Astute People Ltd

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

Senior commissioning engineer – NI Process Systems

A career that will deliver change. Together, we’ll help Britain achieve net zero

Vacancy Overview

The HPC Commissioning Team is growing as part of its preparation to commission the first nuclear power station to be built in a generation at Hinkley Point C (HPC).  We are seeking an experienced senior commissioning engineer to form part of an expanding team and contribute their knowledge and skills to be a core part of one of the nation’s key infrastructure projects. The owner of the position will oversee the preparation and delivery of the commissioning of the NI Process Systems, with a specific focus on waste systems.

Nature and Scope

The Senior Commissioning Engineer’s role will evolve during the lifecycle of the project and combine technical knowledge with project delivery skills. At the early stages you will contribute to detailed planning and preparation. Following this, you will execute commissioning tests as part of a team and analyse the results to justify the readiness of the HPC units to safely enter commercial operation.

The HPC commissioning team will be working with the Responsible Designer and the project’s contract partners to provide a suite of commissioning documentation combining technical test programmes with supporting safety justifications to influence and form part of the HPC Commissioning Arrangements. Building successful collaborative relationships with designers, contractors, the HPC project delivery team, site engineering and the plant operational organisation will be critical to ensuring that the interfaces with the commissioning process are properly defined and controlled.

Principal Accountabilities

• Accountable to a Commissioning Manager in the NNB HPC Project team
• Develop commissioning documentation relating to commissioning testing and system validation activities
• Contribute to design reviews to ensure layout of plant items and systems are in a manner that allows ease of commissioning
• Contribute to detailed planning of commissioning and take ownership of a programme of commissioning tests
• Take part in the execution of site commissioning activities including supervision of contractor commissioning personnel to achieve successful and safe commissioning of HPC systems
• Provide information to assist the Commissioning Manager and Senior Commissioning Manager in meeting project-level objectives and milestones
• Analyse commissioning results and provide reports summarising the outcome of commissioning
• Ensure that the commissioning process meets nuclear, environmental, and industrial safety regulatory requirements and that it reflects best practice in international safety and technical excellence

Skills

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Strong technical background in nuclear industrial
• Knowledge of nuclear power generation
• Experience of commissioning nuclear power plant
• Practical experience of Nuclear Plant systems commissioning
• Demonstrable history of working within safety and quality cultures
• Track record of major project delivery in a technical role
• Good communication skills and the ability to convey complex information to others
• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience of working in a regulatory environment

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Familiarity with safety case process and design substantiation
• Knowledge of delivering to complex project programmes
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of the impact of change
• French language skills would be beneficial
• Experience of leading teams in a programme-driven project environment

Competitive Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including a pension scheme, a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle, and the opportunity to earn bonus.

Please let us know if you require flexible working arrangements by highlighting this on your application. We’re happy to talk about flexibility in line with the requirements of this opportunity.

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a leading Biomass Power Company to recruit a QHSE Lead for their Biomass site located in Lincolnshire. The QHSE Lead will be primarily responsible for all QHSE matters on site including training, investigations, audits and reporting. If you’re interested and have the right skillset then please apply. Responsibilities and duties of the QHSE Lead role: Reporting to the Plant Manager you will be responsible for:

• Manage the environmental monitoring programme
• Ensure compliance with all permits, legislative & statutory requirements
• Develop and maintain a QHSE strategy monitor and report on activities, training and procedures on site, ensuring compliance across the group and sharing best practises with other sites.
• Communicate with third party stakeholders including the environment agency and local authorities
• Oversee all emergency plans, statutory inspections (PSSR, WSoE, LOLER, PUWER and COSHH etc) and ensure procedures are appropriately communicated and trained.
• Provide technical support on environmental legislation to the facility manager
• Liaise with the Operations Team to ensure the monitoring system is accurately recording data inline with allowed parameters.
• Take part in internal and external audits.
• Manage the SHEQ budget and provide input to financial reporting.
• Carry out sampling & testing to ensure compliance with quality & environmental obligations.

