Job Description

Job info	Job info details
Job title	Engineering Service Manager
Strategic team/Directorate	Pride in Place
Service	Engineering
Business unit	Engineering
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Head of Engineering
Accountable to (line manager)	Head of Engineering
Salary grade	N
JE ref	TDA172

1. Key purpose of job

To manage and organise the workload of the Engineering Section in order to provide an efficient, economic and effective service.
In conjunction with the Head of Engineering, work to secure new external/internal instructions and expand Torbay Council’s customer base to support the overarching business plan.
To manage or oversee the management of schemes that are undertaken by the engineering team, from inception to construction and completion, to ensure they are delivered to the agreed specification, on time and within budget. This will often involve the management and co-ordination of a range of internal and external consultants to achieve this outcome.
To work with the Head of Engineering and the Leadership Team to develop a highly professional and technically competent engineering service across all the full range of civil, structural and coastal engineering disciplines. This aspect of the role will involve the development of robust systems of work such as procedure and practices for implementation across all of the Engineering Team.
The post holder will work directly beneath the Leadership Team and in conjunction with the Head of Engineering will make recommendations to the Chief Executive in the strategic and day to day management.
Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with clients, including collating, monitoring and evaluating feedback.
To seek opportunities to extend and develop the existing Engineering service, introducing a more commercial approach to service delivery and recruitment.
To raise the profile of the Engineering team internally and externally through communications and networking activities.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

