Gemma Harfield

Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a company who are leaders in lifecycle construction and operations for the Utilities and Infrastructure sectors and are looking for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveying (SQS) to act as the key commercial link between project delivery teams and senior project management. As the Senior Quantity Surveyor, you’ll manage commercial risk and opportunities, support commercial strategy development, and provide oversight across both operational and project functions. This role involves close collaboration with pre-construction teams, dispute resolution, cost estimation, and maintaining commercial standards. You’ll lead a commercial team, ensure compliance with corporate governance, and manage key stakeholder relationships across internal teams, clients, and suppliers. If you’re a SQS with experience in drafting and issuing NEC contracts, working with multi-disciplined teams and have excellent commercial awareness, then upload your CV to apply today.                 Responsibilities and duties As the Senior Quantity Surveyor you will:

• Support the creation and delivery of a robust commercial vision and strategy, providing inspirational leadership and coaching to commercial teams to promote commercial awareness and high performance.
• Deliver accurate and insightful financial reporting and governance, ensuring alignment with project budgets and targets, and driving a culture of commercialism, efficiency, and innovation.
• Resolve commercial disputes effectively while maintaining relationships and protecting the company’s reputation, ensuring appropriate risk exposure in all activities.
• Ensure supply chain services meet company standards and manage client relationships to achieve key business KPIs, safeguarding business interests and reputation.
• Assist in implementing performance improvement initiatives, support procurement and contractual management, and oversee quotations and presentations within tight timeframes.

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Experience of managing the commercial delivery of multi-disciplined projects across engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance in multiple industries.

 

• BSc in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent experience).
• Experience and knowledge of industry contract types, particularly the NEC suite of contracts.
• Strong numeracy & analytical skills and knowledge of accounting policies and principles.
• Planning, problem-solving, and change management skills with the ability to make things happen.

Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to influence effectively at a senior level and articulate views convincingly. Personal skills The SQS role would suit someone who is:

• An aspiring leader who provides guidance and coaching.
• Encourages teamwork and inspires confidence.
• Enlists the best performance of colleagues and external resources.
• Builds professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Rates of the QS role

• Inside IR35
• Contract length – 6-9 months
• £450 - £500 per day

Astute’s Nuclear team is working with a leading geo-environmental consultancy recognised for delivering sustainable, practical solutions to the built environment. We’re recruiting for an Associate / Associate Director – Geotechnical / Geo-Environmental, based in Peterborough, with flexible hybrid working.

This Associate / Associate Director role offers a salary of £65,000 to £72,000, alongside flexible working, structured progression, and the opportunity to shape the future of land development and remediation projects across the UK.

If you’re an experienced geotechnical or geo-environmental consultant with proven leadership skills — and you’re looking to take a strategic role in a respected and growing consultancy — we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Associate / Associate Director – Geotechnical / Geo-Environmental role

Reporting to the Regional Director, you will:

• Manage and oversee site investigations, contaminated land assessments, and environmental risk assessments

• Design and implement remediation strategies to mitigate contamination risks

• Provide high-quality technical leadership on soil and groundwater analysis, pollutant linkages, and regulatory compliance

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring delivery to scope, budget, and timescales

• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes

• Produce and review technical reports including Phase I and Phase II assessments, remediation method statements, and validation reports

• Contribute to business development by writing tenders, supporting bids, and identifying new opportunities for growth

• Mentor and support junior staff, helping to shape the next generation of consultants

Professional Qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A relevant degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related discipline

• Extensive consultancy experience (8+ years), ideally at Senior, Principal, or Associate level

• Strong track record in managing land contamination and remediation projects

• Excellent working knowledge of UK contaminated land regulations

• Chartered (or working toward) status with a relevant body (e.g. CEnv, CGeol, CSci)

• Demonstrable experience in client engagement, business development, and project delivery

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mentor colleagues

Personal Skills

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

• Commercially astute with excellent client-facing skills

• Passionate about delivering pragmatic, sustainable solutions

• Collaborative, supportive, and committed to team success

• Excited by a leadership role combining technical delivery with business growth

• Motivated to make a long-term impact within a growing consultancy

Salary and Benefits of the Associate / Associate Director – Geotechnical / Geo-Environmental role

• £65,000 – £72,000 depending on experience

• Employer-matched pension scheme

• Life assurance cover

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + 2 volunteering days

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support)

• Healthcare cashback plan (including 24/7 GP access)

• Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies

• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme & Cycle to Work scheme

• Clear long-term career development opportunities within a nationwide consultancy

Astute People are working with a well-regarded environmental consultancy delivering innovative geo-environmental and geotechnical solutions to recruit a Consultant or Senior Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical, based in Bristol.

