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James Barker

Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People
4.54 from 127 reviews

Jobs

Quality Manager

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 3/16/26
  • END DATE: 12/31/26
  • PAY RATE: $600.0 /DAY
We are working in partnership with a global Energy provider. We are currently recruiting for a Quality Manager to work across 2 Solar Farms near Dundee and Birmingham.  The Quality Manager role comes with a rate of £500-£600 per day.     Key skills 
  • Own and oversee project quality compliance across assigned UK projects, ensuring contractors, suppliers, and partners meet contractual, regulatory, and industry standards.
  • Establish and maintain the Project Quality Management System (PQMS) from late development through execution and close-out to ensure consistent application of requirements.
  • Develop and review key quality documents such as Quality Plans, ITPs, method statements, and associated records with site subcontractors.
  • Lead audits, inspections, and surveillance activities, verifying alignment with approved standards, specifications, and management systems.
  • Manage non-conformances and quality risks, ensuring timely resolution, preventing recurrence, and providing transparent reporting to project leadership.
  • Drive continuous improvement and stakeholder alignment, integrating inputs from engineering, procurement, HSE, construction, and project management, and embedding lessons learned and best practices.
    Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Quality Manager role   
  • Dundee & Birmngham
  • £500-£600 per day
  • 9-12 months

Project Manager - South

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 8/31/26
  • END DATE: 8/27/27
  • PAY RATE: $550.0 /DAY
Astute’s Power team is partnering with leading Waste Management Company a to recruit a Project Manager on a 12-month contract to work on a Deposit Return Scheme across the South of England.    The Project Manager role comes with a rate between £500-£550 per day (INSIDE IR35).     Key skills 
  • Lead and manage the full project lifecycle on behalf of the client, from project definition and procurement through to delivery and completion.
  • Administer NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including managing compensation events, contractual compliance, programme reviews, and project timelines.
  • Coordinate planning, permitting, operations, councils, and stakeholders to ensure successful project approvals and delivery.
  • Develop project scope, works information, tender packs, budgets, schedules, and cost forecasts across M&E, civils, and infrastructure works.
  • Oversee site operations, contractor performance, health & safety compliance, quality standards, and adherence to legal/building regulations.
  • Manage project reporting, financial control, risk registers, stakeholder communication, and problem resolution to ensure efficient project execution.
   Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Project Manager role   
  • WFH with frequent travel to sites
  • £500 - £550 per day (INSIDE IR35)
  • 12-month contract 

Solar Electrician

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 8/31/26
  • END DATE: 11/27/26
  • PAY RATE: $30.0 /HR

Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with a leading Solar PV company to recruit a Solar Electrician on an initial 3-month contract, with the potential for the work to become long-term across multiple sites in Wolverhampton.

The Solar Electrician role comes with a competitive rate per day/hour.

Key skills

  • Level 3 NVQ electrical qualification.
  • Previous Solar PV installation experience.
  • Strong electrical installation background.
  • Installation and connection of Solar PV systems.
  • Experience with DC and AC electrical works.
  • Cable containment, cabling, isolators and associated equipment.
  • Electrical testing and commissioning.
  • Ability to read and work from electrical drawings.
  • Working safely in line with site requirements.
  • Commercial/industrial solar experience would be advantageous.
  • Own transport required as a company vehicle will not be provided.
  • UK right to work required.

