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Gemma Harfield

Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People Ltd
4.72
from 127 reviews
Jobs
Lifting Supervisor
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is exclusively partnered with a specialist lifting and handling equipment business, acting as the lifting principal contractor on Hinkley Point C. We are currently recruiting a Slinger/Signaller to support safe lifting operations for gantry crane installation and maintenance. You will work in a highly regulated and safety-critical environment, ensuring that all lifting activities comply with the lift plan, BS 7121 standards, and site safety rules. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in slinging, signalling, and controlling heavy lifts, preferably within nuclear or major infrastructure projects. The role offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and the chance to play a key role in one of the UK’s flagship infrastructure developments.                     Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the Black Hat Supervisor, you will:
  • Select, inspect, and prepare lifting accessories in accordance with certification and the lift plan.
  • Safely sling and signal loads, including large crane components and structural assemblies.
  • Communicate clearly with crane operators via radio and hand signals.
  • Maintain exclusion zones and ensure lifting operations are carried out safely.
  • Follow RAMS, lifting plans, and site permit systems.
  • Record lifting activities and maintain accurate documentation.
    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:
  • CPCS (A40)
  • Experience slinging/signalling for the construction/assembly of gantry cranes, overhead cranes or large mechanical assemblies.
  • CCNSG Safety Passport is ideal
  • Competence in interpreting lifting plans, load charts and technical drawings
    Personal skills The Slinger role would suit someone who has:
  • Strong situational awareness and communication skills.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure in busy work environments.
  • A safety-first mindset and willingness to challenge unsafe practices.
  • Ability to obtain BPSS security clearance.
    Salary and benefits of the Slinger role  
  • Competitive salary based on ECSA rates, dependent on experience.
  • Generous accommodation and travel allowances.
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Opportunity to work on prestigious nuclear projects with a leading contractor.
INDNUC

Mechanical Design Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Astute’s Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading UK specialist engineering and manufacturing business to recruit a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their expanding design function in Barnsley.

 

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality mechanical design solutions for complex mechanical handling systems, working across the full project lifecycle from tender stage through to manufacture, installation, and commissioning

 

If you are an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a background in manufacturing or heavy mechanical engineering and are looking to join a technically strong environment where you can see projects through from concept to completion, then submit your CV to apply today.

 

Responsibilities and duties

  • Produce conceptual mechanical designs supported by calculations, engineering analysis, and technical justification • Develop detailed manufacturing drawings and design documentation throughout the project lifecycle • Work on mechanical handling and specialist engineering projects from tender stage through to commissioning • Liaise with engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers throughout project delivery • Support the development of technical solutions in response to client requirements and project specifications • Ensure designs are delivered in line with cost, quality, and programme requirements • Participate in design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering solutions

 

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

 

  • Experience in a mechanical design role within a manufacturing or heavy engineering environment • Proven ability to deliver design work across a broad client base and multiple project types • Experience working on mechanical handling systems or similar engineered equipment from concept to commissioning • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or HNC as a minimum • Strong experience using SolidWorks or Inventor • Working knowledge of Mathcad • Understanding of Finite Element Analysis (desirable)

 

Salary and benefits of the Mechanical Design Engineer role

  • Salary up to £45,000, dependent on experience • Opportunity to work on varied mechanical handling and specialist engineering projects • Training and development opportunities • Collaborative and technically experienced engineering team environment

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Astute’s Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading UK heavy engineering contractor to recruit a Senior Design Engineer to join their growing design function in Barnsley.

 

As a Senior Design Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of complex mechanical handling and rotary machinery projects, taking ownership from concept through to commissioning across a range of heavy industrial sectors.

 

If you are an experienced Senior Design Engineer with a background in heavy engineering and are looking to join a technically strong and collaborative environment where you can see your designs delivered into real-world applications, then submit your CV to apply today.