This Consultant or Senior Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role offers a salary of £30,000–£45,000, depending on experience, with hybrid working, hands-on site involvement, and exposure to nationally significant development projects across the South West and Midlands.

If you’re a motivated geo-environmental or geotechnical professional ready to lead site investigations and contribute to sustainable land and infrastructure solutions, submit your CV to apply today.

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

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

• Organise and deliver intrusive site investigations, sample collection, and environmental monitoring

• Conduct land contamination assessments, analysing chemical and geotechnical testing results

• Produce high-quality Phase 1 & Phase 2 reports with clear, practical recommendations

• Act as site supervisor during ground investigations and liaise with contractors and suppliers

• Maintain a strong awareness of environmental and geotechnical legislation and standards

• Coordinate multiple small to medium-scale projects, ensuring budgets, deadlines and quality standards are met

• Communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal technical teams

• Support junior colleagues through mentoring and knowledge-sharing

• Uphold Health & Safety standards in all site and office-based activities

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A degree in a relevant subject: Geo-Environmental, Geology, Earth Science, Civil Engineering, or similar

• Prior experience in a geo-environmental or geotechnical consultancy role

• Strong understanding of ground investigation techniques, contamination assessments, and relevant UK guidance

• Excellent data interpretation and technical report-writing skills

• Experience managing or coordinating fieldwork

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

• Willingness to travel across the South West and Midlands, within ~2 hours of Bristol base

Personal skills

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

• Practical, proactive, and confident working both in the field and in technical reporting

• Eager to contribute to impactful environmental and infrastructure projects

• A clear communicator with a collaborative mindset

• Ready to support and guide junior colleagues while managing their own workload

• Interested in career progression, chartership, and personal development

Salary and benefits of the Consultant – Geo-environmental / Geotechnical role

• Consultant: £30,000–£35,000

• Senior Consultant: £40,000–£45,000

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell additional leave)

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Matched pension scheme

• Career development and chartership support

• Mentorship from experienced consultants

• Involvement in exciting regional infrastructure and renewable energy projects

• Wellbeing support and employee discounts across retail, travel, and fitness

• Volunteering and community action opportunities

Astute’s Environmental team is partnering with a leading environmental consultancy known for delivering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact solutions, to recruit an Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage, based in London, with flexible hybrid working available.

This Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role offers a competitive salary up to £65,000, along with structured career development, a collaborative culture, and involvement in exciting national projects — including the UK’s largest solar farm.

If you're an experienced flood risk consultant with strong technical, commercial, and leadership skills, and you’re ready to help grow a thriving team while delivering exceptional client work, submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role

Reporting to the Water Services leadership team, you will:

• Manage projects from inception to completion, including fee proposals and tender submissions

• Deliver and review Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies, Scoping Reports, and Flood Risk Appraisals

• Provide bespoke commercial advice to clients across planning, due diligence, and risk management

• Support the development and delivery of SuDS designs and technical drainage drawings

• Contribute to the development of services in nutrient neutrality, ESG, and new markets

• Liaise with clients, statutory consultees, and internal teams across the Group

• Lead, mentor, and line manage junior team members

• Drive innovation in flood and drainage solutions, championing technical quality and client satisfaction

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• A degree (BSc/MSc) in Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

• 7+ years’ experience in flood risk and drainage consultancy

• Strong understanding of design guidance, planning policy, and regulatory processes

• Proven experience in project management, client liaison, and stakeholder engagement

• Experience using MicroDrainage / InfoDrainage, QGIS, and ideally AutoCAD

• Chartered status (or actively working towards it) highly desirable

Personal skills

The Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role would suit someone who is:

• Commercially aware, proactive, and client-focused

• Passionate about sustainable flood risk solutions and innovation

• Able to manage deadlines, budgets, and technical delivery across multiple projects

• Experienced in mentoring others and supporting professional development

• Confident working in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary consultancy environment

Salary and benefits of the Associate – Flood Risk & Drainage role

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)

• Company-matched pension scheme

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with buy/sell options)

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

• Career progression and support for chartership

• Involvement in major national projects and innovation-focused work

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cashback and discounts across retail, fitness, hospitality, and more

• Volunteering opportunities and sustainability-focused culture

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

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