The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. LTC is a new road that will connect Kent and Essex through a tunnel beneath the River Thames and will be the greenest road ever built in the UK, creating six times more green space than road. The reliable new route will almost double road capacity over the river east of London, reducing congestion and giving millions of people more choice over where they live, work and spend their valuable time.

We have a diverse programme team on LTC that reflects the communities we work in and fosters an inclusive culture by actively supporting the programme's Purpose, Principles and Cultural Pillars and growing employee networks.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced TBM Methods Manager or Deputy Methods Manager to lead the development and coordination of construction methodologies for a major tunnelling project involving the assembly, launch, operation, turnaround and retrieval of a 16.40m diameter slurry Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), one of the largest machines of its kind ever deployed in Europe.

This is a key engineering leadership role with responsibility for developing and coordinating the construction methods required throughout the TBM lifecycle, from initial assembly and shaft launch through underground operations and a major portal U-turn operation to final extraction.

Working closely with the production, plant, temporary works and engineering teams, as well as specialist subcontractors, suppliers and equipment manufacturers, you will ensure that construction methodologies are technically robust, safe, practical and deliverable. You will lead the production of detailed construction methodologies, installation sequences and construction-stage engineering drawings, providing technical direction and support throughout the construction process.

Reporting technically to the Methods Manager, you will also lead and coordinate a small methods team, including engineers and CAD technicians, while working collaboratively with the wider project delivery organisation to support the successful delivery of this landmark infrastructure project.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and coordination of construction methodologies for all stages of the TBM lifecycle, including assembly, launch, operation, turnaround and retrieval;

Develop and produce detailed construction method statements, construction sequences and construction-stage engineering drawings;

Lead the development of methodologies for the assembly and launch of the 16.40m diameter slurry TBM within a shaft environment;

Develop and coordinate the methodology for the major TBM U-turn operation within the portal;

Develop and coordinate the methodology for the safe retrieval and final extraction of the TBM;

Manage and coordinate temporary works requirements associated with TBM operations, including interfaces with temporary works designers;

Develop construction layouts and installation sequences, taking into account site constraints, logistics, lifting operations and equipment requirements;

Coordinate technical interfaces between production, plant, logistics, engineering and temporary works teams;

Engage with specialist suppliers, subcontractors, lifting and transport contractors and equipment manufacturers to develop practical and deliverable construction solutions;

Coordinate associated engineering requirements, including utility connections, slurry systems, lifting arrangements and site installation requirements;

Provide technical support to construction teams throughout the execution of the works, reviewing and adapting methodologies as site conditions and project requirements evolve;

Lead and develop a small methods team, including engineers and CAD technicians, providing technical guidance, priorities and direction;

Actively participate in technical workshops, design reviews, construction planning sessions and stakeholder meetings; and

Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

Essential Skills & Experience

Significant professional experience in TBM tunnelling and major underground infrastructure projects;

Demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of TBM construction methodologies;

Proven experience of TBM assembly, launch and retrieval operations;

Strong understanding of TBM construction sequences, installation arrangements and underground construction operations;

Experience producing and coordinating detailed construction-stage engineering drawings and method statements;

Good knowledge of temporary works design, coordination and management;

Experience coordinating multidisciplinary construction interfaces, particularly between production, plant, logistics, engineering and specialist contractors;

Ability to develop safe, practical and efficient construction solutions for complex engineering operations;

Strong technical understanding of lifting operations, equipment installation and construction logistics;

Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office;

Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder-management skills; and

Ability to work independently while leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

Previous experience on major tunnelling or underground infrastructure projects involving large-diameter TBMs;

Experience with slurry TBMs and associated support systems;

Previous involvement in complex TBM shaft launch and retrieval operations;

Experience with TBM relocation, turnaround or reorientation operations;

Experience coordinating heavy lifting, specialist transport and complex equipment installation;

Exposure to major road, rail or transport infrastructure programmes; and

Previous experience working with international contractors, specialist suppliers and multidisciplinary project teams.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

Rigorous – able to develop technically robust and detailed construction methodologies while maintaining high standards of engineering discipline;

Practical – capable of translating complex engineering requirements into safe, efficient and deliverable construction solutions;

Proactive – able to anticipate construction challenges, identify potential risks and develop appropriate solutions;

Confident – comfortable leading technical discussions, coordinating specialist contractors and contributing to key project decisions;

A strong leader – capable of motivating, developing and providing clear direction to a small team of engineers and CAD technicians;

Highly collaborative – able to work effectively across production, plant, engineering, temporary works and specialist subcontractor teams;

Organised – able to manage multiple technical deliverables, interfaces and priorities within a demanding project environment; and

Adaptable – comfortable responding to evolving site conditions and providing effective technical support throughout construction.