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Ideally a degree qualification in relevant H&S field or Environmental Science or Chemistry
• NEBOSH Diploma or similar qualification

Personal skills The QHSE Lead role would suit someone who:

• Has worked in a QHSE capacity in a similar industry such as Biomass, Energy from Waste, Power Station, Refinery etc
• Has exposure to QHSE Systems and standards such as ISO14956, EN14181, OMA Audits, Environmental Permits (stack emissions, discharges)

Salary and benefits of the QHSE Lead role

• Competitive salary
• Bonus & Overtime opportunities
• Further benefits available upon discussion
• Opportunity to work on a large, clean, Biomass Power Station

INDPOW  

Astute’s Renewables Team is partnering exclusively with a key business and influential player in the UK Anaerobic Digestion market. The company are seeking to crew up their first asset which will be operational in early 2025. We’re looking for motivated individuals who want to make a difference to the UK’s energy transition and who like to work in an outdoors environment. The Plant Operator role comes with an excellent salary, with overtime available and the chance to progress within the business as more and more plants are built. If you’re wanting to work for an emerging, key player in the UK biogas sector then please apply below. Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the Plant Manager you will:  

• Operate the anaerobic digestion plant on a day to day basis
• Feed the plant using a Telehandler
• Assist the Maintenance Technician with any maintenance that needs doing on site
• Keep the site clean and tidy
• Perform daily checks on the plant, logging all visual inspections
• Raise any concerns on the plant to your line manager with site safety being a top priority
• Perform biological tests (training provided) on the organic matter
• Always look for continuous improvement opportunities on site
• Perform first line maintenance duties, ie greasing and cleaning of machinery or equipment
• Check lorries in and out on the weighbridge
• Participate in an on-call rota (for which you’re paid)
• Other duties are required  

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• Telehandler licence is hugely preferred
• A recognised engineering qualification is preferred but not essential
• Operations and/or agricultural experience is essential
• UK driving licence  

Personal skills The Plant Operator role would suit someone who is or has:  

• A problem-solver and self-starter
• Excellent verbal and written English language
• Someone hard-working who enjoys working outdoors

Salary and benefits of the Plant Operator role  

• An excellent basic salary (to be discussed upon application)
• Overtime available
• Performance related bonus
• Company pension
• On call payments
• 25 days holiday

INDREN

Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with one of the international leaders supporting in the nuclear energy sector to recruit a Senior Cost Controller for their Avonmouth site. 

 

The rewarding Senior Cost Controller role comes with a salary of up to £74,000 per annum, with the opportunity to lead integrated cost reporting across a portfolio of nuclear projects.

 

If you’re a Cost Controller and are looking to work for an organisation that is known for its innovative solutions and high-value technologies, then submit your CV to apply today.

 

Responsibilities and duties

 

Reporting to the Head of Project Controls you will:

• Lead the Cost Control function within Project Controls, establishing standards, procedures, and templates for all projects.
• Develop and maintain cost control tools and processes, ensuring all staff follow best practices.
• Train and mentor staff in cost control methods, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manage SAP project structures, ensuring compliance with business and project requirements.
• Produce cost reports across the portfolio, including centralised reporting cycles and Cost of Non-Quality (CoNQ) assessments.
• Analyse cost data to provide assurance, insights, and consolidated reports to project, programme, and portfolio managers.
• Support tender cost estimation and maintain centralised productivity and cost norms.
• Oversee project cost management activities, including invoicing, variations, cost vs. budget analysis, earned value management (EVM), and cash flow reporting.

 

 

Professional qualifications

 

We are looking for someone with the following:

 4+ years of experience in cost control within the nuclear, construction or manufacturing sectors.

Proficient using Microsoft Excel

Previous experience in a senior role is desirable

 

Personal skills

 

The Senior Cost Controller role would suit someone who has:

• A strong background in cost control, ideally within large-scale, complex projects.
• Experience leading or mentoring others, with the confidence to set standards and guide teams.
• Proven skills in using SAP for project set-up, reporting, and analysis.
• A track record of developing tools, templates, and processes that improve efficiency.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• The adaptability to work across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

 

Salary and benefits of the Senior Cost Controller

 

Up to £74,000 per annum

25 days annual leave per year raising to 30 (1 day for every 2 years’ service)

8% Employer pension contribution and many more fantastic benefits.

