Read authentic reviews from candidates, clients and employees.
Find top rated recruiters on the GR Marketplace
 

Gemma Harfield

Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People Ltd
4.72
from 119 reviews
Jobs
Technical Sales Manager – Marine & Defence
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Senior Structural Engineer - Chorley
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Engineering team is proudly partnered with a well-established civil and structural engineering consultancy who deliver services to a diverse client base across the residential, commercial, industrial, and nuclear sectors. They are looking to recruit a Senior Structural Engineer to support a range of high-profile infrastructure and energy projects, including ongoing work in the UK’s nuclear sector. The Senior Structural Engineer will act as a key leader within the team, providing technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians. This role requires delivering high-quality structural designs while maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety. If you’re a Structural Engineer looking for work then submit your CV to apply today. Responsibilities and duties of the Senior Structural Engineer role Reporting to the Associate Structural Engineer you will:  
  • Lead structural engineering projects from concept to completion, delivering efficient, code-compliant designs in various materials.
  • Conduct site inspections and resolve structural issues, representing the company in client and design meetings
  • Manage budgets, timelines, and resources, providing regular updates and ensuring project milestones are met.
  • Mentor junior staff and promote a collaborative, learning-focused environment with a strong CPD culture.
  • Maintain strong client relationships and support growth through tenders and identifying new opportunities.
  • Champion safety and ensure quality standards across all deliverables, staying current with industry best practices.
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Chartered Membership of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and/or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) (preferred).
  • Proficient in 3D structural analysis and design software, ideally including:
MasterSeries, SCIA, Tekla Structural Designer AutoCAD and Revit
  • Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques and software (preferred).
  • Familiarity with industry-standard tools to streamline design and documentation workflows.
  • Proven experience delivering structural engineering projects, particularly within the defence and nuclear sectors.
Personal skills   The Senior Structural Engineer role would suit someone who has:  
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to clients and team members.
  • A proactive, collaborative, and client-focused mindset.
  • Commitment to professional growth and staying abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
  Salary and benefits of the Senior Structural Engineer role  
  • A salary of up to £60,000 DOE
  • Opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging projects across key sectors.
  • Access to leading software tools and ongoing professional development opportunities.
INDNUC

Commissioning Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is exclusively partnered with a speciality lifting and handling equipment business, acting as the lifting principal contractor on Hinkley Point C. We are currently recruiting a Commissioning Engineer to commission, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems for overhead cranes and lifting equipment. You will work in a highly regulated and safety-critical environment, ensuring that all cranes are operational and meet stringent safety and performance standards. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with electrical commissioning, maintenance, and breakdown support for crane systems, particularly in industrial or nuclear environments. The role comes with a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and the opportunity to contribute to prestigious nuclear projects in the UK.                   Responsibilities and duties: As the Commissioning Engineer, your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Commission and test electrical systems for cranes, including troubleshooting motors, PLCs, and safety devices to meet design specs and regulatory standards.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, diagnose and repair electrical breakdowns, and provide emergency support as needed.
  • Ensure all activities comply with nuclear safety regulations, participate in audits, and implement risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
  • Work with site engineers and contractors to coordinate tasks, provide technical support, and maintain accurate records of maintenance and repairs.
  • Complete all necessary documentation, including commissioning reports, maintenance logs, and compliance certification for regulatory compliance.
    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:
  • HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 3 years in commissioning or maintenance engineering, ideally with cranes or heavy industrial equipment, and preferably in nuclear or regulated environments.
  • Expertise in commissioning, maintenance, and fault-finding of electrical systems (motors, PLCs, control panels) and familiarity with electrical codes and safety standards, particularly for nuclear sites.
  • Compliance with electrical safety qualifications (e.g., 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) and site-specific safety training (e.g., nuclear access) is desirable.
    Personal skills The Commissioning Engineer role would suit someone who has:
  • Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, particularly for complex electrical faults.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness to respond to emergency breakdowns and work outside regular working hours as required.
  • The ability to obtain BPSS security clearance
    Salary and benefits of the Commissioning Engineer role
  • Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
  • Accommodation and travel allowances
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Opportunity to work on prestigious nuclear projects with a leading contractor
INDNUC