 

Responsibilities and duties

  • Lead the design and development of heavy mechanical engineering projects from concept through to manufacture, installation, and commissioning • Produce conceptual designs supported by calculations, engineering analysis, and technical justification • Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, design documentation, and project deliverables including O&M manuals and FAT/SAT procedures • Liaise closely with internal engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers throughout the project lifecycle • Manage multiple concurrent design projects, ensuring delivery to cost, quality, and programme requirements • Support technical input into project specifications and tender-stage engineering solutions • Maintain focus on critical path activities to ensure successful project delivery

 

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

 

  • Experience in heavy engineering design, ideally within mechanical handling, machinery build, or rotary equipment environments • Proven ability to take projects from initial design through to final commissioning • Experience across sectors such as cranes, bridges, steelworks, oil & gas handling systems, quarrying, heavy plant, nuclear waste handling, conveyors, or crushing equipment • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or HNC as a minimum • Proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor • Working knowledge of Mathcad • Understanding of Finite Element Analysis (desirable)

 

Salary and benefits of the Senior Design Engineer role

  • Salary up to £55,000, dependent on experience • Opportunity to work on landmark heavy engineering and infrastructure projects • Ongoing training and development opportunities

Senior Structural Engineer - Shrewsbury
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

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

Technical Sales Manager - Power and Process
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is working with a global leader in modular-based sealing solutions for cables and pipes, renowned for innovation, customer focus, and sustainable growth. We’re recruiting for a Technical Sales Manager – Power & Process Industry, to cover the UK market. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, with the opportunity to drive business development, influence specifications with leading engineering firms, and build strong relationships across the process industry, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. If you’re a technically minded sales professional with proven experience presenting complex solutions and building long-term client partnerships, this is your chance to shape growth in a key sector for a world-class engineering business.                     Responsibilities and duties: As the Technical Sales Manager, you will:
  • Identify and target UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and process industry clients to expand market presence
  • Develop business opportunities with owners, operators, engineering consultancies, contractors, and resellers
  • Secure engineering specifications and approved supplier status with key organisations
  • Proactively seek new clients through structured business development and networking at industry events
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing customers, ensuring excellent technical and commercial support
  • Present technical solutions to design engineers (electrical, mechanical, control, instrumentation, structural) via meetings, site visits, training, and presentations
  • Deliver targeted sales growth by executing a structured sales plan aligned with business objectives
  • Provide pre-sales technical advice and input on bespoke product solutions where required
  • Manage sales pipeline, forecasting, and reporting using CRM tools
  • Contribute market intelligence to support product planning and strategic growth initiatives
  • Represent the company and its values at industry forums and events
    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:
  • A relevant degree (Engineering, Technical, or Business) — or equivalent experience in technical sales
  • Proven sales experience, ideally selling complex technical or engineered solutions
  • Existing relationships with UK owner/operators, contractors, and design firms desirable
  • Knowledge of civil construction, electrical, mechanical, controls, or automation systems within the process or power sectors
  • Strong business development skills with a consultancy-style approach
  • Excellent networking and interpersonal skills, with confidence presenting to technical decision-makers
  • Ability to manage long-term, complex sales cycles through to successful completion
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to develop and deliver a sales/business plan
    Personal skills The Technical Sales Manager role would suit someone who is:
  • Self-motivated, ambitious, and results-driven
  • Technically credible with a commercial mindset
  • Confident and proactive in networking and building client relationships
  • Skilled at simplifying complex technical solutions for non-technical audiences
  • Comfortable working independently while contributing to team success
  • Flexible and willing to travel within the UK (with occasional international trips)
    Salary and benefits of the Technical Sales Manager role  
  • £45,000 – £55,000 depending on experience
  • Performance-related bonus
  • Company car / car allowance
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Pension contribution scheme
  • Private healthcare
  • Life assurance
  • Career development and international opportunities
  • Supportive, innovative, and customer-focused team culture
INDNUC

