Astute People Ltd

Person Specification The Commercial / Contract Manager should thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment, possessing not only the technical expertise but also the leadership qualities required to drive success across complex commercial projects. Experience:  - Proven experience in a Junior contract /commercial management role, particularly in handling high value, complex, contracts.  - Good background in corporate finance, with a good understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and cost management.  - Foundational experience in complex negotiations and stakeholder management, demonstrating an ability to handle high-pressure situations with tact and professionalism.  - Strong knowledge of contract terms and construction industry regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply them to projects. Personal Attributes:  - A confident and professional manner, with excellent presentation skills to engage clients and stakeholders effectively.  - Determination and resilience: the ability to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of setbacks or challenges.  - A passionate, enthusiastic, and charismatic approach to leadership, inspiring teams and clients alike.  - Innovative mindset, with a willingness to explore new ways of achieving results, and challenge conventional thinking when necessary.  - A positive outlook, always focused on finding opportunities in adversity, and an ability to maintain motivation in difficult situations.  - Assertiveness in ensuring objectives are met, with a results-driven attitude and the ability to make decisions and take action when required.

Astute’s Environmental team is partnering with a leading environmental consultancy known for delivering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact solutions, to recruit an Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage, based in London, with flexible hybrid working available.

This Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role offers a competitive salary up to £65,000, along with structured career development, a collaborative culture, and involvement in exciting national projects — including the UK’s largest solar farm.

If you're an experienced flood risk consultant with strong technical, commercial, and leadership skills, and you’re ready to help grow a thriving team while delivering exceptional client work, submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role

Reporting to the Water Services leadership team, you will:

• Manage projects from inception to completion, including fee proposals and tender submissions

• Deliver and review Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, Scoping Reports, and Flood Risk Appraisals

• Provide bespoke commercial advice to clients across planning, due diligence, and risk management

• Support the development and delivery of SuDS designs and technical drainage drawings

• Contribute to the development of services in nutrient neutrality, ESG, and new markets

• Liaise with clients, statutory consultees, and internal teams across the Group

• Lead, mentor, and line manage junior team members

• Drive innovation in flood and drainage solutions, championing technical quality and client satisfaction

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A degree (BSc/MSc) in Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

• 7+ years’ experience in flood risk and drainage consultancy

• Strong understanding of design guidance, planning policy, and regulatory processes

• Proven experience in project management, client liaison, and stakeholder engagement

• Experience using MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage, QGIS, and ideally AutoCAD

• Chartered status (or actively working towards it) highly desirable

Personal skills

The Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role would suit someone who is:

• Commercially aware, proactive, and client-focused

• Passionate about sustainable flood risk solutions and innovation

• Able to manage deadlines, budgets, and technical delivery across multiple projects

• Experienced in mentoring others and supporting professional development

• Confident working in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary consultancy environment

Salary and benefits of the Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)

• Company-matched pension scheme

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with buy/sell options)

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

• Career progression and support for chartership

• Involvement in major national projects and innovation-focused work

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cashback and discounts across retail, fitness, hospitality, and more

• Volunteering opportunities and sustainability-focused culture

Astute’s Nuclear team is collaborating with the leading provider of sealing solutions for cable and pipe transits to recruit a Technical Sales Manager in the central belt of Scotland. The Technical Sales Manager role will involve working with OEM and O&G customers in the Marine and Offshore industry to further develop the company’s brand and generate new business. This role is hybrid working and comes with a company car and a generous bonus structure. If you’re an experienced Technical Sales Manager and are looking to work for an organisation that puts integrity and people at the forefront of everything it does, then submit your CV to apply today.     Responsibilities and duties    Reporting to the Divisional Manager you will:   

• Identify and target marine & offshore projects within offshore oil & gas and maritime sectors, focusing on key decision makers such as owners, operators, engineers, and contractors.
• Develop new business and grow brand presence through specifications and client-approved lists, targeting O&G and OEM customers.
• Maintain and expand client base by identifying new clients and offering tailored solutions to maximize market potential.
• Drive sales growth by presenting solutions to engineers, offering technical support, and promoting products via site visits and industry events.
• Manage sales objectives, customer contacts, and provide accurate market information, ensuring effective forecasting and pre-sales technical guidance.

