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Gemma Harfield

Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People
4.73 from 132 reviews

Jobs

Associate/Associate Director - Geotechnical / Geo-Environmental

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

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


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


Commercial Manager

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent

Commissioning Engineer - E-2025-16

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute are partnered with Capula, part of the Dalkia Group, a long-established and highly reputable system integration specialist operating across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing sectors. Due to continued growth, Capula are looking for a Commissioning Engineer to join their Energy division, based from Stone with regular travel to UK client sites. This is a hands-on role focused on the testing and commissioning of electrical automation and control systems, ranging from system upgrades to full turnkey installations. As a Commissioning Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring systems are tested, validated, and ready for operation, working closely with engineering and site teams.   Responsibilities and duties of the Commissioning Engineer role As the Commissioning Engineer, you will be:  
  • Carrying out site acceptance testing (SAT) and commissioning activities
  • Supporting factory acceptance testing (FAT)
  • Supervising installation work on client sites
  • Ensuring all work meets technical and safety standards
  • Producing and managing commissioning documentation and test records
  • Marking up drawings and schematics with site changes
  • Developing and reviewing test and commissioning procedures
  • Deploying and verifying configuration files (PLC, SCADA, RTU, IEDs, networks)
  • Supporting site preparation, materials, and equipment setup
  • Managing commissioning tools, spares, and test equipment
  • Carrying out fault finding and resolving system issues
  • Managing LOTO and safe isolation procedures on site
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Background in Electrical Engineering or similar discipline
  • Experience in test and commissioning of electrical/control systems
  • Strong fault-finding skills on electrical and electronic systems
  • Understanding of SCADA, PLCs, and substation control systems
  • Knowledge of communication networks (Ethernet, fibre, serial systems)
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics
  • Understanding of electrical safety and LOTO procedures
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Desirable:
  • 18th Edition (BS7671) and C&G 2391 Inspection & Testing
  • Experience on National Grid substations
  • Knowledge of substation secondary systems
  • Experience writing test and commissioning documentation
  Personal Skills The Commissioning Engineer role would suit someone who is:  
  • Technically strong with a hands-on approach
  • Analytical and methodical in problem solving
  • A clear communicator with site teams and clients
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Comfortable working under pressure and to deadlines
  • Flexible with travel and site-based work
Salary and benefits of the Commissioning Engineer role
  • Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
  • 28 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Private healthcare
  • Lifestyle screening
  • Salary sacrifice schemes
  • Mental health assistance programme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Green car scheme
  • Support toward professional registration (IEng / CEng) and paid membership fees
#LI-GH1 INDNUC  

Senior EC&I Engineer

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 4/28/25
  • END DATE: 4/27/26
  • 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

Service Engineer

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Renewables Team is partnering with Capula, a leading provider of operational technology and digital transformation solutions, to recruit a VFC Service Engineer to support customers across the UK. The VFC Service Engineer role comes with a competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, pension, life assurance, and excellent opportunities for professional development. If you're an experienced Service Engineer with a background in power electronics, UPS, VFC systems, or industrial electrical equipment, and you're looking to join a business delivering critical projects across energy, renewables, water, and manufacturing, then submit your CV to apply today. Responsibilities and duties of the VFC Service Engineer role Reporting to the Service Manager, you will:  
  • Carry out servicing, maintenance, testing, and fault diagnosis on VFC systems and associated equipment.
  • Perform planned preventative maintenance and reactive service activities in line with customer requirements and company procedures.
  • Carry out live working activities safely and in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Produce accurate service reports and complete all required documentation.
  • Provide technical support to customers both remotely and on-site.
  • Participate in a 24/7 emergency call-out and technical support rota.
  • Troubleshoot faults, identify root causes, and escalate complex technical issues where required.
  • Deliver a high level of customer service while maintaining strong working relationships with clients.
Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 3-5 years' experience as a Service Engineer or Service Technician within power electronics, Variable Frequency Converters (VFC), UPS systems, or a similar industry.
  • Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills across electrical and electronic systems.
  • Experience working within Health & Safety and Quality Management systems.
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites.
Personal Skills The VFC Service Engineer role would suit someone who is:  
  • A proactive and customer-focused engineer with a service-first approach.
  • An excellent communicator, comfortable working with customers and colleagues at all levels.
  • Organised with strong time management and problem-solving abilities.
  • Calm under pressure and able to work independently when required.
  • Committed to delivering high-quality service while meeting performance and cost targets.
Salary and benefits of the VFC Service Engineer role  
  • Competitive salary.
  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Flexible working.
  • Company pension.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Life assurance.
  • Lifestyle screening.
  • Salary sacrifice scheme.
  • Mental health assistance programme.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Green car scheme.
  • Professional development support, including funded professional memberships and support towards IEng/CEng status.
#LI-GH1 INDREN  

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.