Multi-Skilled Service Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute are partnered with a long established, reputable company for service, maintenance and repair for waste handling and recycling equipment. Our client is looking for a Multi-Skilled Engineer to join their team to cover servicing their customers within the North of England and Scotland.  The Service Engineer role comes with a salary of up to £40,000 per annum plus company van, overtime opportunities and performance bonuses. If you’re a Service Engineer with mechanical and fabrication experience, then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties: As the Multi-Skilled Field Service Engineer, your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:  
  • Driving around 100 miles per day.
  • Servicing waste handling equipment, quotation work and attending breakdowns.
  • Delivering a first-time fix when attending breakdowns.
  • Occasional requirements to work away and out of hours.
  • Strong teamwork skills on site/ remotely via phone calls or video calls.
  • Working with compactors, balers, and other waste handling equipment.
  • Once trained, working with 3-phase electrics and display excellent safety understanding.
    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:
  • Mechanically strong.
  • 3-phase electrics experience (used to working on equipment).
  • Background in maintenance.
  • Road experience required.
  • Open to a variety of skill sets – multi-skilled, competent engineers preferred.
  • Ability to follow electrical drawings and provide phone support to other engineers.
  • Knowledge of compactors and balers ideal but not essential.
  • Ability to do basic stick welding would beneficial.
    Personal skills The Service Engineer role would suit someone who has:
  • Flexibility to accommodate overnight stays, early starts, and late finishes to meet client and business needs.
  • A UK driving licence
  • Good customer service skills
    Salary and benefits of the Multi-Skilled Service Engineer role
  • Salary of up to £40,000 + overtime, performance bonus and zero sickness bonus.
  • Performance based pay structure – chance to grow and learn
  • Mobile and van supplied.
  • 20 days annual leave and Bank Holiday (Increases after 5 years’ service).
  • Cash incentives for performance/ attendance and stand-by.
  • Full training provided.
INDNUC

HVAC Construction Lead
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with the leading provider of nuclear support services in the UK to recruit a HVAC Construction Lead responsible for Work Pack leadership. This key role will be working collaboratively with Clients and partners to grow, manage and motivate a team through implementation of best practice on exciting new build projects.   The HVAC Construction Lead role comes with a salary of up to £85,000 DOE, hybrid working and the opportunity to be involved in a project from design to execution.   If you’re a HVAC Engineer with Construction and Installation experience and are looking to work for an organisation that puts integrity and people at the forefront of everything they do then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties As the HVAC Construction Lead you will:   
  • Constructability review of Client provided engineering to assure spatial conformity for installation, and collaborative engagement with the Client to find agreed outcomes
  • Support the Client in their Safety Case Development, e.g. HAZID/HAZOP studies
  • Support the development of the construction estimate and delivery schedule in Stage 1 to set up the successful delivery of the work packages in Stage 2
  • Support selection and then partner with the project Supply Chain and 3rd Party Contractors to ensure the project’s deliverables and KPIs are achieved
  • Provide direction to engineers and sub-contractors to ensure that construction tasks are achieved in line with Business Operating Procedures (BOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs).
  • Co-ordinate and lead construction reviews with the various project stakeholders
  • Produce and ensure approval of produce work instructions, installation sequencing and method statement documentation
  • Ensure all relevant design standards/practices are complied with
  • Manage the relevant and key construction delivery documentation (e.g. work instructions, RAMS., installation sequencing)
  • Maintain the construction and delivery schedule to ensure the successful delivery of the work packages.
    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Graduate level Engineering Qualification
  • Construction and Installation experience of industrial plant and processes
  • New build EPC experienced using staged gate/RIBA approach on a Brownfield site
  • Nuclear experience is required
    Personal skills The HVAC Construction Manager role would suit someone who has:  
  • Experience working in the Nuclear/Defence sector
  • Ability to obtain SC clearance
  • The right to work in the UK and has lived here for over five years
  • UK driving licence
  • Ability to travel between Warrington and Reading when needed
    Salary and benefits of the HVAC Construction Manager role    
  • Salary of up to £85,000
  • Pension scheme
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Opportunity to see a project from design to execution
INDNUC

