Astute People

Astute’s Power team is partnering with leading principal contractor in the Energy from Waste sector to recruit a Commissioning Lead Engineer (BOP) on a short-term contract basis for its site in Leeds with an immediate start. The Commissioning Lead Engineer (BOP – Balance of Plant) role comes with a day rate of between £600-£700 per day (Outside IR35).             Key skills  

• Lead and ensure HSEQ compliance during all commissioning activities, actively promoting safety and risk mitigation across teams.
• Review and implement HSEQ requirements, ensuring practices follow RAMS and site standards.
• Oversee commissioning execution in line with contracts, schedules, budgets, and approved standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and external authorities to achieve safe, timely, and high-quality outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation, deliver regular progress reports, and capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
• Specific commissioning responsibilities on Balance of Plant (BOP) equipment.
• Must have EFW (Energy from Waste/Waste to Energy) experience

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Commissioning Lead Engineer (BOP) role  

• Leeds
• Immediate Start
• 2 months minimum
• £600 - £700 per day (Outside IR35)

Sarah Test 1 

Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with one of the leading providers of multidiscipline services across key nuclear projects within the UK to recruit a Civil / Structural Engineer for one of their projects in the Bristol area. The strategically important Civil/ Structural Engineer position comes with a competitive salary of up to £45,000, a hybrid working model and other benefits. If you’re an experienced Civil/ Structural Engineer with design experience supporting within the UK nuclear sector, then upload your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties You will be involved in a wide range of activities undertaken by our site-based teams, which will include:  

• Modifying reinforced concrete or steel structure designs compliant with the ETC-C or other relevant project methodology.
• Checking and coordinating the detailing activities with CAD designers or other engineers in preparation of 3D BIM rebar model and/or 2D drawings of reinforced concrete or steel structures.
• Managing engineering changes in line with company/project procedures and QA process.
• Assessing the response to field changes requests, field information requests or site non-conformance coming from the civil works contractors.
• Liaising with other stakeholders of site engineering team or construction team for clarification on the site request
• Technical review and acceptance of contractor deliverables.
• Site walkdowns and inspection.
• Other duties as required.

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• 3-5 years experience working within a design role across civils/ structural engineering projects, ideally within the UK nuclear sector or construction industries.
• Civils, steels or concrete experience is essential.
• Able to gain clearance for work on-site.

    Salary and benefits of the Civil/ Structural Engineer role  

• Basic Salary of up to £45,000 DOE
• Hybrid working model
• 26 Days holiday + BH
• Comprehensive pension scheme – 8%

 

Astute’s Power team are looking to recruit multiple Sheet Metal Cladders on a short-term contract with an immediate start on an Energy from Waste project in Essex.        Key skills required for the Sheet Metal Cladders / Metal Sheet Cladders  

• Measure, cut, and install sheet metal cladding to specified dimensions and layouts on various boilers and pipes.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, cladding specifications, and site plans
• Operate hand and power tools, including grinders and cutting equipment
• Ensure all work meets safety standards and project requirements
• Work at height using access platforms, scaffolding, or MEWPs
• Collaborate with site supervisors and insulation teams to coordinate tasks
• Maintain clean and safe working areas in compliance with health & safety guidelines

  Location and timeframe of the Sheet Metal Cladders / Metal Sheet Cladders     

• Essex
• 1 month minimum
• Immediate Start
• Competitive rates

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a large-scale European Engineering and Construction company to recruit a Permit to Work Coordinator on 12 months for its Scotland site. The Permit to Work Coordinator role comes with a rate of £500 per day.                   As the Permit to Work Coordinator, you will need experience in the following;

• Act as the central point of contact for the Permit to Work system across the construction site.

• Review, approve, issue, suspend, and close PTWs in accordance with project-specific procedures.

• Coordinate with construction teams, subcontractors, and the HSE department to plan and manage conflicting work activities.

• Maintain a live permit board and daily permit register.

• Ensure all PTWs are fully documented, including risk assessments, method statements, isolations, and supporting documents.

• Conduct audits and regular inspections to ensure compliance with permit conditions.

• Facilitate daily PTW coordination meetings and ensure clear communication between work parties.