Secure new instructions, to expanding Torbay Council’s customer base and thereby directly contribute to the achievement of financial and other targets in the business plan.
To ensure all projects undertaken in the Engineering Section are designed in a technically competent and professional manner.
To ensure that a proper and professional relationship is maintained with all sections of Torbay Council departments of the Council and external clients.
To provide a high-quality engineering service for Torbay Council and external clients, which reflects customer needs and value for money.
To ensure that the Engineering team deliver the required services set out within the Torbay Council Service Level Agreement (SLA) - for Civil Engineering Services.
Offer enhanced management experience to increase the resilience of the Torbay Council senior management team.
Maximise the fee earning potential of the Engineering team.
Increase economic activity and investment within Torbay.
Allocate workload of engineering team and report on project status to the Head of Engineering, Project Boards and Torbay Council.
Robust financial management of the Engineering team.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services.
Deliver effective line management of the Engineering section including monitoring performance, sickness/holidays and maintaining appropriate records.
Managing a variety of schemes and projects in such a manner to ensure that an expeditious, efficient and cost-effective service is provided to meet the needs and priorities of Torbay Council and its clients.
To identify priority areas for funding and producing supporting information for financial bids to government agencies and other funding partners.
Providing fee bids to external clients in order to secure works for the Engineering section on behalf of Torbay Council.
Deliver specialist engineering design and supervision services across a diverse range of civil, structural and coastal engineering projects.
Carrying out inspections, in order to submit technical reports on a range of engineering matters.
Supervision of works on site.
Liaising with statutory undertakers, external partners and other individuals or bodies affected by works.
Providing detailed engineering advice to other departments within Torbay Council and external clients.
Ensuring all work carried out within the section comply with sound engineering principles and practices.
Providing an inspection and maintenance service for the Council’s buildings, structures, bridges, harbours, highway structures, multi-storey car parks, coastal defences and coastal/inland cliffs.
Either directly or by the appointment of a sub-consultant, fulfil the role of lead officer for Torbay Council’s Flood Steering Group which comprises senior officers, Councillors and external organisations including Southwest Water and the Environment Agency.
Either directly or by the appointment of a sub-consultant, act as Flood Risk Manager on behalf of Torbay Council in fulfilling their duties under the Flood & Water Management Act 2010. These include but are not limited to the production of Section 19 flood investigation reports, production and maintenance of the Torbay Council Local Flood Risk Management Plan, production and maintenance of a flood risk asset data base and to consenting of works on ordinary watercourses.
As Torbay is identified as a Lead Local Flood Authority, provide consultation on all planning applications with regards to the risk of flooding, either directly or by the appointment of a sub-consultant.
Provide advice and produce reports for Torbay Council Planning department for inclusion in the Local Plan and at planning enquiries.
In accordance with European Legislation produce and maintain the Torbay Council preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, either directly or by the appointment of a sub-consultant.
Provide an efficient and competent service to Torbay Council’s Building Control Section on the structural checking of Building Regulation submissions.
Landfill management including the inspection of the landfill gas stations and monitoring of landfill gases. Analysing the results of the monitoring and arranging for maintenance and upgrading works as required so as not to present a danger to the public.
Managing and undertaking capital works on behalf of Torbay Council, Southwest Water and the Environment Agency, together with other local authorities, consultants and external clients.
Preparing reports and other relevant documentation to ensure that grants for engineering projects are maximised.
Preparing detailed briefs for consultants on proposals within any area of the sections’ work.
Preparing and submitting reports to Committees and other meetings as required and dealing with the matters arising.
Either directly or by the appointment of a sub-consultant, provide representation for Torbay Council on National Pilot Studies, the South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, the South West Coastal Group, the South Devon and Dorset Coastal Advisory Group in the production and maintenance of the Shoreline Management Plan, Local Authority Flood Forum, South West Lead Local Flood Authorities Group and Devon Drainage Group.
Representing the Engineering Section at meetings, working parties, contract meetings, etc., advising the Head of Engineering and dealing with matters arising and dispensing advice to senior management, Elected Members and the Public on related matters.
Keeping abreast of current and proposed legislation affecting any area of the sections’ work.
Dealing with correspondence, complaints and negotiations.
Responding to Freedom of Interest requests, MP letters and Councillor correspondence on behalf of Torbay Council.
As a Chartered Engineer (CEng), being named as the Engineer/Project Manager/Supervisor in contract documents for Torbay Council and other external clients.
Being part of Torbay Council’s senior officer arrangements for dealing with emergencies.
To provide clear, timely, accurate information, advice and reports to the Head of Engineering, external clients and Torbay Council Board.
To champion a quality, performance and customer-focused culture.
To actively participate in all aspects of Torbay Council’s regeneration and consultancy work.
To lead on the continuing development of Engineering services, identifying new opportunities, maximising the opportunity to increase income and drive on-going financial efficiencies through the development of innovative working practices.
To ensure that Torbay Council is able to provide a full range of cost-effective Engineering services to its clients, either through Torbay Council resource or through appropriate external sub-consultants.
To undertake technical, financial and feasibility studies for potential schemes.
To create and implement detailed Action Plans for projects.
To evaluate risks associated with projects.
To constantly review project finances in the light of the risk evaluations, reporting any results to the Board, Project Board or external Client as applicable.
To directly manage and co-ordinate design engineers, specialist consultants, contractors and other suppliers on internal and external projects with an aggregate project value in excess of £50m across the Engineering team.
To prepare projects for external procurement, following which, act as Torbay Council’s representative.
To performance manage the Engineering team on a day-to-day basis, i.e. regular performance reviews and 1-to-1 meetings.
Prepare and submit operational budgets, manage effectively within the team budget and report accurately on progress and challenges encountered.
Ensure that the team and employed sub-consultants are working to appropriate Eurocodes, British Standards and HSE approved codes of practice and CDM Regulations.
Deliver effective management of external partners involved in Research and Development projects within Torbay. Including monitoring performance, financial issues and maintaining appropriate records.
Managing the Research and Development schemes in such a manner to ensure that an expeditious, efficient and cost-effective service is provided to meet the needs and priorities of the Council.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

Responsible for financial management and budgets for the Engineering section.
Ensuring that systems of budgetary, accountancy and financial control are properly understood, used and developed.
Responsible for preparing and managing capital and revenue financial budgets within the service providing all necessary information.
Responsible for Capital budgets relating to projects and improvement programmes within the service area. These budgets range from £5k to £10million.
Successful management and delivery of a full range of civil, structural and coastal engineering schemes, often major and complex in nature, with individual values up to £20m.
Procurement of works from external clients in order to secure additional work and funding for the engineering section. This includes the production and submission of fee bids, financial management of the schemes and the production of support information for monthly and final claims.
Production of support information relating to staff times and costs within the Engineering section for invoices submitted to Torbay Council and external clients.
Production of support information relating to staff times and costs for reporting to the European Union (EU) on EU funded Research and Development Projects. Completion of the regular reporting on behalf of Torbay Council to the EU including financial reporting on the EU Portal.
As the named Engineer/Project Manager on engineering projects, responsible for the agreement of the final account for the works, extensions of time to the works and contractual issues that could have a significant effect on the overall cost and duration of the scheme.
Management of the Land Drainage revenue budget (currently £50k) on behalf of Torbay Council, which includes the additional funding supplied by DEFRA to Torbay Council for the statutory duties under the Flood & Water Management Act 2010.
To undertake critical analysis of the financial and time recording data for the team to ensure that it is optimised for high performance at all times. To derive and implement any changes across the Department that are required to ensure performance is continually improved.