Senior Integrated Planner
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with the leading provider of nuclear support services in the UK to recruit a Senior Integrated Planner for its Glasgow location. The strategically important Senior Integrated Planner role comes with a salary of up to £70,000 and flexible working. If you’re a Planner 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 As the Senior Integrated Planner you will:  
  • Gather and combine data from various sources to create P6 Resource-loaded schedules.
  • Collaborate extensively with key stake holders across different organisational boundaries.
  • Create and maintain individual Site Directors' Primavera P6 plans as needed.
  • Identify, analyse, and report on discrepancies, risks, issues, and opportunities in the integrated plans to ensure timely solutions and value for money for the MOD.
  • Develop and oversee a monthly DHI-level CSI integrated infrastructure plan to provide a strategic overview.
  • Demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships and run mitigation scenarios when necessary.
  • Work with NC, Project Managers, and MOD to ensure a consistent, reliable version of the truth.
  • Engage with Engineering and Compliance groups to understand their tasks and interactions.
  • Communicate effectively with the entire Clyde Community.
  • Prepare monthly reports on progress, changes, cause and effect, and mitigation measures for the CSI Steering Board, NC, and MOD.
  • Submit the integrated infrastructure plan to the HMNBC strategic plan monthly, ensuring it is accurate and reliable.
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Experience in producing P6 Schedules is essential
  • SC Clearence prior or current (DV would be highly desirable)
  • Primavera P6 practitioner
  • Project Management qualifications would be desirable
  • Experience with NEC 3 or 4 contracts would be desirable
Personal skills The Senior Integrated Planner role would suit someone who is:  
  • Experienced in stakeholder management
  • Capable of managing multiple workstreams
  • Knowledgeable in change and risk management
Salary and benefits of the Senior Integrated Planner role  
  • Up to £70,000
  • Hybrid working
  • Opportunities for growth and progression
  • Benefits package  
   

Geo-Environmental / Geotechnical Consultant
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Astute People are working with a respected environmental consultancy delivering high-quality geo-environmental and geotechnical services across the UK to recruit a Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical, based in London.

This Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role offers a salary of £30,000–£35,000, along with hybrid working, structured progression, and the chance to work on complex and meaningful land and infrastructure projects.

If you're looking to take the next step in your geo-environmental or geotechnical career and want to be part of a growing, friendly, and experienced team, submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role

Reporting to a senior member of the environmental team, you will:

  • Deliver and coordinate intrusive site investigations, sampling, and environmental monitoring

  • Undertake and write Phase 1 and Phase 2 reports with clear recommendations for clients

  • Oversee ground investigation works, supervising contractors and managing logistics

  • Interpret chemical and geotechnical testing data to inform assessments and mitigation

  • Prepare high-quality technical reports in line with industry best practices

  • Work with clients, suppliers, and project teams to ensure effective communication and delivery

  • Maintain awareness of relevant environmental legislation, guidance, and technical standards

  • Promote a strong culture of Health & Safety in all aspects of field and office work

  • Support and mentor junior team members where needed

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • A degree in Geo-Environmental Engineering, Geology, Earth Science, Civil Engineering, or similar

  • Around 2–4 years’ experience in a geo-environmental or geotechnical role (preferably consultancy-based)

  • Strong analytical and interpretive skills with geotechnical and contamination data

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Experience managing or supporting site works, sampling, and lab liaison

  • A full UK manual driving licence (essential for site access and travel)

Personal skills

The Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role would suit someone who is:

  • Technically curious, proactive, and client-focused

  • Willing to travel locally for site work and investigations

  • Physically able to handle equipment and work outdoors when required

  • Collaborative and confident working in multidisciplinary teams

  • Interested in career progression, training, and chartership support

Salary and benefits of the Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role
  • £30,000–£35,000 depending on experience

  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with the option to buy more)

  • Company-matched pension scheme

  • Hybrid and flexible working options

  • Chartership support and internal mentoring

  • Involvement in nationally significant environmental and infrastructure projects

  • Access to volunteering and community engagement initiatives

  • Employee wellbeing programme

  • Discounts across fitness, retail, travel, and entertainment


Associate Director Ecology
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Astute’s Environmental team is working with a purpose-driven consultancy recognised for its collaborative culture and technical excellence, to recruit an Associate / Associate Director – Ecology, based in either London or Redhill (Gatwick), with flexible hybrid working.