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Solar Electrician role

  • Competitive rate per day/hour
  • Initial 3-month contract with potential for long-term work
  • Immediate start required
  • Own transport required

Shift Engineer

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 9/21/26
  • END DATE: 10/20/26
  • PAY RATE: $600.0 /DAY
Astute’s Power team is partnering with a large-scale European Engineering and Construction company to recruit a Shift Engineer on 2 months for its Cheshire site. The Shift Engineer role comes with a rate of £550-£600 per day.                 Key skills required for the Shift Engineer role 
  • Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Flue Gas Treatment System, maintaining all process parameters within defined operational and environmental limits.
  • Monitor plant performance in real time, identify and respond to process deviations, and implement corrective actions to maintain stable operation.
  • Carry out and record shift operations, including detailed log keeping, handovers, and reporting of plant events, abnormalities, and performance issues.
  • Ensure full compliance with site safety procedures, permits to work, environmental regulations, and operational risk assessments, escalating incidents and near misses appropriately.
  • Coordinate with maintenance teams for fault diagnosis, equipment isolation, and repair activities, supporting both planned and unplanned maintenance safely and effectively.
  • Support operator training and continuous improvement initiatives, contributing to optimisation of plant performance, reliability, and operational procedures.
Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Shift Engineer role:
  • Cheshire
  • Outside IR35
  • £550-£600 per day

Mechanical Commissioning Technician

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 9/28/26
  • END DATE: 8/27/27
  • PAY RATE: $450.0 /DAY

Astute's Power Team are currently recruiting a Mechanical Commissioning Technicians to join the EPC Contractor on a new build Waste to Energy facility based in Scotland through all stages of Commissioning to handover.

The Mechanical Commissioning Technician roles come with a day rate from £400.00 to £450.00 (Outside IR35). Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:
  • Support the mechanical commissioning of plant systems including boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, and associated balance of plant equipment
  • Carry out pre-commissioning activities such as flushing, pressure testing, leak checks, and mechanical completion inspections
  • Execute commissioning test procedures in line with method statements, risk assessments, and OEM guidelines
  • Assist in the inspection, alignment, and functional testing of rotating equipment (e.g. pumps, fans, conveyors)
  • Identify and report mechanical defects, non-conformances, and punch list items, ensuring timely resolution
  • Work closely with commissioning engineers and other disciplines to ensure systems are handed over safely and efficiently
  • Interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation to support commissioning activities
  • Participate in system walkdowns, tagging, and verification of mechanical completion status
  • Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with site HSE procedures and permit-to-work systems
  • Provide hands-on support during initial plant start-up, troubleshooting mechanical issues and optimising performance
Location, day rate and timeframe of the Mechanical Commissioning Technician positions:
  • Scotland
  • £400.00 to £450.00 per day
  • Immediate start date

Permit to Work Coordinator

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 4/7/25
  • END DATE: 3/27/26
  • PAY RATE: $500.0 /DAY
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

Project Engineer

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 9/1/22
  • END DATE: 8/31/23
  • PAY RATE: $300.0 /DAY

Title of Position:

Project Engineer (Mechanical/Electrical/Civil)

Title Position Reports to:

Project Manager

Employing Company:

SPIE Limited

 

Job Purpose
  • To be responsible to your assigned PM for delivering multi-disciplined projects and packages associated with building engineering services and construction, estimating, construction engineering design, procurement, cost control, site management, installation, testing, commissioning, handover and any warranty.

 

 

Aims and Objectives

 

  • To develop effective working relationships with fellow team members and clients, in order to maximise the opportunities to secure and win new work.
  • To provide technical engineering advice to fellow members of the team and clients, as and when necessary to support the successful execution of the work. 
  • To ensure Project Engineering services are delivered safely to programme, within budget and to the agreed quality standards.
  • To work with Clients to develop a relationship that results in repeat business
  • To ensure Project Engineering and technical standards are maintained throughout the project, meeting specification requirements and in accordance with Quality Management Systems and Control.
  • Ensure project Risk is managed and communicated.
  • Report to SPIE management on project progress, issues, risks and opportunities.

