Engineering Manager – Basingstoke Canal Full Time NEW

We have an exciting job opportunity within the Countryside Group for an Engineering Manager. The post will play a crucial part of the safe and secure management of the Basingstoke Canal. Responsible for the delivery and oversight of all capital programmes and structural works on the Basingstoke Canal on behalf of and jointly funded by the land owners Hampshire County Council (HCC) and Surrey County Council (SCC), the post will work alongside the Manager of the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) to ensure the safe passage of all users of the Canal.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

The post will be employed by Surrey County Council (SCC) and line managed by the Group Manager for Countryside at SCC. Progress on the canal’s capital programmes and structural works will be reported to the Basingstoke Canal Management Team (BCMT). The post is based at Merrow Depot, Guildford, but travel for inspections, site visits, surveys and contractor meetings along the Canal and its beautiful countryside is a key part of the role. The role will work in an agile way and have use of the office at the Canal Centre in Mytchett, integrating with the Basingstoke Canal Authority team and Visitor Services team.

If the following challenges and areas of work appeal to you, we would welcome the opportunity to review your application:

• Reviewing and shaping the Asset Management Plan (AMP) for the Canal’s infrastructure
• Planning, designing, leading and supervising annual structural works schedules of between £500,000 and £2m a year
• Acting as the client for such works, working with the Principle Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations, with overall Project Management responsibility including engineering specifications, communications, contract management, procurement processes and budget management
• Carrying out engineering inspections, issuing reports and technical advice
• Arranging for formal inspections to be undertaken by suitably qualified persons at the intervals required
• Leading a small team of officers to deliver both County Council’s annual capital programmes to successful conclusions against a set of KPIs, regularly reporting on risk management, progress, and advising the BCMT and Joint Board (BCJB)
• Building effective relationships within the inland waterways industry enabling peer review, benchmarking and best practice
• Playing a constructive role in the Emergency Response Plan, supporting its testing, review and potential delivery
• Working alongside the BCA Canal Operations Manager to enthusiastically manage the canal infrastructure and heritage

Please note, the role will be required to drive or otherwise visit remote sites, attend occasional evening and weekend events, respond to rare emergency situations out of hours in a supervisory role. You will be supported to undertake CPD activities. The role is not politically restricted, but you will be expected to demonstrate sensitivity to political issues.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Degree or diploma in an engineering / built environment subject together with relevant experience in the construction, engineering, waterway or heritage building sector.
• Knowledge of environmental law and regulation including protected sites, drainage and waste
• Specific knowledge and understanding of inland waterways practice, maritime law and H&S regulations
• Membership of professional body or working towards membership of a suitable professional body
• Project and procurement experience, with evidence of contractor management and value engineering
• Budgetary and financial experience

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer four questions which will help us assess your application.

• Tell us about a significant engineering or infrastructure project or programme that you have recently delivered to a successful conclusion.
• Describe a time when you had to manage competing demands on your time and how you overcame this.
• Illustrate what skills you have acquired and would use to manage contractors to time and budget.
• Describe your personal qualities that make your application for this role stand out above other applicants.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to role requirements, flexible working requests, transferable skills or barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Katie McDonald by e-mail at katie.mcdonald@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21/05/2026 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation – Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.