• Support and advise supervisors and operatives on permit-related issues and safety requirements.

• Escalate any non-compliance or unsafe practices to the HSE Manager immediately.

• Deliver toolbox talks and training sessions on the PTW process as required.

• Maintain accurate records for audit purposes and regulatory compliance.

    Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Permit to Work Coordinator role:

• Scotland
• Outside IR35
• £500 per day

Astute’s Renewables Team is partnering with an established and growing Anaerobic Digestion business, who are looking to recruit a Plant Operator for its Cambridgeshire site.   The Operator will play a vital role in ensuring the day to day running of the renewable energy plant, offering a salary up to £34,500 (doe), 4 on 4 off working pattern, company benefits and an opportunity to develop with a growing business.   If you’re a Plant Operator and are looking to work for an organisation that values their employees and would like to work within the renewable energy sector, then submit your CV to apply today.     Responsibilities and duties of the Plant Operator role   Reporting to the Plant Manager you will:    

• Work safely in line with site SOPs and RAMS at all times.
• Operate and monitor the Anaerobic Digestion plant via SCADA to ensure optimal performance.
• Carry out daily process monitoring and lab testing and record results accurately.
• Manage feedstock handling including straw line operation, hopper loading, and plant input.
• Operate site machinery including telehandler and 360 excavators.
• Conduct visual inspections and basic fault-finding on plant and equipment.
• Complete first-line maintenance tasks (e.g. pump changes, greasing, oil top-ups, macerator checks).
• Operate weighbridge and complete associated documentation.
• Support site compliance and environmental standards.
• Maintain high standards of site housekeeping and cleanliness.
• Provide out-of-hours alarm response and support on a rota basis.
• Produce daily logs, reports, and shift handovers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across site operations.

    Professional Qualifications   We are looking for someone with the following:    

• Experience working as an Operator within a process environment, ideally
• A relevant Engineer degree is desired but not essential.
• Telehandler licence is an advantage.

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

• Experience operating mobile plant such as a telehandler or loading shovel.
• Experience carrying out first line maintenance on processing plant such as pumps & conveyers would be an advantage.
• Hard working and happy to work in an environment that processes agricultural waste for renewable energy.

  Salary and benefits of the Plant Operator role    

• £30,000 -£34,500 per annum (depending on experience).
• 4 on 4 off working pattern.
• Private Healthcare + additional benefits.
• The opportunity to work on an established renewable energy business that is part of a growing portfolio.

    #LI-KM1 INDREN  

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a leading principal contractor in the Energy from Waste sector to recruit a Commissioning Lead Engineer (BOP) on a 12-month contract for its Essex site. The Commissioning Lead Engineer (BOP) role comes with a day rate of £550.             Key skills

• Lead and ensure HSEQ compliance during commissioning, actively promoting safety and risk mitigation across teams
• Review and implement HSEQ requirements in commissioning, ensuring safe practices are followed according to RAMS and site standards
• Oversee commissioning activities, ensuring they align with project contracts, timelines, budgets, and approved standards
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and external authorities to ensure timely, quality, and safe completion of tasks

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Commissioning Lead Engineer role  

• Essex
• 12 Months
• £550.00 Per Day
• Outside IR35

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 Power team is partnering with a leading principal contractor in the Energy from Waste sector who are looking to recruit a Commissioning BOP (Balance of Plant) Supervisor on a 12-month contract basis.        Key skills required for the Commissioning BOP Supervisor   

• Mechanical engineer with at least 5 years of experience in the commissioning of thermal power plants, EFW or similar. Having been responsible for the commissioning of the BOP in this type of plant.
• Leadership, teamwork skills and the ability to solve problems independently are characteristics that the candidate must possess.
• Must have Knowledge of logic diagrams and TFAs management skills will be valued
• Reporting to the Commissioning Manager, the candidate will be responsible for commissioning the BOP in collaboration with other disciplines, such as electrical, I&C, operations, etc and with the TFAs of the boiler supplier.
• Coordinating with the site LOTO responsible Senior Authorised Person for planning and implementation of all permits related activities  

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Commissioning BOP (Balance of Plant) Supervisor   

• West Midlands
• Outside IR35
• Sept/October 2025
• 12 Months minimum