Site Manager - E-2025-13

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute are partnered with Capula, part of the Dalkia Group, a long-established and highly reputable system integration specialist operating across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing sectors. Due to continued growth, Capula are looking for a Site Manager to join their Energy division, based from Stone with regular travel to UK client sites. This is a site leadership role focused on the safe delivery of Protection, Control, Automation and Electrical installations, ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards of safety, quality, time, and specification. As a Site Manager, you will take responsibility for on-site activities, leading teams and coordinating installation and commissioning works across complex energy projects.   Responsibilities and duties of the Site Manager role As the Site Manager, you will be:  
  • Managing site installation and commissioning activities across energy projects
  • Ensuring delivery to safety, quality, time, and specification targets
  • Leading site teams including engineers, technicians, and subcontractors
  • Supervising electrical and mechanical installation works
  • Chairing site meetings and coordinating with clients
  • Preparing and reviewing site documentation (RAMS, CPP, H&S plans)
  • Carrying out site surveys to support project delivery and tendering
  • Working closely with engineering and project teams to ensure successful delivery
  • Managing site resources, materials, tools, and welfare arrangements
  • Overseeing site quality processes including ITP documentation
  • Identifying and managing risks, changes, and site issues
  • Supporting installation, testing, and commissioning activities where required
  Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  
  • Proven experience as a Site Manager within electrical or industrial projects
  • Strong background in electrical installation (with some mechanical awareness)
  • Good understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and site safety requirements
  • Experience managing subcontractors and site teams
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Desirable:
  • SMSTS (or equivalent Site Manager safety qualification)
  • 18th Edition (BS7671)
  • National Grid site experience / authorisations
  • Temporary Works Coordinator / Supervisor training
  • First Aid, LOTO, Working at Height, Confined Space training
  • Knowledge of environmental and waste management standards
Personal Skills The Site Manager role would suit someone who is:  
  • A strong leader with team management experience
  • Safety-focused with a proactive approach
  • Organised and able to manage multiple site activities
  • A confident communicator with clients and teams
  • Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Flexible and solutions-focused
Salary and benefits of the Site Manager role
  • Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
  • 28 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Private healthcare
  • Lifestyle screening
  • Salary sacrifice schemes
  • Mental health assistance programme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Green car scheme
  • Support toward professional registration (IEng / CEng) and paid membership fees
#LI-GH1 INDNUC

Technical Sales Manager - North - Data Centre

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent
Astute’s Technical Sales team is exclusively partnered with a market-leading manufacturer of innovative cable and pipe sealing solutions, widely used in the data centre sector. These products are trusted by hyperscale developers, colocation providers, and major contractors to deliver safe, compliant, and high-performance installations. We are currently recruiting a Technical Sales Manager to further develop the company’s presence in the data centre market across the UK. This is a consultative technical sales role, working with design consultants, engineering firms, owners, operators, and contractors to secure engineering specifications and support projects from concept to completion.                     Responsibilities and duties: As the Technical Sales Manager, you will:
  • Identify and target key data centre market players including developers, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and their engineering partners.
  • Generate specifications with design engineers, contractors, and integrators for adoption in major data centre projects.
  • Develop business from initial contact through to approved supplier or standard specification status.
  • Maintain and grow existing relationships with owners, operators, designers, and installers.
  • Search for and qualify new project opportunities to maximise market potential.
  • Attend industry events, exhibitions, and forums to network and uncover new leads.
  • Present technical solutions for applications such as electrical containment, fire protection, cable management, and mechanical systems via presentations, site visits, and installation training.
  • Create and execute targeted sales plans to achieve business growth.
  • Manage the full sales cycle using the company CRM system, ensuring accurate forecasting and market intelligence reporting.
  • Provide pre-sales technical advice, including design input for bespoke products when required.
    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:
  • Professional sales experience, ideally presenting technical or complex solutions to engineers and decision-makers.
  • Existing relationships with owner/operators, engineering consultancies, contractors, and design firms.
  • Knowledge of data centre design principles (electrical containment, fire protection, cable management, mechanical systems) – desirable but not essential.
  • Proven business development skills with the ability to plan, prospect, and convert new opportunities.
  • Strong understanding of industrial business practices and consultative sales techniques.
    Personal skills The Technical Sales Manager role would suit someone who has:
  • Effective networking skills with the ability to influence at multiple organisational levels.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence in presenting to groups and senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage complex, long-term projects from inception to completion.
  • Organised, self-motivated, and capable of working independently across a national territory.
  • Willingness to travel extensively in the UK, with occasional international trips.
    Salary and benefits of the Technical Sales Manager role  
  • Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
  • Company car.
  • Travel and accommodation expenses covered.
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Opportunity to represent an industry-leading brand in the growing UK data centre market.
INDNUC

Electrical Controls Engineer

PERMANENT
  • TERMS: permanent