Engineering Technical Lead for Network Modelling

Our Water company client is seeking a Modelling Lead on a permanent basis to manage their staff and supply chain support based out of Falmer (Brighton) with flexible/hybrid working considered.

Hybrid working (1 or 2 days a week) will be considered therefore candidates can be based anywhere in the UK.

Essentials:

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Clean or wastewater modelling discipline expertise
• Innovator and strategic thinker

The Engineering Technical Lead for Network Modelling (full title) will join a dynamic Engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will lead network modelling teams, helping our client to develop network modelling strategy, lead initiatives to implement new network modelling techniques, while driving digital transformation and improving design processes.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Manage network modelling strategy and technical standards for modelling. Own the client network model libraries for both clean water and wastewater and ensure that they are fit for purpose. Ensure the quality of modelling work carried out by both in-house modelling teams, and by consultants and contractors in supply chains. Manage relationships with key modelling providers and ensure that design tools and technical standards are compatible and consistent. Represent client at industry conferences and seminars.
• Innovation & Strategy: Drive innovation and improvements in modelling techniques. Ensure continuous improvement is incorporated into policies, standards and specifications. Challenge company standards and existing ways of working to promote continuous improvement. Take a forward-thinking approach to network modelling strategy, identifying areas for continuous improvement and driving innovation within the team. Facilitate new digital initiatives and challenge established methods to enhance technical delivery. Collaborative working with the supply chain and delivery partners to drive efficiency.
• Financial & Commercial: Analyse/assimilate financial information to make business decisions & business cases. Manage licensing agreements for modelling tools and collaborate with the IT team on purchasing software upgrades. Prepare business cases for new IT initiatives to enhance the team''s capabilities. Negotiate with and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
• People: Lead technical capability in the areas of both clean water and wastewater network modelling, including line management of the modelling teams within client Engineering (20 modellers) and technical management of modellers working in supply chain (up to 50 modellers). Take responsibility for coaching and mentoring of junior members of staff, to maintain and develop the company''s technical skill base. Create an environment where staff feel able to innovate and challenge, where failure is used as a positive reinforcement.

Skills/qualifications/experience

• Strong line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop team members
• A collaborative approach, engaging with team members and stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• A solid understanding of network modelling and its role in the engineering design process.
• Technical expertise in network modelling, ideally in both clean water and wastewater.
• The ability to communicate complex modelling concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on identifying root causes and prioritising solutions.
• The ability to make confident decisions and be accountable for delivery.
• Participates in teams and groups and co-operates with others. Listens effectively. Interested to hear the views of others.
• Recognises the need and value for training and development, for both self and others.
• Promote our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and activities. Encourage positive, authentic behaviours in teams.
• MEng/BEng/BSc in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related numerate subject
• Chartered Engineer of an appropriate Engineering/Scientific Institution

Benefits

• Circa -90k basic package with some flex based on interview performance/discussion
• -400 a month car allowance
• 10% bonus (personal and company combined)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent double matched pension scheme
• Whole host of company benefits/health schemes and discounts
• HYBRID/REMOTE - our client will consider applicants based anywhere in the UK as long as they can commit to working out of Brighton based offcies (or other South Coast locations) 1 or 2 days a week.