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

Accountable to the Head of Engineering for line management of posts within the Engineering section.
Team leadership/management of professional and technical staff in the Engineering section.
Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of health and safety of the Engineering team members.
Ensure team members receive adequate instruction and training to enable them to carry out their duties competently and safely. Responsible for developing, training and motivating staff in the team.
Ensure risk assessments are undertaken to eliminate or control risk, and to ensure safe working practices are developed and implemented to minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Ensure all personnel adhere to safe working practices.
Ensuring all staff within the section comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Statutory Obligations and other relevant provisions.
Ensure accidents/incidents involving team members are reported and investigated.
Ensure effective supervision of employees is maintained at all times, particularly with new or inexperienced people.
Ensuring timesheets are coded correctly.
Actively assist the Head of Engineering with recruitment of new staff.
Management of external consultants and contractors working for the engineering section on behalf of Torbay Council and other external clients.
Ensure that the Head of Service is advised of any issues or hazards which they cannot rectify themselves.
The post holder will manages large, complex, multi-disciplinary projects, including sub-consultants procured to undertake elements of the work, contractors and internal/external design team members.
Team leadership/management of technical staff in the Structures section. This involves direct line management of the structures team, including co-ordination of training and professional development, staff appraisals and all aspects of performance management.
Provide management cover for the Head of Engineering during periods of absence and offer technical support and guidance to Torbay Council Engineering team colleagues.
This post holder directly performance/line manages the following team members under the Head of Engineering.

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

Normal working environment when office based or home working, with some travel to other locations for business and to undertake company site visits, attend meetings and give presentations on local and regional projects.
Periodic requirement to attend construction sites, at any time of the year, to support the team on complex engineering matters.
Periodic outside inspection of Torbay Council civil, structural and coastal engineering assets.
Periodic requirement to Work outside adjacent to rivers, live public highways or a marine environment.
Periodic requirement to Work outside in varied conditions during/after bad weather events.
Managing extreme peaks and troughs in workload at different stages of the financial year.
Ability to cope with high pressures of the role – often having to present to key stakeholders and clients.
Prioritising different stakeholders’ needs and their often-conflicting demands. There is significant work-related pressure from these competing demands.
Handling commercially sensitive information and data.
On occasions, dealing with confrontational stakeholders and/or members of the public.
The post holder will be required to produce reports and statistical information for review by the Leadership Team.

7. Physical demands of the post

Normal physical effort in office or home working environment.
Periodically, to support the team on complex and challenging engineering matters, the post will require the inspection the various structures within Torbay, sometimes involving intense effort on foot to reach Torbay Council assets. Some of these assets are in awkward to reach places i.e. down embankments, in overgrown areas or across fields etc.
The above may require site attendance during periods of adverse weather conditions, possibly outside daylight hours and/or weekends during winter months to react to unexpected weather events. This will involve exposure to moderate noise, heat, cold and potentially uncomfortable or difficult surroundings / conditions.

8. Specific resources used by the post

Surveying equipment.
I.T. Equipment and specialist computer software.
Continuous access to transport is required, as the job can entail travelling to multiple locations, sometimes in the same day, and where public transport timetabling may not necessarily meet this requirement of the role.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External:

Managing external consultants and contractors working on behalf of Torbay Council and other external clients.
Liaising with Statutory Undertakers, external partners and other individuals or bodies affected by the works.
Dealing with members of the public through consultations and supervision of contracts on site.
Liaising with subsidiary companies of Torbay Council regarding the preparation of civil, structural and coastal engineering designs and contracts.
Working closely with colleagues within Torbay Council to achieve outputs as required by clients.
Liaising with Torbay Council’s Chief Executive, Commissioners, Senior Officers and Torbay Council Members when necessary. Dealing with Senior Officers and Councillors in neighbouring authorities.
Advising other departments within Torbay Council on a range of technical issues.
Dealing with various Government Agencies, non-Torbay Council clients - including other Local Authorities, Steering groups, Healthcare Trusts and School Academy Trusts, Consultants and other Contractors associated with engineering schemes.
Dealing with the European Union, Universities and other partners throughout Europe on research and development projects related to flooding and climate change.