    Professional qualifications     We are looking for someone with the following:   

• University degree or equivalent, with industry-specific experience considered.
• Proven sales experience presenting complex technical solutions to decision makers and specifying engineers.
• Established relationships with owner/operators, engineering, contracting, and design firms in the oil and gas OEM sector.
• Strong knowledge of civil construction, electrical, controls, automation, and mechanical systems in the target sector.
• Experience in business development, creating structured plans, and managing long-term, complex sales projects.

    Personal skills     The Technical Sales Manager role would suit someone who is:   

• Effective networking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (written and oral).
• Proven ability and confidence to prepare and present solutions and strategies to groups of co-workers, clients, or prospects.
• Willingness to work away from home for periods during the working week to serve the UK market.
• Ability to travel internationally on occasion. 

    Salary and benefits of the Technical Sales Manager role    

• Salary ranges from £40,000 - £55,000 DOE
• Company car
• Up to 40% bonus structure
• Pension contribution, healthcare package and anniversary bonus

INDNUC 

Astute’s Renewables Team is partnering with a leading bioenergy power its fleet of gas powered vehicles through a state of the art biogas production facility to recruit a Plant Manager for its Lisburn, Northern Ireland site. This strategically important Plant Manager role comes with a salary of £60,000-£75,000, pension scheme, additional annual leave, life assurance, certified training, and long-term career progression. If you’re a Plant Manager with experience in production, processing, or green energy environments and are looking to join an organisation that prioritises safety, compliance, operational excellence, and sustainability, then submit your CV to apply today. Responsibilities and duties of the Plant Manager role Reporting to the Group Directorship, you will:

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of an anaerobic digestion and biomethane/CNG production facility
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety, environmental permits, and regulatory requirements
• Manage and develop site teams, contractors, and technical personnel to meet operational and performance targets
• Oversee plant maintenance, reliability, and asset performance, ensuring minimal downtime
• Manage production schedules to meet demand and integrate with wider transport and logistics operations
• Ensure emissions monitoring, waste management, and digestate quality testing meet PAS110 and regulatory standards
• Lead audits, inspections, and corrective actions to maintain continuous compliance
• Support future projects, plant upgrades, and strategic business growth initiatives
• Maintain accurate operational records, KPI reporting, trend analysis, and P&L accountability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximise efficiency, productivity, and gas output

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Experience in plant or operations management within production, processing, or green energy environments
• Strong knowledge of health & safety
• Proven ability to manage KPIs, budgets, P&L, CAPEX, and operational reporting
• Experience with CMMS, data analysis, and performance monitoring tools

Personal skills The Plant Operations Manager role would suit someone who is:

• A confident and hands-on leader with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Highly organised with strong time management and decision-making skills
• Data-driven, analytical, and comfortable presenting information to senior stakeholders
• Proactive, forward-thinking, and focused on long-term operational improvement
• Flexible in approach to working hours and operational demands
• A strong communicator who can build effective relationships across the business

Salary and benefits of the Plant Operations Manager role

• £60,000- £75,000
• Matched pension contribution
• Enhanced annual leave with service
• Life assurance and death-in-service cover
• Certified training and professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Additional company benefits

INDREN  

Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with a renewable energy provider with a commitment to professional development and sustainability to recruit an experienced Solar Electrician on an on-going contract to cover the majority of Hampshire, with a focal hub of Basingstoke.    The Solar Electrician role comes with a day rate of up to £300.    Key skills    

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
• Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installations
• CSCS Card
• Full UK Driving License and own Vehicle

  Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Solar Electrician role    

• Hampshire based, up to London
• Up to £300 a day
• Fuel paid for
• Working hours are 7:30 to 16:30 a day on site