This Associate / Associate Director – Ecology role offers a salary of £65,000 to £72,000, alongside flexible working, structured progression, and a collaborative team environment committed to sustainability and innovation.

If you're an experienced ecological consultant looking to take a lead role in shaping the future of ecology consultancy in the South East — while working across varied, high-impact projects submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Associate / Associate Director – Ecology role

Reporting to the Business Unit Director, you will:

  • Lead the planning and delivery of a broad portfolio of ecological projects

  • Prepare and review PEAs, EcIAs, ES chapters, BNG assessments, and HRA reports

  • Provide high-quality technical and commercial advice to clients

  • Oversee project delivery, ensuring financial performance and client satisfaction

  • Write and contribute to tenders, bids, and proposals

  • Mentor junior team members and support professional development

  • Act as technical reviewer for reports and deliverables

  • Identify opportunities for new services and client growth

  • Champion best practice in health, safety, and quality assurance

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • A relevant degree (Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline)

  • Extensive consultancy experience, ideally at Senior, Principal or Associate level

  • Full membership of CIEEM (or working toward it)

  • Chartered status (CEcol or CEnv) desirable

  • Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and protected species

  • Proven track record in project management and client engagement

  • Experience in team leadership and technical mentoring

  • A full UK manual driving licence

Personal skills

The Associate / Associate Director – Ecology role would suit someone who is:

  • Commercially aware, technically excellent, and collaborative in approach

  • Passionate about delivering pragmatic, high-quality solutions

  • Skilled in both independent and team-based working

  • Looking to make a long-term impact within a growing team

  • Excited by a leadership role that combines hands-on delivery with strategic growth

Salary and benefits of the Associate / Associate Director – Ecology role
  • £65,000 – £72,000 depending on experience

  • Car allowance (up to £5,000)

  • Flexible hybrid working (1–2 days per week in-office preferred)

  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy more)

  • Private medical insurance

  • Career development and chartership support

  • Annual salary review aligned to market standards

  • Collaborative and inclusive team culture


Radiation Metrologist
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is exclusively partnering with HTSL, a radioactive isotope provider with a commitment to quality and optimal performance, who are looking to recruit a Radiation Metrologist for their Deeside site.  The essential Radiation Metrologist role comes with a salary up to £32,000, pension and excellent opportunities for progression. If you’re a Radiation Professional and have experience in instrumentation and are looking to work for an organisation that puts quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction at the forefront of everything they do, then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the Operations Manager you will:  
  • Serve as a Qualified Person according to ACOP and national Good Practice Guides (NGPGs).
  • Apply and interpret international standards and NGPGs in the laboratory setting.
  • Develop, document, and implement procedures for calibrating and testing instruments, including writing technical reports.
  • Act as the authorised signatory for all calibration and test certificates.
  • Represent the company at the Ionising Radiation Metrology Forum (IRMF) and stay updated on relevant technical and regulatory issues for the RCS Laboratory.
  • Present technical developments to the HPIWP and Defence Group when required.
  • Conduct Type Testing for customers and other stakeholders.
  • Make minor updates to the laboratory database and related software.
  • Implement quality improvements that are cost-effective and support continuous improvement efforts.
  • Support regulatory inspections as needed.
  • Assist in maintaining and enhancing the quality management system.
  • Conduct internal and external audits as per the annual audit schedule.
  • Serve as Radiation Protection Supervisor.
  • Train staff in areas under your responsibility.
  • Any other duties as required.
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Educated to a minimum of Level 5 (Foundation Degree or HND) and preferably Level 6 (University Degree) in a science based subject
  • Nuclear Instrumentation Calibration Course (NICC HMS Sultan) qualified or equivalent would be advantageous
  • At least 2 years relevant previous experience of working in Radiation Metrology
  • Programming experience, ideally linked to database applications would be advantageous
  • UK driving licence
Personal skills The Radiation Metrologist role would suit someone who is:  
  • A proven track record of being accurate and organised in approach to work
  • A high level of attention to detail in relation to successfully completing analytical tasks
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Good Knowledge of statistics to allow the generation and review of uncertainty budgets.
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Experience of working within the framework of a rigorous quality and safety management system
  • Proactive in expanding own understanding and knowledge
Salary and benefits of the Radiation Metrologist role  
  • Salary up to £32,000
  • 5% pension contribution
  • 25 days holiday PLUS Bank holidays
  • Opportunities for progression
 

