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Gemma Harfield

Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People Ltd
4.72
from 119 reviews
Jobs
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

Senior EC&I Engineer
CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 2/3/25
  • END DATE: 2/16/26
  • PAY RATE: $55.0 /HR
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a leading company working within the Nuclear Engineer sector, currently require a Senior EC&I Engineer to join their design team in Oxford. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working in the EC&I discipline at a senior level and the ability to hold security clearance.    The position sits outside IR35, paying around £50-£55 per hour and will start with a 12 month contract. Suitable candidates will ideally work in their Oxfordshire sites on a hybrid basis. If you’re a Senior EC&I Engineer and are looking to work for an organisation that believes their people are the key to success, then upload your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties As a Senior EC&I Engineer you will work in a hands-on design-based position to deliver and design engineering solutions. This will involve:
  • Checking and approval of engineering documents and drawings.
  • Liaising with clients and managers of other engineering disciplines to develop cost effective technical solutions.
  • Communicate best practice across the UK EC&I design delivery team.
  • Responsible for managing the quality and progress of EC&I engineering work carried out within a project.
  • Development of designed to technical and client specification / satisfaction.
  • Actively contribute to design and safety reviews (HAZOP and risk assessment.)
  • Ensure quality of work throughout the design phase.
  • Comply with safety and stator regulations (CDM and CE, etc.)
    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Degree in an engineering discipline.
  • Full Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. IMC).
  • Experience in a senior role in the management and delivery of nuclear environment projects, or other equivalent highly regulated industry.
  • Experience of leading teams within a project environment and the management of medium sized design teams in the delivery of scheme and detail design packages.
  • Expert understanding of EC&I principles such as safety systems, circuit protection, communication technologies or instrumentation.
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering design solutions. Concept through to commissioning experience (full lifecycle).
    Personal skills The Senior EC&I Engineer role would suit someone who has:  
  • DV security clearance or the ability to go through the vetting process.
    Salary and benefits of the Senior EC&I Engineer role  
  • £50 - £55 an hour
  • 12-month contract
INDNUC

Demolition Commercial Manager
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Demolition Commercial Manager

Berkshire

Salary up to £65,000 + £4,800 car allowance

 

Introduction

Astute are partnered with a long established, independent, family-owned business who offer services from Demolition to Plant Hire and Agricultural Contracting. Our client is looking for a Commercial Manager with experience in Demolition projects, or interest in progressing their career into Demolition.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive business with some exciting projects in the pipeline and continuous investments made.

 

Roles & Responsibilities

As the Demolition Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for:
  • Manage and complete PQQ‘s for tenders. Visit site to establish site constraints etc, that may affect pricing strategy.
  • Responsible for procuring competitive quotations, analysing results, and producing finalisation documents. Explore and present innovative techniques to reduce cost.
  • Consolidate individual contract reports into monthly management accounts, working with finance department
  • Forecast and manage cash flow through submission and agreement of applications and final accounts. Consider/negotiate material/subcontractor costs, and cost allowances.

 

Skills & Qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:
  • Degree in Quantity Surveying or the equivalent is preferable
  • Knowledge of relevant demolition (or construction, with a view to developing demolition) health and safety policies and procedures
  • Estimator/QS experience
  • Must possess excellent organisational skills, meeting deadlines, plan and prioritise workloads
  • Prepare commercial reports including Cost Value Reconciliations and cash flows
  • Experience with pricing and winning work as an Estimator/Bid Manager is desirable

Salary & Package

What’s on offer for this exciting role:

  • Very competitive salary & package on offer
  • Car allowance
  • 20 days holiday plus BH, increasing over two years of service
  • Opportunity to work within a family-owned environment

 

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and Cover Letter to [email protected] or ring 02392 288 209 and ask to speak to Gemma Harfield who can tell you more.

Electrical Technician (Nuclear)
CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 4/24/23
  • END DATE: 3/1/24
  • PAY RATE: $37.0 /HR

Electrical Technician (Nuclear)

12 Months +

Berkshire

£37.00 per hour

Start ASAP

 

We are recruiting for an Electrical Technician with experience within the Nuclear sector for a role on a busy site in Berkshire.

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Installation and commissioning of instrumentation
  • Electrical inspection and testing
  • Completion of electrical test certificates
  • Carry out diagnostics and problem solving for electrical and instrument systems
  • Calibration of instrumented systems
  • Acceptance and hand-back of PTWs
  • Performing all assigned tasks to agreed Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality standards and demonstrate a commitment to attaining high levels of HSE performance

 

You will need to possess experience of electrical installations and a sound knowledge control systems and process instrumentation.