Astute’s Renewables team is proud to be partnering with an established and growing operations and maintenance provider focused on large-scale solar energy projects across the UK and internationally. We’re looking for a Technical O&M Support Engineer who blends hands-on electrical knowledge with analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset. In this role, you’ll be providing advanced remote support to field teams, analysing system performance, and supporting the technical resolution of complex issues across a broad solar portfolio. If you're currently providing remote or second-line support in the solar or electrical O&M space and you're ready to step into a more autonomous, international-facing role — we’d love to hear from you. Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the O&M Team Leader, you will:

• Provide advanced remote support for field engineers, diagnosing and resolving complex faults
• Analyse system data (SCADA, inverter portals) to spot issues and improve performance
• Collaborate with on-site teams to identify and address systemic issues, helping reduce downtime and optimise asset performance
• Lead or support RCA investigations and escalate to manufacturers when needed
• Create and maintain technical documentation and repair guides
• Support commissioning, retrofit works, and attend site when remote solutions aren't viable
• Collaborate with internal teams and international subsidiaries on recurring issues and best practice
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, KPI tracking, and the onboarding of junior engineers
• Act as a technical liaison across your team and management, contributing to work order planning and weekly operational meetings

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Around 5 years’ experience in electrical installation or maintenance in the solar O&M sector
• Strong knowledge of inverters, communication protocols, and remote monitoring systems
• Experience with SCADA platforms and confident interpreting electrical schematics and SLDs
• Familiarity with root cause analysis techniques and hands-on troubleshooting
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in electrical installation or similar qualification
• Proven track record of working closely with OEMs and field teams to resolve technical faults

Personal skills We are looking for someone with the following:

• Demonstrate a methodical and analytical approach to technical problem-solving
• Communicate clearly and confidently across technical and non-technical teams
• Take initiative in developing documentation and improving internal processes
• Remain calm and solutions-focused when addressing complex or high-pressure issues
• Be self-motivated, organised, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Show a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to support and mentor colleagues

Salary and benefits of the Technical O&M Support Engineer role  

• Salary £55,000 depending on experience
• Company vehicle for site visits
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension scheme & company sick pay
• Company mobile phone & laptop provided
• "Wellness Wednesday" mindfulness time weekly
• Regular wellbeing check-ins & team-building days
• Supportive culture with social events
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

INDREN  

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a leading Biomass Power Station in the UK to recruit a Power Plant Operator for its site in Northumberland.    The Power Plant Operator role comes with a starting salary of up to c.£47,000, private medical, and a bonus.     If you have your NVQ Level 3 in relevant subject and experience on heavy industrial site and looking to work then submit your CV to apply today.                      Responsibilities and duties of the Power Plant Operator role Reporting to the Shift Manager you will:  

• Working as part of a shift team to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the generating units.
• To undertake plant and unit inspections, monitoring plant status and responding to alarms.
• To undertake routine plant change overs as well as identifying defect and potentially unsafe conditions.
• To identify and record in the Maintenance Management system any defects and safety issues identified during plant inspections.
• Gather, analyse, interpret, and log plant performance data relevant to the area under your control and implement changes to improve operational efficiency with the assistance of the Power Plant Controller(s) as required.
• Undertake standard operational duties in one of the three roles; Unit Operator, General Duties Operator or Ash Plant Operator.
• To remove plant from service and assist in the isolating of plant in readiness for the issue of safety documents. Working within the Company Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality Systems.

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• NVQ Level 3 in relevant engineering discipline
• HNC would be highly desirable
• Experience working on the Operations Team of a power station or relevant heavy industrial site.
• Willing to work shifts.  