Estimator
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
About FLI Structures

FLI Structures is a leader in the design, fabrication, and installation of steel towers, platforms, screw?pile foundations and infrastructure for the telecoms, rail, highways, energy, radar, pipe?bridge and flood?mitigation sectors. We pair cutting?edge engineering with strong QHSE credentials (ISO 45001, RoSPA Gold). Our in?house teams enable fast, high?quality bespoke solutions alongside repeatable standard products

api.occupop.com+2fli.co.uk+2uk.indeed.com+2. Role Overview

We’re looking for a diligent and technically adept Estimator to join our Commercial team. You’ll prepare cost estimates for steel structures, foundations, and associated infrastructure components—from materials and labour to transport, plant, and installation. You’ll work with engineers, project managers, suppliers, and clients to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and commercially sound.

Key Responsibilities
  • **Preparation of Estimates**

    • Perform detailed material take?offs from structural drawings and specifications. • Develop comprehensive cost estimates—covering materials, labour, equipment, logistics, subcontractors, and OPE.
  • Commercial Analysis & Value Engineering

    • Analyse project scopes to identify opportunities to improve design efficiency and reduce costs without compromising quality.
  • Supplier/Subcontractor Management

    • Source, evaluate and build relationships with suppliers/sub?contractors (e.g. steel fabricators, transporters, piling teams) to secure competitive pricing and lead?times.
  • Cross?Functional Coordination

    • Collaborate with design, engineering, fabrication, HSEQ and installation teams to ensure alignment on scope, risks, scheduling, and buildability.
  • Bid & Tender Support

    • Assist in bid preparation, including commercial documentation, risk registers, and presentation materials. • Participate in pre?bid and post?bid reviews and client pricing negotiations.
  • Project Monitoring & Reporting

    • Track and report on cost changes and variations against estimates. • Support continuous improvement of estimating methods and systems.
What You’ll Bring
  • Professional Qualification

    • HND (min) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or similar.
  • Relevant Experience

    • Ideally 3–5 years in estimating steel structures, heavy civil or infrastructure projects (e.g. towers, foundations, pipe bridges). • Proven ability to understand structural drawings and produce cost?based take?offs.
  • Technical Skills

    • Confident with Microsoft Excel, Word, and ideally estimating software. • Familiarity with structural fabrication and piling processes is a strong plus.
  • Core Competencies

    • Excellent communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external subcontractors. • Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and risk awareness. • Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
What’s in It for You?
  • Competitive Salary & Benefits: Commensurate with experience, including pension, holiday allowance, death?in?service cover, and employee assistance schemes (education/health perks).

  • Career Growth: Opportunities to advance within the Commercial and Project Management streams.

  • Supportive Culture: Health & safety oriented, quality-focused, and committed to your growth.

  • Hybrid Working: Combination of site/office presence and remote flexibility.

  • Purpose-Driven Impact: Contribute to significant UK infrastructure, renewable energy, and telecom projects that underpin national connectivity and sustainability.

To Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to [[email protected]] (or use the contact form on FLI’s careers page). Explain why you’re a great fit for FLI Structures, including any estimating software you’ve used and notable project examples.

Why You’ll Love This Role
  • Be instrumental in shaping bids for high-impact infrastructure that supports telecoms, rail, highways, flood defences, and renewable sectors.

  • Join a 70-year?old company known for quality, innovation, and robust in?house engineering and fabrication.

  • Work with a diverse and expert team across multi-disciplinary fields, including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation