Huw Alford
Bridgend,Bridgend CBC
Summary
Senior Engineer with over twenty years experience within the Asset Performance team. Expertise in all aspects of flood risk and asset management, particularly in business justification and Natural Flood Management. Manages flood risk projects, delivering on time and within budget to enhance community resilience. Mentors junior engineers, fostering technical skill development and promoting best practices within the team and wider business.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineer - Asset Performance
Natural Resources Wales
01.2021 - Current
- Managed flood risk modelling projects from start to finish, ensuring work was carried out within set time, to appropriate standards and budgetary requirements.
- Completed numerous flood risk assessments for high-risk communities or communities that have been affected by flooding, progressing through to project development and construction where flood alleviation schemes have been shown to be economically viable.
- Served as Senior User in development of Flood Alleviation scheme projects, providing localised knowledge and expertise to consultants for business case creation, design, and construction.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices, technical skills development, and career progression within the initial assessment and asset management fields.
- Developed and implemented new methodology for workload prioritisation within Medium Term Plan, aligning with Welsh Government guidance.
- Identified current and future high-risk communities to inform development of Medium Term and long-term flood risk management plans.
- Major contributor within Natural Flood Management steering group and Taff Catchment Strategic masterplan project.
- Providing evidence and customer engagement within successful enforcement proceedings for unpermitted works.
- Involvement in flood incident management events and consequent post-event data collection and stakeholder/customer engagement.
- Carrying out field work activities; surveying and asset inspection.
Engineer 2
Natural Resources Wales
04.2009 - 01.2021
- Carried out numerous initial assessments for communities at risk of flooding, leading to project progressing to design and construction phases.
- Project managed Lower Taff fluvial modelling project, ensuring appropriate quality and outputs while remaining within timescales and budget.
- Senior user role in the construction of flood alleviation scheme upgrades (e.g. Aberbeeg, Isca Road and Sion Street).
- Contributed to CIRIA publication on NFM (WWNP) as part of steering group, enhancing guidance on flood management.
- Managed incidents during large events (Storm Dennis), facilitating effective stakeholder and customer engagement post-event.
- Data management and clean-up within NRW databases and GIS applications.
- Fieldwork including surveying for model creation, asset construction and post event data collection.
- Executed Public Safety Risk Assessments on NRW-owned assets, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Engineer 1
Natural Resouces Wales
02.2006 - 04.2009
- Led enforcement for unpermitted works on main river watercourses, engaging with customers to ensure appropriate remedial works were completed.
- Conducted surveys on existing assets and contributed to development of the survey programme.
- Data management within databases and GIS applications.
- Addressed external queries regarding assets and permits to provide clear information.
- Managed incidents during storm events, including data collection post-event.
Laboratory Manager
RMC/CEMEX
03.2003 - 02.2006
- Managing everyday QA testing for the South Wales area; Managing and coordinating 6 technicians in the timely collection of samples, appropriate storage and timely testing in accordance to the industry standards.
- Ensured the Laboratory maintained certification to Eurocode.
- Ensured staff adhered to health and safety regulations through active monitoring.
- Mentored and trained new staff to enhance team capabilities and maintain high laboratory standards.
- Conducted tests on new mixes and additive products to evaluate mass usage suitability and quality.
- Communicated test results and addressed customer concerns to ensure satisfaction and understanding.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - River & Coastal Engineering
University of the West of England
Bristol01-2012
NVQ Level 3 - Concrete Technology
City and Guilds
01-2005
NVQ Level 2 - Concrete Technology
City and Guilds
01-2004
Bachelor of Science - Exploration Geology
Cardiff University
Cardiff01-2002
Skills
- Asset management
- Project management
- Financial project planning
- Cost estimation
- Data management
- Flood risk assessment
- GIS applications
- Safety compliance
- Technical documentation
- Technical problem-solving
- Project leadership
- Root Cause Analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Technical leadership
- Team mentoring
- Leadership qualities
- Critical thinking
- Proactive approach
- AutoCAD proficiency
Timeline
Senior Engineer - Asset Performance
Natural Resources Wales
01.2021 - Current
Engineer 2
Natural Resources Wales
04.2009 - 01.2021
Engineer 1
Natural Resouces Wales
02.2006 - 04.2009
Laboratory Manager
RMC/CEMEX
03.2003 - 02.2006
Diploma of Higher Education - River & Coastal Engineering
University of the West of England
NVQ Level 3 - Concrete Technology
City and Guilds
NVQ Level 2 - Concrete Technology
City and Guilds
Bachelor of Science - Exploration Geology
Cardiff University