Senior Executive Engineer interview Jan 24th

david4791

Hello,
I have an interview next week as a senior exec engineer in a local authority, any advice out there from senior exec's with regards to possible interview questions?

What should I know?

Im a chartered Civil Engineer with 12 years post grad exp.

impr0v

If you know what area the position is in - environment, roads, water services, etc. - try and identify the main statutory obligations upon a local authority in the area, and the relevant powers granted to the authority by law.

Also, try and get up to speed with internal local government programs, like "better local government" and stuff like that - i don't know too much about it.

I get the impression that you are coming from private practice. 12 years PQE and chartered status means that you are well qualified for the post technically. However, less-well qualified internal candidates will have an edge on you because of their knowledge of how local authorities work, and because the interviewers will all come from the same background. Push your technical expertise, but also try and be in a position where you can have a good go at answering questions that are designed for the assistant engineers that will inevitably be going for it.

david4791

Yes, 12 years in private practice bar one year with a local authority roads dept, however, I have been employed for past 5 years as a SRE on a capital project dealing with the relevant LA.

Not wholly familiar with the whole procurement policy in LA's and internal systems of Mgmt.

Well I got shortlisted which means they are satisfied with technical and experience background.

Little Sunshine

Find out how many is on the Board - usually 3-4: 1 chairing, 1-2 technical & 1 HR
U could be in any section roads, water, environment- u will have staff reporting to u so have look at topics in relation to dealing with staff i.e if a team member is not pulling their weight what would u do, conflict between employees, grievance and disciplinary procedures, etc
What projects are the LA doing and the moment and costs involved
As a SEE u will have a budget for the year - how would u manage it, value for money
Big thing at the moment is shared services between LA ie. amalgamation of county and City Councils - whats ur view - is it good or bad
Dealing with PPP, tenders, consultants,
Water is also a hot topic particularly in relation to water charges and if the LA is in Dublin the issue of bringing water form the Shannon
Other thing is to know how many Councillors are in the LA - Check the LA website or last years Annual report

david4791

Thanks for insight Lil Sunshine

david4791

Could you offer any methods employed as a SNr Exec with a local authority in terms of budget Mgmt annually?

annfield1978

48 odd people applied for this role, and i believe they are interviewing maybe 20 of them which would be strange