INDREN

CDM Manager – EFW £550-£600 per day (Outside IR35) 12 Months Astute’s Power team is currently partnering with an EPC Contractor on their new build Energy from Waste facilities to recruit a CDM Manager. This position is available on either a part time or full-time basis across sites in Birmingham and Northeast of London. The CDM Manager role comes with a day rate of £550-600. Key skills:

• Undertake suitable pre-qualification exercise and advise Project Engineering Manager in respect of project competency status.
• Manage CDM compliance throughout the project duration.
• Identify & Manage pre-construction information (PCI): Review PCI available and, where applicable identify gaps in content and formal communication of the same.
• Undertake assessments arising from all design stakeholders and manage/coordinate H&S information as applicable. Designer residual risk will feed into the Project Risk Register.
• Develop and manage the project H&S file strategy.
• Feed PCI into the mobilisation process and collaborate with Contractors (including PC’s) in the development of design risk information and constructability reviews.
• Produce and deliver project specific CDM, or other training where a need is identified, including to offshore (non-UK) design organisations.
• Advise on CDM related issues such as design change, material (COSHH) issues and arising from unforeseeable events.

How to apply? To apply for this opportunity simply send a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter to [email protected] or call 02393 910 473 to speak to Lucy  who can tell you more.  

Astute’s Team are partnered with an industry leader in industrial services solutions and hazardous waste management across the UK to recruit a Business Development Manager to join their Industrial Services division in Hull. We’re looking for an experienced Business Development professional with a particular focus on securing new enquiries and promoting their specialist services including tankers, Jet Vacs, Disabs, Hydro-Abrasive Cutting, and associated equipment. The Business Development Manager role comes with a salary of up to £55,000 per annum plus a car allowance, bonus and many other benefits. If you’re a Business Development Manager with experience within the Industrial Services or Industrial Cleaning sector, then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the Regional Commercial Manager you will:   Key Responsibilities:

• Drive business development for key business growth within the industrial services sector, targeting both new and existing clients, using proactive techniques like cold calling and outreach to offer a broad range of industrial services, including waste removal and infrastructure cleaning solutions.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities and contribute to the company business plan.
• Foster strong customer relationships by ensuring high service standards, addressing non-conformances, and providing timely feedback.
• Maximise margins on projects and ensure continuity of work for the business teams.
• Collaborate across divisions to identify other opportunities, especially within waste treatment and disposal through other sites across the business group.
• Collaborate with Account Managers, Admin Staff, and Operations to ensure seamless service delivery and contract management.
• Manage the tender process, including document reviews, financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with Tender Governance procedures.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and relevant industry developments to inform business strategy.
• Manage projects, inquiries, and customer communications while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Promote a safety-first culture and actively contribute to the company’s health, safety, and environmental initiatives.
• Represent the business at stakeholder events and ensure compliance with company policies, including security, data protection, and equal opportunities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional with experience in industrial services and business development to join a dynamic and growing team.     Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:

• Technical expertise in industrial services and hazardous/chemical waste solutions, with previous experience in the sector.
• Proven ability to manage customer accounts and their associated sales revenue.
• Strong commercial acumen, a track record of profitable new business, and a commitment to high levels of customer service, along with a full UK driving licence.
• Degree qualified or proven sector experience in business development and sales in industrial services or hazardous wastes management.

    Personal skills The Business Development Manager role would suit someone who has:

• Flexibility to accommodate overnight stays, early starts, and late finishes to meet client and business needs.
• Proven track record in driving profitable new business while maintaining high levels of customer service.
• Strong logistics knowledge, including experience with transport booking and vehicle requirements for contracts.
• Skilled in cold calling, negotiating, and executing deals at both strategic and tactical levels, with experience in managing projects and business processes.

    Salary and benefits of the Business Development Manager role

• Salary up to £55,000 DOE
• Car allowance
• Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Life assurance
• Pension
• Progression plan