Director Civil & Structural Engineering

The Director (Civil / Structural Engineering) is a senior leadership role responsible for securing and delivering complex engineering consultancy assignments, providing technical leadership, and acting as a recognised expert in civil and structural engineering construction disputes and insurance claims. The role combines technical excellence, business development, and team leadership.

The Director leads investigations, provides expert analysis and opinions, oversees project delivery, and may act as an Expert Witness in arbitration, litigation, or other dispute resolution proceedings. They play a key role in delivering the Regional Business Plan through client development, securing new commissions, and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients.  As a recognised authority in their field, they contribute to industry dialogue, professional forums, and technical publications.

The Director is responsible for developing high-performing teams, mentoring technical staff, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality engineering consultancy services.

Essential Job Functions

Technical Leadership & Report Writing

• Author high-quality technical reports, expert opinions, and investigation findings relating to civil and structural engineering matters.
• Provide authoritative engineering analysis relating to structural failures, construction defects, design issues, and engineering disputes.
• Review and approve technical reports, proposals, and submissions prepared by consulting teams.
• Act as a technical authority on complex engineering matters across multiple projects.

Commission Management

• Lead the planning, investigation, analysis, and delivery of engineering commissions.
• Establish project methodologies, resource plans, and technical approaches for complex assignments.
• Negotiate project scopes, fee proposals, and commercial terms with clients.
• Manage all aspects of project delivery in line with commission management procedures.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction.
• Manage project risks including technical, contractual, and professional liability considerations.
• Resolve client concerns and manage variations or scope changes effectively.
• Support the Regional Director in overseeing the delivery of commissions within the region.

Business Development and Marketing

• Support the development and execution of the Regional Business Development Plan.
• Identify and pursue opportunities with existing and new clients within the engineering, construction, legal and insurance sectors.
• Lead and participate in client pitches and proposals at senior and executive levels.
• Develop and deliver presentations, seminars, and training events for clients and industry audiences.
• Write technical articles, thought leadership pieces, and industry publications.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships that generate repeat business.

People Leadership and Management

• Provide line management for Consultants, Senior Consultants, and Associate Directors within the civil/structural engineering team, as well as external subconsultants as required.
• Lead and motivate teams to deliver high-quality technical work and achieve performance targets.
• Build and develop high-performing consulting teams through recruitment, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.

Coaching and Mentoring

• Mentor and coach engineers and consultants, supporting their professional and technical development.
• Identify skills gaps and support targeted learning and development initiatives.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to enhance technical capability and consulting skills.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and implement development plans aligned with business objectives.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders.
• Proactively manage client expectations and maintain high levels of satisfaction.
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments including legal teams, insurers, contractors, and project owners.
• Manage challenging discussions and resolve conflicts through effective communication and negotiation.

Financial Performance

• Secure and deliver fee-earning work aligned with personal and team utilisation targets.
• Contribute significantly to regional revenue and gross margin objectives.
• Negotiate project fees that exceed minimum profitability thresholds.
• Monitor financial performance across projects and support invoice validation and debt collection activities.

Professional Excellence

• Maintain recognition as a leader within the civil/structural engineering profession.
• Contribute to industry events, conferences, and panel discussions.
• Demonstrate technical authority through publications, presentations, and expert advisory work.
• Maintain strong client relationships that lead to repeat appointments and positive referrals.
• Actively support a positive and inclusive company culture that promotes integrity, collaboration, and professional excellence.

• Possesses a relevant technical bachelor’s degree or certificate of higher education from a recognised institution. 
• At least one professional membership from a relevant professional body (MICE, MIStructE).
• Professional memberships from relevant dispute bodies (CIArb, SCL, Adjudication Society, etc) and expert witness accreditation (Academy of Experts, Expert Witness Institute, RICS, etc).
• Desirable to have achieved a post graduate degree course in a related discipline such as Construction Law, Arbitration or equivalent.

• Work on high profile international disputes and expert witness appointments.
• Become or retain position as an industry leading expert in engineering and construction law, with recognition in Lexology listings.
• Access to continuous professional development and advanced legal/technical training.
• Enjoy the flexibility of remote working with opportunities for global travel.
• Join a culture that values integrity, accountability, commitment, and teamwork