Head of Civil Engineering

The Head of Civil Engineering is responsible for the overall coordination, design oversight, and execution of civil works for a pumped storage hydropower (PSP) project in Spain. This includes the hydraulic structures (intakes, shafts, tunnels, surge chambers, power cavern), dams or reservoirs, access roads, buildings, and site infrastructure.

This role covers the full civil engineering cycle: from detailed design and permitting support to construction and commissioning, with a strong focus on managing the procurement process and interfaces with contractors, regulatory bodies, and engineering partners. The candidate must be well-versed in Spanish regulations and familiar with EU and international standards. This project will be based in Ponferrada, near Leon.

Your accountabilities

• Lead and coordinate all civil engineering activities for the project, from feasibility and basic design to detailed engineering and as-built verification.
• Review and approve civil design deliverables, including geotechnical reports, hydraulic studies, excavation and support design, concrete structures, and surface works.
• Ensure the integration of civil designs with electro-mechanical, hydro-mechanical, environmental, and grid-related components.
• Supervise or contribute to the review of numerical modeling (e.g., FEM, CFD, slope stability, seismic assessments).
• Define technical specifications for civil works procurement packages (tunnels, reservoirs, roads, buildings, etc.).
• Support the preparation of tender documentation and manage the technical evaluation of bids.
• Participate in contract negotiation and ensure the alignment of contractor deliverables with project requirements.
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor performance, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, quality, and safety standards.
• Provide technical leadership and interface coordination during the construction phase, including earthworks, concrete placement, structural erection, and underground works.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Spanish regulations (e.g., Código Técnico de la Edificación, Instrucción EHE-08, ROM, etc.), as well as EU directives and international best practices.
• Oversee quality assurance/control, HSE compliance, and the resolution of non-conformities.
• Support commissioning and handover of completed civil assets.
• Liaise with Spanish regulatory authorities (e.g., Confederación Hidrográfica, Dirección General de Energía, ayuntamientos) to support permitting and construction approvals.
• Coordinate with Owner’s Engineer, EPC contractors, and internal departments (environmental, electrical, procurement, legal).
• Represent civil engineering aspects in project reviews, audits, and stakeholder engagements.

Your profile

• Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in the design and construction of large hydropower or infrastructure projects, including underground and hydraulic structures.
• Proven experience in civil works procurement, tendering, and contract execution.
• Strong knowledge of Spanish construction regulations, codes (EHE, EH, EAE, etc.), and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with international standards (e.g., ICOLD, Eurocodes, FIDIC) and multidisciplinary project environments.
• Fluent in Spanish and English (both written and spoken).
• Strong leadership, planning, and communication skills.