Job Description
Head of Civils – Civil Infrastructure
Location: Warrington
Employer: United Infrastructure Ltd
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 per annum (DOE)
Role Overview
The Head of Civils is responsible for the leadership, planning, and delivery of major civil engineering and infrastructure projects across United Infrastructure’s portfolio. Projects may include highways, drainage, utilities, structures, water infrastructure, urban development, and other complex civil works.
This role requires a practical and hands-on approach. The successful candidate will be a senior civil engineer who is comfortable being actively involved in setting up projects and the site, supporting site teams, resolving technical challenges, and leading delivery from the front. While the role carries senior responsibility and oversight, it requires a practical mindset and the ability to work alongside engineers, supervisors, and operatives to get work done.
The Head of Civils ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to specification, while maintaining compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. The role also contributes to strengthening United Infrastructure’s civil delivery capability and driving operational excellence across live projects.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Project Delivery
* Provide leadership and direction across all civil engineering works and live projects.
* Lead the delivery of projects from site setup and early works through to completion.
* Develop and implement practical project execution strategies, construction methodologies, and delivery plans.
* Ensure alignment with company objectives, client requirements, and regulatory obligations.
* Maintain a strong presence on site, supporting teams with decision-making and problem-solving.
Project Governance & Controls
* Establish and maintain effective project controls, reporting, and governance systems.
* Implement best-practice approaches to risk management, change control, and quality assurance.
* Monitor performance against programme, cost, quality, and safety KPIs.
* Participate in project reviews, progress meetings, and performance assessments.
Portfolio & Contract Management
* Manage multiple civil engineering projects, ensuring contractual and commercial compliance.
* Support the administration and performance of NEC, EPC, D&B, PPP, or similar contract forms.
* Coordinate interfaces between subcontractors, consultants, clients, and internal teams.
* Assist with negotiation, variations, and resolution of contractual or delivery issues.
Construction & Technical Oversight
* Provide hands-on technical leadership across civil engineering design and construction activities.
* Review designs, specifications, and methods to ensure buildability and safe delivery.
* Resolve technical issues, site constraints, and construction challenges as they arise.
* Promote innovation in construction techniques, materials, and engineering solutions, including digital engineering and BIM where applicable.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSSEQ)
* Lead and promote a strong safety culture with a focus on zero harm.
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, planning, and permitting requirements.
* Drive continuous improvement in quality standards, sustainability practices, and site performance.
* Ensure RAMS, permits, and site controls are implemented and adhered to.
Stakeholder, Client & Regulatory Engagement
* Act as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, regulators, and stakeholders on live projects.
* Manage site-level stakeholder relationships and community considerations.
* Support dispute avoidance, issue resolution, and relationship management through proactive engagement.
Financial & Commercial Responsibility
* Support oversight of project budgets, cost forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting.
* Identify and mitigate financial, commercial, and programme risks.
* Contribute to ensuring projects meet commercial objectives and contractual commitments.
Team Leadership & Development
* Lead and support multi-disciplinary site teams including engineers, supervisors, commercial staff, and HSQE personnel.
* Mentor and develop engineers and site leaders through hands-on guidance and coaching.
* Build strong, collaborative teams focused on accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
Experience
* Experience delivering civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
* Experience reviewing design drawings for cross referencing on site works.
* Strong background in site-based delivery, including setting up and running construction sites.
* Proven experience leading civil works across highways, utilities, water, transport, or urban infrastructure.
* Experience working within complex construction environments with multiple contractors and interfaces.
* Solid understanding of contract administration and commercial management.
Technical Competencies
* Strong knowledge of civil engineering design and construction methods.
* Practical understanding of project controls, programming, cost management, and risk.
* Working knowledge of BIM, digital engineering tools, and modern construction practices.
* Good commercial awareness with an understanding of claims, variations, and contractual risk.
Behavioural & Leadership Competencies
* Hands-on leader with a strong delivery-focused mindset.
* Comfortable working on site and supporting teams at all levels.
* Clear communicator with the ability to influence, guide, and motivate others.
* Resilient, solutions-focused, and committed to safety, quality, and engineering excellence.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* On-time delivery of civil engineering projects
* Cost control and budget adherence
* Safety performance (TRIR, LTIFR)
* Quality and compliance outcomes
* Client and stakeholder satisfaction
* Contractual performance and claims avoidance
* Team engagement, capability development, and retention
About United Infrastructure Ltd
United Infrastructure Ltd is a leading employer within the civil engineering sector, recognised for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while prioritising safety, innovation, and professional development. We foster a collaborative, site-focused culture where experience and practical leadership are valued.
Based in Warrington, we offer a dynamic working environment, strong career progression opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible impact on essential infrastructure projects across the region and beyond.
Qualifications
Education
* Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (required).
* Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or similar (preferred).
* Chartered Engineer status (CEng or equivalent) or actively working towards chartership (preferred).
Additional Information
Benefits
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
* Collaborative and innovative work environment.