Engineering Manager
The company
From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments.
Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.
We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.
People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
The department
The Engineering Department co-ordinates and manages the due diligence, reporting, and design of all infrastructure on residential led developments from land acquisition through planning and into delivery.
A unique opportunity for a qualified engineering manager to join a strong internal engineering team. Engineering managers within the department are encouraged to have exposure across the whole business from strategic land and planning, through to detailed design and delivery onsite. It is accepted that candidates often have a preference or more experience in one or the other ends of the industry, such candidates will be considered.
The engineering manager will ensure, while working with wider Thakeham disciplines and across multiple projects at any one time, that all emerging designs, specifications and relevant information, is developed with due regard to quality, cost, time, overall viability and development vision.
The role
The successful candidate will;
- Assist in engineering due diligence of land or build contract opportunities
- Appoint and manage (including design co-ordination & checking, meetings, financial reporting and programme management)
- engineering surveys and investigations required for planning and detailed design (traffic, topography, drainage, soils etc)
- engineering consultants responsible for planning application documentation and consent (transport, flood risk, drainage, soils etc)
- civil engineering consultants for detailed design
- Managing by project the engineering programme, costs, fees and budgets
- Managing highways and drainage permits, licences and sectional agreements
- Co-ordinate with dedicated utilities manager and wider design and delivery teams
- Value engineering consultants designs to enhance buildability/commerciality
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The required skills
- Preferably qualified to HNC, HND, BEng, MEng, or CEng level in civil engineering
- Strong understanding of civil engineering and construction, including legal processes
- Experience with AutoCAD and other design software is advantageous
- Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and legislation, particularly in highways and drainage design and implementation
- Ideally, at least 4 years of civil engineering experience in residential development or consultancy
- Practical knowledge of site environments and current construction methods
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Professional, proactive, and self-motivated, with strong leadership abilities
- Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, collaborative mindset, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance
- Private medical insurance
- Health screening
- Pension scheme
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy
- Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
- Company Social events
Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.
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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.