Lead Officer

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Job Details

Are you an experienced civil or structural engineer looking for a new challenge within a forward‑thinking local authority? We are seeking a highly motivated Lead Officer – Civil & Structural Engineering to join our team and play a key role in the delivery of safe, efficient, and well‑designed civil/structural engineering projects.

The Civil and Structural Engineering team within Property Services provides technical and design services in connection with civil and structural engineering works relating to the Council’s built estate. This includes diagnosis of building defects, defect repairs, new build projects, upgrades and improvement works and planned maintenance. We are involved in a diverse and exciting array of projects including drainage, roads, structural design, mine consolidation, historic monuments, demolition, and structural assessment and repair. We work on projects across the entire Council, including housing, schools, care homes, offices and leisure and recreation.

As Lead Officer, you will be responsible for providing expert technical advice, overseeing civil and structural engineering design work, managing consultants and supporting the delivery of a large number of diverse capital and maintenance projects. You will guide and support project teams, ensure compliance with relevant standards and legislation, and act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver civil and structural engineering projects for a variety of local authority projects.
• Provide technical guidance on building construction, materials, and structural behaviour.
• Prepare detailed drawings using AutoCAD.
• Administer contracts in line with relevant procurement and legal requirements.
• Liaise effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to support project delivery.
• Ensure that designs comply with statutory regulations, technical standards, and best practice.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in design quality, sustainability, and project performance.

We are looking for a proactive and skilled engineering professional who brings both technical excellence and strong interpersonal abilities. Essential requirements include:

• Demonstrable experience in civil and/or structural engineering design.
• The ability to lead a small team of engineers, providing support and training where required.
• A sound working knowledge of building construction and structural principles.
• Excellent design skills and the ability to produce accurate, high‑quality design information.
• Strong contract administration capabilities.
• Effective client liaison and communication skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Experience working within a civil or structural engineering design environment is essential, and people management experience is desired.

A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Civil or Structural Engineering is essential, Membership of a professional institution (e.g., ICE, IStructE), or working towards it, is desired.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape projects that directly benefit local communities.
• A supportive, collaborative work environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements including blended office (Glenrothes) and home working.
• Local government final salary pension scheme and employee benefits.

You will earn a competitive salary and have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Travel expenses will be paid – we pay 45 pence per mile to staff using their own car. Pool cars are also available.
• Local and national discounts including supermarkets, restaurants and retail.

The Person

Key essential qualifications, skills and experience relating to the post include:

• Educated to SCQF level 9, which includes a Degree, or equivalent, in a Civil and/or Structural Engineering related subject;
• Professional/ technical qualification related to Civil and/or Structural Engineering related discipline(s);
• Substantial post-qualification experience;
• Ability to monitor performance and review information to make improvements (deliver results);
• Knowledge of appropriate Standards and Legislation applying in the Construction industry;
• Communication skills (both written and oral);
• Ability to co-ordinate and prioritise multiple tasks to tight schedules;
• Strong interpersonal, networking and group communication skills (Work together and Embrace technology and information);
• Initiative, personal resilience and experience of delivering change (Focus on Customers);
• Confidence to take ownership of projects from feasibility through construction;
• Ability to provide a regular and effective professional service;
• Valid UK driver’s licence.
• As a progressive employer, we offer the opportunity to work in this role as a “blended working” arrangement with home-working opportunities and occasional office-working as required. While the significant part of the role can and will be carried out remotely, candidates should be able to travel to and attend office locations in Fife as required.

For further information please contact Robin Haddow - Robin.Haddow@fife.gov.uk