  Personal skills

• Critical thinker who can make decisions under time pressure
• Self-motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic environment
• Has a personal commitment to the highest standards

Salary and benefits of the Power Plant Operator role

• Starting salary of £47,000 rising to £51,000 after probation
• Benefits package including private medical, and a bonus of up to £2,500
• Progression opportunities

INDPOW    

Astute’s Renewables team are exclusively partnering with Vogelsang, a leading specialist in pump and rotary equipment, delivering cutting-edge technology to clients across the Biogas, Water Treatment and Agricultural sectors, to recruit a Field Service Engineer to join its UK Service Team based in Crewe.   The Field Service Engineer role combines workshop and nationwide field work, supporting UK customers with repair, maintenance, and equipment commissioning. Vehicle and overtime opportunities included, along with excellent training and professional development prospects.   If you’re a Field Service Engineer and are looking to join a leader in the engineering sector, then submit your CV to apply today.     Responsibilities and duties of the Field Service Engineer role   Reporting to the Service Manager you will:    

• Provide UK-wide on-site support, repairing, maintaining, and servicing Vogelsang equipment at customer locations, including positive displacement pumps, macerators, and grinders.
• Carry out routine inspections, servicing, and planned preventative maintenance both in the workshop and on customer sites.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults, undertake repairs, and test machinery to ensure performance and safety standards are met.
• Commission equipment and assist with installations at customer sites as required.
• Support field service engineers and customers with technical expertise when needed.
• Assist with workshop activities, including machine rebuilds, overhauls, and preparation of equipment for dispatch.
• Accurately complete service reports, job sheets, and technical documentation within required timescales.
• Collaborate effectively within the engineering team to meet operational targets and customer requirements.

    Professional qualifications   We are looking for someone with the following:    

• Relevant engineering qualifications, i.e. BTEC, NVQ, HNC, HND or equivalent.
• Proven experience in a Field Engineer role or similar hands-on mechanical engineering position.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge, with experience of pump systems or rotary equipment highly advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering diagrams.
• Full UK driving licence is essential; forklift and/or telehandler licence advantageous.

    Personal skills     The Field Service Engineer role would suit someone who is:    

• Practical and methodical approach to fault finding, repair and maintenance.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexible to travel nationwide with some overnight stays.

    Salary and benefits of the Field Service Engineer role    

• Competitive salary (DOE).
• Company vehicle and fuel card.
• Overtime with enhanced rates.
• 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service to 25 days.
• Continuous professional development opportunities within a market-leading engineering organisation.

    INDREN  

Astute’s Renewables team are exclusively partnering with Vogelsang, a leading specialist in pump and rotary equipment, delivering cutting-edge technology to clients across the Biogas, Water Treatment and Agricultural sectors, to recruit a Workshop Engineer for their site based in Crewe.   The Workshop Engineer role offers an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer to grow within the business, with a clear and structured pathway into a Field Service Engineer role.   If you’re a hands-on engineer and are looking to join a leader in the engineering sector, then submit your CV to apply today.     Responsibilities and duties of the Workshop Engineer role   Reporting to the Service Manager, you will:    

• Carry out routine servicing, inspections, and planned maintenance of equipment. Including Positive Displacement Pumps, Macerators and Grinders.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic and electrical faults, testing machinery to ensure it meets performance and safety standards.
• Support workshop operations through machine rebuilds, overhauls and preparation of equipment for dispatch.
• Provide secondary technical support to Field Service Engineers when required.
• Accurately complete service reports, job sheets and technical documentation in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively within a professional engineering team to meet operational targets and customer requirements.

    Professional qualifications   We are looking for someone with the following:    

• Proven experience in a hands-on mechanical role such as Maintenance Engineer, or similar engineering role.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge, with experience of rotary equipment being highly advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams and technical drawings.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Forklift and/or telehandler licence advantageous.  

  Personal skills     The Workshop Engineer role would suit someone who is:    

• Practical and methodical approach to fault finding, repair and maintenance.
• Enthusiastic and committed to continued professional development.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

    Salary and benefits of the Workshop Engineer role    

• Competitive salary (dependant on experience).
• Company van and tools provided.
• Overtime opportunities with enhanced rates.
• 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service to 25 days.
• Company benefits to be discussed.
• Clear and structured opportunity for development to Field Service Engineer.
• Opportunity to work for a leading manufacturer supporting critical infrastructure across multiple industries.

    INDREN