Electrical Controls Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Electronic Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a specialist provider of electronic engineering solutions for the nuclear industry, to recruit an Electronic Engineer based near Lancaster. The Electronic Engineer role comes with a competitive salary, in-house training, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging projects both in the workshop and on-site with major nuclear organisations. If you’re an Electronic Engineer looking to develop your skills in a friendly, growing company that values people, partnerships, and long-term career growth, submit your CV to apply today.                 Responsibilities and duties of the Electronic Engineer role Reporting to the Group Operations Manager you will:  
  • Repairing and refurbishing the ageing equipment found in power stations
  • Fault finding down to component level
  • To build and repair electronic circuit boards
  • Some opportunities to design and build test equipment and systems
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Good practical experience and knowledge of electronics repair and design processes
  • Ability to aid in cost estimation from a technical level
  • Practical ability to repair down to discrete component level
  • Working towards or having an electronics qualification, or previous experience of working within the electronics industry
  • Ability to read technical documentation with a keen eye for detail
  • Knowledge and experience of reverse engineering electronic circuits
  • Innovative and creative but with the ability to follow defined processes
  • Good analytical, strategic thinking, numeracy, and problem-solving skills
  • Good understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and basic office equipment
  • Strong written, oral, listening, and diagrammatic communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear concepts
Personal skills   The Electronic Engineer role would suit someone who has:  
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
  • Excellent numeracy and literacy skills
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and use own initiative
  • Ability to mentor other less experienced staff members
  Salary and benefits of the Electronic Engineer role  
  • £35,000 - £45,000 DOE
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • 3pm finish on Friday
  • Parking on-site
  • Flexibility – please ask about alternative patterns during interview

Technical Sales Manager - I&I
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Job Posting Technical Sales Manager – Industry & Infrastructure Effective: date ASAP About Us: Roxtec was founded in Sweden in 1990 and is the world leader in the field of cable and pipe seals.  This market position has been achieved by pursuing a consistent, customer-oriented strategy.  Our pioneering modular-based seals with Multidiameter™ are the base for our rapid and sustainable growth, but the positive trend is first of all built on committed people, strong values, and a clear customer focus.    Technical Sales Manager Industry & Infrastructure We are currently seeking a technical sales professional to further develop the industry & infrastructure market for Roxtec in the south of England. The role will be varied in focus, covering both engineering specifications with leading industry design companies, but also extending to both owners and contractors involved in operating and constructing projects in our chosen markets and applications. Job Description
  • Identify and target industry & Infrastructure companies (rail, advance facilities, pharma, telecoms and construction) and work closely with them to develop our brand further and generate specifications that will help further our sales in our chosen applications.
  • Identify, quantify and target Industry & Infrastructure projects. With a clear focus on key decision makers (owners /operators, engineers, contractors or resellers) Typically this work will be varied in both focus and value. The main aim is to develop our brand further and generate specifications that will help further our sales in our chosen applications.
  • Develop business, often from a cold start point through to standard specification / client approved lists
  • Search for new clients who would benefit from the use our solutions and support in order to maximise market potential
  • Maintain our existing client base of owners, operators, designers and installers.
  • Attend industry events and forums in order to network for new opportunities
  • Focus is not limited to traditional structures and plant, we also target equipment and modular based construction
  • Present Roxtec solutions to specifying engineers (electrical, control, instrumentation, mechanical, structural) via technical presentations, site visits, installation training, promotion with resellers and other means as appropriate
  • Drive sustainable sales growth through gaining engineering specifications for Roxtec solutions and delivering world-class support throughout the project lifecycle
  • Create and execute targeted sales plan
  • Identify and communicate resources needed to meet sales objectives
  • Effectively promote and apply Roxtec Core Values, within Roxtec and within industry
  • Plan and manage all customer contacts and meetings within Roxtec CRM system
  • Provide routine, accurate and meaningful market information, forecasting and product planning to management
  • Provide pre-sales technical advice and solution guidance. This will extend to providing design input for our range of bespoke products where required.
Preferred Job Requirements:
  • University degree and/or equivalent. Consideration would be given to those without relevant degree and/or equivalent if sufficient industry specific experience working in a similar role could be demonstrated.
  • Professional sales experience with preference to those that have a successful record presenting complex and/or technical solutions to decision makers, specifying engineers.
  • Existing working relationships within owner / operators, engineering, contracting and design firms
  • Knowledge in our target sector, with experience of civil construction, electrical, controls, automation and/or mechanical systems for our chosen markets.
  • Strong understanding of industrial business practices and effective sales techniques – must be able to develop, manage and perform to a sales and business plan with a consultancy approach.
  • Experience of business development with the ability to demonstrate structured planning and new prospect engagement
  • Ability to use industry news / project databases / relationships to develop technical sales opportunities
  • 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.
  • Proven ability to manage long-term and complex sales projects to success
  • Role involves working away from home for periods during the working week to serve the UK market
  • Ability to travel internationally on occasion
Beneficial Skills / Knowledge
  • Experience of providing technical support / surveying of applications
  • Successful track record of selling premium solutions against low cost competitor
  • Knowledge and experience within the Rail, Advance Facilities. Telecoms or Infrastructure construction projects.

