Head of Design - Civil

THE ROLE

JSM Group is a leading engineering and infrastructure organization delivering complex power, energy, utility, and infrastructure projects. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an accomplished Head of Design – Civil to lead our Civil Engineering Design function and play a critical role in the successful delivery of large-scale power and infrastructure projects.

This leadership role will work closely with the Managing Director, clients, project teams, and multidisciplinary design departments to ensure engineering excellence, innovation, and successful project execution across the business.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Essential

· Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.

· 15+ years of progressive experience in Civil Engineering Design.

· Proven experience leading the civil design function for major power, utility, infrastructure, or industrial projects.

· Strong background in substation civil works, utility infrastructure, and heavy engineering projects.

· Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.

· Extensive client-facing experience and stakeholder management capability.

· Strong understanding of civil design deliverables, construction methodologies, and engineering governance.

· Experience managing engineering resources, project schedules, and design budgets.

Nice to have

· Chartered Engineer (CEng), ICE, IStructE, IEI, or equivalent professional accreditation.

· Experience delivering projects within power transmission and distribution environments.

· Familiarity with National Grid, utility, energy, renewable energy, or EPC projects.

· Experience supporting technical bids, business development, and tender management activities.

Software & Technical Competencies

· The ideal candidate should have strong experience with:

• AutoCAD

• Civil 3D

• STAAD Pro

• MicroStation

• ETABS

• SAFE

• Revit

• BIM 360 / Common Data Environment Platforms

• Navisworks

• Microsoft Project

• Primavera P6

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite

You’ll thrive here if you

· Lead and manage the Civil Design department across multiple projects and disciplines.

· Serve as the technical authority for all civil engineering design activities.

· Develop and implement engineering design standards, processes, and best practices.

· Review and approve civil engineering calculations, specifications, reports, and design deliverables.

· Ensure designs are compliant with relevant national and international standards, regulations, and client requirements.

· Drive innovation, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Provide technical leadership across a wide range of civil engineering activities including:

• Substation civil design (AIS & GIS substations)

• Foundations and structural support systems

• Site grading and earthworks

• Roads, pavements, and access infrastructure

• Retaining walls and slope stabilization

• Drainage and stormwater management systems

• Underground utility coordination

• Buildings and control room structures

• Steel and reinforced concrete structures

• Geotechnical interpretation and foundation solutions

• Construction methodology reviews and temporary works assessments

Team Leadership & Development

· Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team comprising:

• Design Leads

• Principal Engineers

• Senior Civil Engineers

• Civil Engineers

• Structural Engineers

• CAD/BIM Designers

· Establish performance objectives and development plans for team members.

· Build a culture focused on collaboration, accountability, innovation, and technical excellence.

· Support recruitment, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives.