At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach teams to ensure top-notch quality in civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join Barhale, a leading civil engineering firm with family values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering and strong quality assurance knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About Barhale
Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:
- Water
- Transport
- Built environment
- Energy
We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.
Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.
We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:
- Tunnelling
- MEICA
- Temporary and permanent design
- Steel-fabrication
- Signs (design and fabrication)
- Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE
Why join Barhale?
As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies. Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes. A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients. Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success.
The Role
The role of a Quality Assurance Coach is to support and champion our operational Project Teams and Black Hat Supervisors in delivering projects to the highest quality standards. Reporting across the region, you will provide coaching, mentoring, and practical guidance to ensure quality requirements are understood and effectively implemented throughout the project lifecycle, particularly during delivery and close-out phases. Through regular inspections, site visits, and one-to-one engagement, you will help teams to deliver right-first-time outcomes, reduce defects, rework and identify and address quality risks while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Working closely with the Central Quality Function, you will support quality investigations, drive corrective actions, ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and client requirements, and lead initiatives that improve project quality performance and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality coaching and leadership
- Coach and support Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, Supervisors, and operatives in the application of quality management processes
- Promote a culture of "Build it Right First Time" across all stages of project delivery
- Deliver quality briefings, workshops, toolbox talks, and lessons learned sessions
- Develop quality awareness and competence throughout project delivery teams
- Act as a trusted advisor on quality requirements, standards, and expectations
Assurance and compliance
- Undertake planned quality assurance reviews, inspections, and surveillance activities across projects and frameworks
- Verify compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), Works Information, and relevant industry standards
- Monitor adherence to company Integrated Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements and client specifications and standards
- Support project teams in developing and implementing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Plans, Roles and Responsibilities, and associated documentation
- Review quality records and documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and traceability
- Assess the effectiveness of project quality controls and identify opportunities for improvement
Non-conforming product management
- Support the investigation of quality issues, defects, complaints, and non-conforming products (NCP)
- Guide project teams to identify corrective and preventative actions, or Non-Conforming Products
- Monitor action completion and verify effectiveness of improvements implemented
- Identify recurring trends and support organisational learning initiatives
Continuous improvement
- Analyse quality performance data and audit and inspection findings to identify improvement opportunities
- Share lessons learned and best practices across business units and project teams
- Support development and implementation of quality improvement plans
- Contribute to the review and enhancement of quality procedures, standards, and assurance processes
- Support the production of Quality Alerts following quality-related incidents and poor-quality standards identified on-site
- Support the production of Quality Best Practice Bulletins and communicate to the Region on a quarterly frequency
Stakeholder engagement
- Build strong working relationships with clients, project teams, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and delivery partners
- Support project teams during client, Quality Assurance Reviews and Audits
- Act as an ambassador for quality excellence throughout the organisation
- Collaborate with Health, Safety, Environment, and Operational teams to ensure integrated compliance and performance, and achievement of quality objectives
- Promote a positive quality culture throughout the business
Governance and reporting
- Produce clear inspection, and assurance reports with practical recommendations
- Monitor project quality performance against key metrics and objectives
- Provide regular feedback to Central Quality function, and operational leadership teams
- Support management reviews and reporting requirements
About you
Essential
- Proven experience within civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, highways, rail, water, energy, or major projects
- Strong understanding of construction quality assurance and quality control processes
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
- Experience undertaking audits, inspections, and assurance activities
- Understanding of Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), quality documentation, and project records
- Excellent coaching, facilitation, and influencing skills, including ability to challenge constructively and drive positive behavioural change
- Ability to work independently across multiple projects and locations
- Ability to analyse trends and identify improvement opportunities
- Strong report writing and communication skills
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualification
- Membership of CQI, ICE, CIHT, or similar professional body
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
- Experience working on National Highways, water, rail, utilities, or major infrastructure frameworks
- Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement training
- Knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems
Caring and investing in you
Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company. As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.
From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by:
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
- 8 hours volunteering
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
- Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
- Leadership & management training and coaching
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
- Continuous service awards
Quality Assurance Coach in St Albans employer: Barhale
Barhale is an exceptional employer that prides itself on its family values and commitment to employee development. With over 40 years of experience in the civil engineering sector, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters growth and innovation, alongside competitive benefits tailored to enhance your career as a Pipe Fitter Mains Layer. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and you can make a meaningful impact on vital infrastructure projects across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Coach in St Albans
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Barhale, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Quality Assurance Coach at Barhale.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Coach in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barhale
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