 

 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

 

  • Assist your Project Manager to:
  • Sequence and programme works, establishing work scope, specifications, programmes and cost control of professional designs, SPIE resources, agency resources and sub-contracted works.
  • Co-ordinate all aspects of assigned contracts, ensuring completion within estimated costs, safely and to the required standards of workmanship.
  • Prepare work programmes, ensuring activities are planned in line with available resources, understand the interfaces and coordination with other disciplines and contractors.
  • Procure, co-ordinate and monitor project activities. 
  • Establish the procurement schedules and specifications for engaging suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Compare suppliers and subcontractors’ quality and costs against procurement schedules and assists in identifying their suitability for the work and provision of services, including supplier feedback.
  • In conjunction with other relevant staff review the performance levels of subcontractors in terms of quality, service and their Health and Safety management.
  • Prepare site documentation, including Construction Phase Plans, Risk Assessments and Method Statements to comply with Health and Safety requirements & legislation.
  • To understand construction and design engineering specifications and standards ensuring that all considerations are accounted for in the execution of work.
  • Identify Construction Engineering Design requirements in order to engage SPIE and/or others to carry out the work.
  • Check construction design engineering drawings for accuracy and buildability, and address/ resolve any shortfalls in order to ensure successful execution.
  • Attend engineering/project/Client progress meetings to provide the necessary input to support the successful execution of the work
  • Ensure understanding of the impact of the Construction Design Management Regulations, Construction Regulations and Codes of Practice and comply with current legal requirements.
  • Ensure understanding of the contract conditions that applies to each assigned project/area of work.
  • To work closely with the commercial team to manage variations and changes to the scope of work/ timescales/cost/risk, with emphasis on receiving payment for additional activities.
  • Understanding of the financial plans/set budgets and the methods for monitoring cost, spend, value. 
  • Understand the controls for managing risk throughout all stages of the work, including risk controls. Monitoring and reporting.
  • Assist in the preparation of Invitations to Tender and evaluation of returned tenders
  • Assist with the take-off and requisition materials
  • Control and monitor the management of site labour
  • Report on all aspects of the work scope under own control
  • Undertake site and works visits as required by the execution of own duties and undertake site HSE Audits.
  • Work with members of the Central Engineering Design Department, to ensure that professional advice and support is provided to Clients and that new standards are implemented at the right time.

 

 

Health & Safety
  • All employees are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect.  Further details regarding Health & Safety responsibilities are set out in the Health & Safety Policy.

 

 

Working Relationships

Internal

  • Interface with Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Project Engineers, Surveyors, Designers, Buyers, Estimators, Safety Health & Environmental (HSE) Department, Central Engineering Design Department (CEDD), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) Department and the Commercial department.

External

  • Interface with Clients, Consultants, Suppliers, Sub-contractors, Utility Companies and Local Authorities

 

Person Specification

 

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience relevant to the position are:

Essential

  • Be qualified to at least City and Guilds Level 3 in a building services discipline.
  • Experience of working on contracts with an M&E or Civil value in range from £100k to £1M
  • Experience in planning and executing programmes for building services and/or construction projects
  • Strong H&S management awareness
  • Strong financial awareness and good organisational skills
  • Experience in project financial control and forecasting
  • Labour management experience 
  •  Ability to produce project reports and meet deadlines
  • Ability to sequence and programme the works, utilising different planning and programming methods/ techniques to meet client and project requirements.  
  • Experience in the production of O&M Manuals, drawings documents.
  • Ability to survey and report on existing engineering installations. 
  • Ability to survey, track and monitor work and report on progress
  • Ability and willingness to travel and work within the office or based on sites as required
  • Basic skills and knowledge of AutoCAD and the ability to read and interpret drawings
  • Good communications skills with the ability to produce and deliver presentations
  • Good interpersonal skills to develop client relationships to further develop the business

 

Competencies

The core support team competency framework for the position are:
  • Teamwork - actively contributes to the team and strives to improve teams’ effectiveness through personal commitment.
  • Planning, Organising & Executing – able to understand the priorities, plan and organise the work and manage own time to deliver within the expected timescales.
  • Communication – communicates clearly and concisely, impressing others and ensuring understanding of all relevant information in all circumstances.
  • Commercial Awareness – understands the importance for managing costs and expense, applying the necessary controls.
  • Risk Management – is aware on the impact on risk to the business / project and applies the necessary controls.
  • Adaptability – is responsive and open to changing circumstance.
  • Drive for Excellence – aims to deliver a high standard of work.
  • Self-Motivation and Development– is confident in own ability and is motivated to deliver, using opportunities to further develop.  
  • Customer Awareness – responsive to the needs of the customer and aims to deliver customer satisfaction.
  • HSE – Be competent in the CDM Regulations and hold an SMSTS or SSSTS qualification.