EC&I Design Engineer
PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Astute are partnered with a highly respected engineering consultancy delivering complex EC&I design solutions across the UK nuclear sector, including new build, existing generation, decommissioning and defence projects.

Our client is looking for a Mid-Level EC&I Design Engineer to join their established engineering team based in Bridgwater. This role is ideal for an EC&I Engineer looking to take the next step in their career, gain exposure to high-integrity nuclear projects, and develop technically within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The EC&I Design Engineer role comes with a competitive salary, flexible working options and an excellent benefits package.

If you’re an EC&I Engineer with design experience looking for a long-term, technically interesting role, submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties

As the EC&I Design Engineer, your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Producing EC&I design deliverables including:

    • Block Cable Diagrams

    • Single Line Diagrams

    • General Arrangement Drawings

    • Wiring Schematics using AutoCAD

  • Producing electrical and instrumentation equipment schedules

  • Supporting the specification and selection of EC&I equipment

  • Ensuring designs meet project, safety and regulatory requirements

  • Taking ownership of allocated work packages and supporting issue resolution

  • Working closely with internal engineering, project and management teams

  • Communicating with customers and supporting long-term working relationships

  • Occasional site visits, including overnight stays when necessary

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • 2+ years’ experience in an EC&I engineering or design role

  • HNC (minimum) in Electrical, Instrumentation or Control Engineering

  • Experience designing EC&I systems and producing technical drawings

  • Familiarity with EC&I equipment used in conventional and safety-related applications

  • Ability to interpret requirements and produce compliant designs

  • Good understanding of health and safety principles

  • Clear and concise technical documentation skills

  • Eligible for security clearance for government and regulated industries

Desirable (but not essential):

  • HND or higher qualification

  • Nuclear or other highly regulated industry experience

  • Functional safety awareness (IEC 61508 / IEC 61513)

  • PLC programming or system integration knowledge

  • Understanding of engineering standards and compliance

  • Knowledge of BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations

Personal skills

The EC&I Design Engineer role would suit someone who has:

  • Strong communication skills

  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

  • A proactive and professional approach to problem solving

  • Flexibility to attend site and client meetings when required

Salary and benefits of the EC&I Design Engineer role
  • Salary between £30-£45,000 DOE

  • 37.5 hours per week

  • Optional 4- or 5-day working week (compressed hours available)

  • 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

  • 8% company pension contribution

  • Healthcare Health Cash Plan

  • Profit-related bonus scheme

  • Staff wellbeing fund – employees decide how it’s spent

  • Office-based role in Bridgwater (TA6) with some flexibility for home working

    INDNUC