters

Experience

7+ years' experience with surface, and foul water design and/or construction to Sewers for Adoption and Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

Required Skills

3D design and modelling using software such as MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and Autodesk ICM Water Authority statutory approval processes such as S104, S106 etc SuDS Approval Body approval Awareness of National Planning Policy and Infrastructure design requirements relating to flood risk management Ability to manage a team of people with varying levels of experience and provide the technical support and resource planning Ability to manage concurrent projects ensuring the prioritisation of tasks and deliverables Ability to create and maintain relationships with statutory bodies such as Natural Resources Wales and Environment Agency Ability to work using own initiative and demonstrate a methodical approach Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Certifications

Have or be close to completion of Professional Qualification with the Institution of Civil Engineers or Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UK infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented investment driven by government commitments to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, creating substantial demand for engineers specializing in sustainable drainage solutions. The emphasis on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) reflects the industry's shift toward climate resilience and environmental stewardship, positioning specialists in this field at the forefront of infrastructure transformation. Regulatory frameworks are becoming increasingly complex as authorities balance development needs with environmental protection, creating premium demand for engineers who can navigate statutory approval processes efficiently. The integration of digital design tools with traditional engineering practices is revolutionizing project delivery, making proficiency in advanced modeling software a critical competitive advantage. Brexit-related skills shortages in the UK construction and engineering sectors have created a candidate-driven market, particularly for experienced professionals with statutory approval expertise. The Welsh government's infrastructure investment programs are generating significant opportunities in the Cardiff region, establishing it as a growing hub for civil engineering talent.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £45,000-£55,000 represents competitive compensation for the Cardiff market, positioned at approximately 85-95% of London rates while offering superior cost of living ratios. When combined with the comprehensive benefits package including 7% employer pension contribution and professional development support, the total compensation package likely exceeds £60,000 in equivalent value, making this highly competitive for the regional market.

Role Significance

The position likely involves leading a specialized drainage infrastructure team of 4-8 professionals including graduate engineers, technicians, and mid-level engineers, while collaborating with broader multidisciplinary teams of 15-25 members across major infrastructure projects.
This role represents a senior individual contributor position with significant team leadership responsibilities, positioned one level below Associate Director and likely managing 3-5 direct reports. The role carries substantial technical authority and client-facing responsibilities, indicating high organizational trust and decision-making autonomy within project delivery frameworks.

Key Projects

Major urban regeneration projects requiring comprehensive drainage infrastructure design and SuDS integration across mixed-use developments Highway and transportation infrastructure projects demanding compliance with Design Manual for Roads and Bridges standards and complex approval processes Climate resilience infrastructure projects focused on flood risk management and sustainable water management solutions for municipalities Large-scale residential and commercial developments requiring Sewers for Adoption compliance and coordination with multiple regulatory bodies

Success Factors

Mastery of evolving regulatory frameworks and ability to maintain current knowledge of changing statutory requirements while building strong relationships with approval bodies ensures project success and client satisfaction in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Advanced technical proficiency in cutting-edge drainage modeling software combined with practical construction experience enables innovative problem-solving and efficient project delivery in challenging infrastructure contexts. Strong leadership and communication skills facilitate effective team management and client relationship building, essential for managing complex stakeholder expectations and ensuring project delivery within budget and timeline constraints. Strategic thinking and project management capabilities enable successful concurrent project delivery while maintaining quality standards and identifying opportunities for process improvement and business development.

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior civil engineers with drainage infrastructure expertise, driven by increased focus on climate resilience and sustainable development. The combination of technical skills in SuDS design and regulatory approval experience creates a specialized niche with limited candidate supply, resulting in strong negotiating position for qualified professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced proficiency in drainage modeling software (MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, Autodesk ICM) represents the technical foundation for project delivery and distinguishes qualified candidates in a competitive market where software expertise directly impacts project efficiency and accuracy. Deep understanding of statutory approval processes (S104, S106, SuDS Approval Body) provides essential regulatory navigation capabilities that determine project feasibility and timeline success, making this knowledge invaluable for client retention and business development. Team leadership and project management capabilities enable successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects while developing junior staff, creating scalable value for the organization and positioning the individual for senior management progression. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills facilitate effective relationships with regulatory bodies, clients, and internal teams, essential for navigating the complex approval processes and ensuring project success in highly regulated environments.

Beneficial Skills

Emerging expertise in climate resilience and green infrastructure design positions professionals for future market opportunities as environmental regulations become more stringent and client demands evolve toward sustainable solutions. Business development and client relationship management skills enhance career progression potential and create opportunities for partnership or senior leadership roles within growing engineering consultancies. Cross-sector infrastructure experience beyond drainage systems provides versatility and broader project opportunities, particularly valuable in integrated infrastructure projects requiring multidisciplinary coordination. Advanced digital design and BIM capabilities represent the future direction of engineering practice, offering competitive advantages in project delivery efficiency and client service differentiation.

Unique Aspects

The combination of technical drainage expertise with regulatory approval specialization creates a highly specialized niche that commands premium compensation and offers significant career security in the evolving infrastructure landscape.
Direct reporting relationship to Associate Director level provides exceptional visibility and mentorship opportunities, potentially accelerating career progression compared to larger organizational structures.
The focus on both traditional drainage systems and innovative SuDS solutions positions the successful candidate at the intersection of established engineering practices and emerging environmental technologies.
Comprehensive professional development investment including external training and professional membership support demonstrates organizational commitment to long-term career growth and technical excellence.

Career Growth

Career progression to Associate Director level typically occurs within 4-6 years for high-performing senior engineers, particularly those who demonstrate business development capabilities and maintain strong client relationships. The specialized nature of drainage infrastructure expertise can accelerate progression timelines in the current market environment.

Potential Next Roles

Associate Director or Principal Engineer positions within 3-5 years, involving broader business development responsibilities and strategic planning for regional infrastructure projects Technical Director roles in specialized drainage and flood management consultancies, leading major framework agreements and client relationships Senior positions in water authorities or environmental agencies, leveraging regulatory expertise for policy development and strategic infrastructure planning Independent consulting opportunities or partnership tracks in established engineering firms, particularly given the specialized nature of SuDS and regulatory approval expertise

Company Overview

Alfred Recruitment

Alfred Recruitment operates as a specialized engineering recruitment consultancy with established relationships across the UK infrastructure sector, indicating their client represents a credible engineering firm with sufficient scale to support comprehensive professional development programs and competitive benefit structures.

The client organization appears to be a mid-tier engineering consultancy with structured career progression pathways and investment in professional development, suggesting stable market position and growth trajectory within the UK infrastructure sector.
The Cardiff location positions this role within Wales' growing infrastructure hub, benefiting from both Welsh government investment in sustainable infrastructure and proximity to major UK urban centers, creating diverse project opportunities and career advancement potential.
The emphasis on flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training programs, and social benefits suggests a progressive organizational culture that prioritizes employee development and work-life balance, aligned with modern engineering consultancy best practices.
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