36.5 hours per week, including occasional weekends and evenings
Contract:
Permanentfull-time
Preserve the Past, Build for the Future
Join one of the UK's most iconic heritage railways as our
Head of Structures
-- a unique opportunity to lead the preservation, maintenance, and development of historic railway infrastructure while delivering modern engineering excellence.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway operates trains over 18 miles of its own line and an additional 6 miles on the mainline to the seaside town of Whitby. It is a charity, and its purpose is to educate the public about the history of the line and to manage, maintain and develop its historic assets (such as heritage locomotives, carriages, structures, buildings and archives). Over 1000 volunteers support the continued delivery of the aims and objectives of the charity, working with an establishment of over 100 paid employees.
The Role
As Head of Structures, you will be responsible for the inspection, upkeep, and renewal of all structural assets across the railway, including bridges, tunnels, viaducts, culverts, retaining walls, and platforms. You'll also lead capital works projects, from initial concept through to delivery, ensuring they meet operational, safety, and heritage standards.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining technical expertise, heritage sensitivity, and effective project management. You'll work closely with internal teams, volunteers, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure that our structural assets are safe, well-maintained, and preserved for future generations.
Key Responsibilities
Manage inspections, maintenance, conservation and development of all structural and geo-technic assets across the railway.
Lead and deliver structural projects on time and within budget, including renewals and conservation works.
Oversee structural risk assessments, safety plans, and compliance with CDM regulations.
Maintain records of condition reports and statutory documentation.
Liaise with heritage bodies, consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities (e.g. ORR, Historic England, etc).
Supervise and support teams of staff and volunteers involved in structural and civil works.
Report to senior management on asset condition, work planning, and project progress.
Person Specification
Essential:
Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent qualification/experience)
Demonstrable project management experience, particularly in structural works
Experience in inspection, repair, and maintenance of bridges, tunnels, and similar infrastructure
Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental standards, including CDM Regulations
Excellent planning, communication, and team leadership skills
Strong IT skills, including experience with asset management and reporting systems
Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) status or working towards
Experience working in a heritage or volunteer-led environment
Familiarity with traditional construction techniques and historic materials
Experience engaging with regulatory and heritage conservation bodies
Why Join Us?
Be part of a dedicated team protecting a vital part of Britain's industrial heritage
Work in a unique environment where tradition meets engineering excellence
Lead meaningful projects that make a lasting impact on railway conservation
Enjoy a supportive and collaborative working culture
Benefits
:
Free membership of "Health Assured" Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for yourself & your Immediate family.
22 days Holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays, an additional 5 days accrued in line with years of service.
Company sick pay.
Enhanced Maternity Pay.
12 complimentary tickets per year between 1st March & 28th February.
Spouse Travel Pass (5 per year).
Free Travel on NYMR services
Discount in our Catering and Retail Outlets
And more
On applying we will forward an application form and Job Profile. Please send along with your CV to hr@nymr.co.uk before the advertised closing date.
Closing date:
6th July 2025
Interviews:
TBC
NYMR is committed to safe and fair recruitment, safeguarding and protecting all our visitors, volunteers and employees. We make sure all our staff are vetted appropriately according to their role, selected, trained, and supervised fairly and to a high standard. We support our staff to enable them to demonstrate our values of: CARE: ENGAGE: INSPIRE: ADAPT
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
Company pension
Employee discount
Enhanced maternity leave
Enhanced paternity leave
Free parking
Health & wellbeing programme
Life insurance
On-site parking
Sick pay
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
Pickering YO18 7AJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person