Warren Rigby
Design manager, Skanska UK
Expertise
Construction, Design, Project ManagementLocation
North WestMy highlights
Winning the Tony Chapman Medal in 2026
Exposing and restoring George Stephenson’s 1830s Grade I-listed bridge at Salford, as part of the Ordsall Chord works
Managing the design for the Clifton Bridge Replacement over the M6 motorway
A day in my life
I can be across the UK, our head office in London or my project sites.
Typically, I start with a cup of strong tea in my RNLI mug before checking emails, messages from the team and then planned diaries for the day. Then I look at how the current design is coming together.
Some days I review drawings, read and write reports. Other days I jump into meetings to solve problems.
I work with engineers, planners and construction teams. We talk about safety, cost and how to build smarter.
Sometimes I’m onsite, watching ideas turn into real structures, other days I’m in the office dealing with our customers.
We’re building something that people will use every day.
You don’t have to be a maths genius to be a civil engineer – just willing to learn.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
My high school engineering teacher recognised my passion early and enrolled me on a double engineering GCSE, which was a full day per week. I was one of only five given the opportunity!
I’ve always been interested in impressive bridge structures.
The Menai Bridge in North Wales is my favourite 'old school' bridge and the Oresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden is a modern beauty.
We asked Warren…
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…
You get the shape the world around you. It’s a creative but practical career that solves real problems.
You also get to see the results of your work improving lives for years to come.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil or infrastructure engineer/technician, but I’m also…
A fiancé, dog dad, a local charity trustee for my Sea Cadet unit, an avid music fan and lover of architecture.
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
We work with designers to build less, build clever and build efficiently, reducing the carbon intensity of our projects.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
I support young engineers from all backgrounds, providing the opportunities I was offered as an entry level technician.
I give them support through mentoring, being an ear when needed, and volunteering as a STEM ambassador.
What role does digital technology play in your job?
I use digital technology most of the working day.
This might be ProjectWise, emails, the new world of Teams meetings, AI software like Co-Pilot, but also models instead of traditional drawings.
This helps us detect clashes or issues early, saving time, money and materials.
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
I wanted to become a professionally qualified engineer for the recognition it provides globally. It affirms you're a “good” engineer!
It gives you a sense of pride and achievement.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Being professionally qualified shows my personal drive to develop as an engineer.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
My employer has fully funded me throughout my apprenticeships and professional membership subscriptions.
They are willing to provide guidance, support and mentoring.
I received support from the ICE from our local membership development officer and from the CPD events and courses that I attended. Having lunch and evening sessions means there’s always an opportunity to attend.
Events from the Railway Civil Engineers Association (RCEA), a specialist knowledge society, are always great!
What do you value most about being an ICE member?
It has enabled me to network widely, attend workshops or lectures in my field and beyond, and build more knowledge.
This has led to my progression to design and engineering management.
What’s the most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego?
A Lego Technic Land Rover Defender – all 2,573 pieces of it over multiple evenings!
I now have the Land Rover Classic 90 on the way!
Warren's career path
I started with Skanska UK as a Level 3 site engineering technician in 2014.
I studied part time at the National Construction College in Norfolk and onsite in Manchester.
In 2017, I was awarded the ICE QUEST Technician Scholarship for the East of England region.
I progressed to a Level 6 degree apprenticeship at University of East London between 2017–2022, achieving a first-class degree BSc (Hons) in civil engineering.
In January 2021, I awarded my Engineering Technician qualification following a professional review.
In January 2025, I became an Incorporated Engineer.
I am now completing a Level 7 apprenticeship in rail systems at the University of Birmingham.