 

Essential Requirements:

  • Degree Qualified or relevant experience to an equivalent level
  • Previous EC&I commissioning experience gained within Nuclear projects
  • A proven track record of delivering to set deadlines within an electrical, control and instrumentation team  
  • 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
  • City & Guilds 2394 & 2935 is desirable for this role
  • Ability to communicate effectively with onsite team
  • IT literate with experience of MS Office

 

To be considered this role you must have current SC clearance or higher. If you are interested in finding out more, you can call Gemma Harfield on 02392 288 209 or email [email protected]


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


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


Senior Mechanical Engineer
CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 2/3/25
  • END DATE: 2/16/26
  • PAY RATE: $55.0 /HR
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a leading company working within the Nuclear Engineer sector, currently require a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their team in Oxford. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and practical application of mechanical engineering within highly regulated sectors and possess security clearance.    The position sits outside IR35, paying around £50-£55 per hour and will start with a 12 month contract. Suitable candidates will ideally work in their Oxfordshire sites on a hybrid basis, however if further away, applications will still be considered. If you’re a Senior Mechanical Engineer and are looking to work for an organisation that believes their people are the key to success, then upload your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties As a Senior Mechanical Engineer you will work in a hands-on design-based position to deliver and design engineering solutions. This will involve:
  • Delivery of mechanical engineering scope to satisfy the technical specification
  • Potential to lead teams for the full project lifecycle, including Specification, Design, Procurement, Supply/Manufacture Liaison, Installation, Acceptance Testing, Commissioning and Operator Training in Nuclear Engineering Projects
  • Production of and approval of deliverables throughout the delivery process
  • Checking/approval of discipline specific engineering deliverables
  • Contribution to engineering and safety reviews
  • Ensuring quality and prompt delivery of documentation throughout all phases of the project lifecycle
  • Compliance with safety legislation and statutory regulations
  • Develop cost effective technical solutions
  • Provide technical consultancy
    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Strong understanding of the fundamentals within your engineering discipline
  • Previous experience of working within the nuclear industry (this is desirable but not essential if transferrable skills are demonstrated)
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering mechanical engineering solutions within a highly regulated industry
  • Working knowledge of plant layout, set up, installation and alignment of plant, equipment and machinery for works test, integrated test, site installation and commissioning
  • Understanding of the requirements to support safety led designs and associated regulatory compliance
  • Good understanding of wider industry safety legislation and statutory regulations
  • Understanding of modern delivery practices, for example BIM compliance, RIBA/BSRIA design delivery stage gates, etc
  • Strong organisational and interpersonal skills
  • Good level of commercial awareness
  • Experience of leading design teams
    Personal skills The Senior EC&I Engineer role would suit someone who has:  
  • DV security clearance or the ability to go through the vetting process.
    Salary and benefits of the Senior Mechanical Engineer role  
  • £50 - £55 an hour
  • 12-month contract
INDNUC

Scaffold Designer - HPC
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with the leading provider of nuclear support services in the UK to recruit a Scaffold Designer for its Bridgwater location. The Scaffold Designer role is essential to the planning stages of the project and comes with a potential package over £80,000 which includes a base salary of £58,000, 10% uplift and accommodation allowance. If you’re a Temporary Works or Scaffold Designer 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 Reporting to the Senior Design Engineer you will:  
  • Be responsible for the design and adherence of design during the erection of temporary works for the specified scope of works on site.
  • Use AutoCAD and other software to produce drawings and models
  • Carry out calculations in line with current standards, utilising structural analysis software where required.
  • Follow site processes and procedures, producing documentation which meets the CDM regulations.
  • Work with the wider team to ensure the best possible solution is utilised.
  • Support the wider team with advise and guidance on technical matters when needed
  • Always adhere to site H&S and best practice recommendations
  • Any other duties as required
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • HNC or higher in civil, mechanical or structural engineering
  • At least 3 years of experience in a similar role
  • Experience in major projects or nuclear sector is highly desirable
Personal skills The Scaffold Designer role would suit someone who is:  
  • Capable of prioritising workload in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to problem solve and have a solution focused mindset
  • Capable of working to own initiative and self-motivated  
Salary and benefits of the Scaffold Designer role  
  • Salary of £58,000
  • Potential accommodation allowance of £1,400 per month
  • 10% Salary uplift
  • Paid travel
  • Plus, many more benefits
   

Maintenance Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Maintenance Engineer- Waste/Aggregates Avonmouth £43,680 - Day & Night Shifts      Introduction Astute are currently recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer to join a specialist company in carbon capture, sustainable construction products, and waste treatment. The ideal candidate will have a mechanical bias and come from a heavy engineering background, manufacturing, or waste industry.                   Roles & Responsibilities Reporting to the Assistant Site Manager you will be responsible for:
  • Planned and reactive maintenance of the whole site including the process plant and equipment and general infrastructure.
  • Carrying out and recording all daily, weekly and Monthly PPM tasks in line with the schedules.
  • The review and continuous development of maintenance plans by determining the most effective strategies for each piece of equipment.
  • The reliability of the plant, finding faults and repairing breakdowns to minimise downtime.
  • Creating and maintaining good relationships with suppliers to ensure essential spares are readily obtainable.
  • Providing guidance and training to assist operators with self-sufficiency in routine reactive maintenance tasks.
  • Flexibility to cover staff shortages and call outs to deal with breakdowns.
This role includes both day and night shifts on a 3 shift rotation. Please only apply if this is suitable.      Skills & Qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:
  • Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Fault finding and repairs of low voltage electrical equipment.
  • At least 5 years’ experience within a maintenance environment with the ability to fault find and repair mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
  • Experience with bulk material conveying systems and process mixers.
    Salary & Package What’s on offer for this exciting role:
  • Basic salary of £43,680
  • 20 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Overtime available
  • Monday-Friday ( 06:00:14:30, 14:00:22:30 and 22.00 to 06.30)
    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 02392 222 964 to speak to Gemma Nixon who can tell you more.     INDREC

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