 

 

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.

 


Solar Roofer x 2

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 8/31/26
  • END DATE: 11/27/26
  • PAY RATE: $30.0 /HR
Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with a leading Solar PV company to recruit a Solar Roofer on an initial 3-month contract, with the potential for the work to become long-term on multiple sites across London.

The Solar Roofer role comes with a competitive rate per day/hour.

Key skills

  • Previous roofing experience.
  • Previous Solar PV installation experience is highly desirable.
  • Experience installing solar panels and mounting systems.
  • Installation of rails, mounting systems and associated equipment.
  • Comfortable working at height.
  • Experience working on commercial or domestic roofing projects.
  • Ability to work safely alongside Solar Electricians and wider site teams.
  • Ability to follow drawings and installation specifications.
  • Strong understanding of safe working practices.
  • Own transport required as a company vehicle will not be provided.
  • UK right to work required.

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Solar Roofer role

  • London
  • Competitive rate per day/hour
  • Initial 3-month contract with potential for long-term work
  • Immediate start required
  • Own transport required

Electrical Estimator

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 5/25/26
  • END DATE: 5/28/27
  • PAY RATE: $400.0 /DAY

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a leading engineering services provider delivering electrical solutions across complex, high-risk projects within the Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Power Generation, and Oil & Gas sectors to recruit a Electrical Estimator on a 12 month contract for either its Warrington or Stockton office. The Electrical Estimator  role comes with a competitive rate per day. Key Skills:
  • Manage the full tender process from enquiry to submission, including reviewing specifications, drawings, and preparing accurate, competitive quotations
  • Ensure all tender documentation is technically accurate, complete, and submitted in line with deadlines
  • Liaise with clients and attend site visits, briefings, and pre-tender meetings to fully understand project scope and requirements
  • Collaborate with internal teams to review tenders, prepare cost plans, risk assessments, and support smooth project handovers
  • Source, evaluate, and engage with suppliers and subcontractors, building strong relationships to secure best value
  • Finalise tender submissions, attend pre-order meetings, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines
Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Electrical Estimator role 
  • Competitive rate per day
  • 12-month contract
  • Stockton or Warrington (whichever is closest)

Project Manager - North

CONTRACT
  • TERMS: contract
  • START DATE: 8/31/26
  • END DATE: 8/27/27
  • PAY RATE: $550.0 /DAY
Astute’s Power team is partnering with leading Waste Management Company a to recruit a Project Manager on a 12-month contract to work on a Deposit Return Scheme across the North of England.    The Project Manager role comes with a rate between £500-£550 per day (INSIDE IR35).     Key skills 
  • Lead and manage the full project lifecycle on behalf of the client, from project definition and procurement through to delivery and completion.
  • Administer NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including managing compensation events, contractual compliance, programme reviews, and project timelines.
  • Coordinate planning, permitting, operations, councils, and stakeholders to ensure successful project approvals and delivery.
  • Develop project scope, works information, tender packs, budgets, schedules, and cost forecasts across M&E, civils, and infrastructure works.
  • Oversee site operations, contractor performance, health & safety compliance, quality standards, and adherence to legal/building regulations.
  • Manage project reporting, financial control, risk registers, stakeholder communication, and problem resolution to ensure efficient project execution.
   Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Project Manager role   
  • WFH with frequent travel to sites
  • £500 - £550 per day (INSIDE IR35)
  • 12-month contract