Internal:

Liaising with internal Client Departments regarding the preparation of civil, structural and coastal engineering designs and contracts.
Working closely with colleagues within Torbay Council to achieve outputs as required by clients.
Provide a high standard of technical advice to other departments within Torbay Council, on a diverse range of engineering matters and engineering legislation.

10. Other duties

To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy.
Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Children's Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council.
This post is office based at Moose Hall, Torquay but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Engineering Service Manager
Strategic team/Directorate	Pride in Place
Service	Engineering
Business unit	Engineering

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

Ability to empathise and relate to potential external/internal clients thus creating the feeling that they would be happy to have you working on their behalf.
Demonstrable experience of winning external/internal instructions.
Multi discipline approach.
Statistical analysis with the emphasise on producing clear, balanced reports that identify logical recommendations.
Ability to work to tight deadlines ensuring projects are delivered to specification on time and within budget.
Ability to work flexibly whilst quickly getting to grips with new areas and to encourage others to do so.
Forward thinker who is able to identify the potential risks associated with a project and recommend/initiate solutions.
Risk Assessment.
Effective negotiator.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Extensive presentation skills.
Demonstrable solution focused problem solver.
Ability to use ICT in areas of database development, project management and spreadsheets.
Demonstrable ability to lead and integrate performance management to achieve improvements in team performance.
Ability to effectively manage, motivate and lead multi-faceted teams to deliver numerous, often large, complex projects concurrently.
Extensive Business development and networking skills.
Ability to work flexibly whilst quickly getting to grips with new areas and to encourage others to do so.
Forward thinker who is able to identify the potential risks associated with a project and recommend/ initiate solutions.
Strategic insight with strong leadership skills to motivate and gain commitment to the delivery of the service objectives.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

Able to inspire confidence and balance competing demands.
Ability to comprehend and react appropriately to changing situations.

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

Expert knowledge and understanding of civil, structural, coastal, highway, drainage and geotechnical engineering.
Expert knowledge of sound engineering practices.
Specialist knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and statutory obligations and design standards relating to the service area.
Knowledge of Civil Engineering Method of Measurement.
Financial monitoring and budgetary control.
Successful performance management in delivering outcomes.
Knowledge of Contract Law using standard forms of contract.
Specialist knowledge of Budget setting and financial planning.
Knowledge of procurement and understand the procurement process using standard forms of contract.
Management and development of staff.
Knowledge of Environmental issues that may arise from construction schemes.
Technical awareness and up to date knowledge of changing and/or emerging legislation, e.g., Health and safety, British Standards etc.

Desirable knowledge

Basic understanding of Legal and Legislative requirements in Local Government.
Understanding of Business Process Engineering practice.
Production and submission of grant applications for external flooding funding including the production of cost benefit analysis.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

Line management of professional and technical staff at a senior level.
Experience of complex contract management to deliver projects.
Managing successful delivery of multiple and complex projects.
Experience in assessing and managing risk within a complex environment.
Leading, managing and motivating teams and effective people management including strategic planning of service provision.
Extensive project management experience.
Managing multiple projects with differing priorities, including dispute resolution.
Managing people (other consultants, contractors etc.).
Experience of working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable experience and achievements

Experience of working with external organisations and other interest groups.
Experience in submission of applications/reporting on capital funding bids to central government, for example Defra/EA grant aid funding applications.
Experience of both public and private sectors.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

Educated to Degree level or equivalent.
Possession of Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
Evidence of further relevant professional training.
Membership of relevant professional association - Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers or the Institution of Highways and Transportation.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

Formal management qualification.
Prince2 qualification.
Additional professional qualifications.

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West/UK in order to carry out duties.
Ability to accommodate unsociable hours.
Ability to accommodate occasional/permanent home-working.