At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate specialist foundation equipment and support major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Bouygues, a leader in civil engineering and sustainable construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term project stability, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse talent from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a landmark project that shapes the UK's infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in diaphragm wall and deep foundation works is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Bouygues Civil Works Division specialists in civil engineering and complex structures, delivering major infrastructure and land‑use projects worldwide. As part of Bouygues Travaux Publics, we are committed to sustainable construction, diversity, and welcoming talent from all backgrounds.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Grab/Cutter Operator to join the Lower Thames Crossing project, supporting the delivery of one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure schemes. This role is suited to a highly experienced specialist foundations professional with strong expertise in diaphragm wall, piling, hydromill, grab, and deep foundation operations on complex civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in safely delivering technically demanding geotechnical and underground works within a major infrastructure environment. We are looking for someone who combines hands‑on operational capability with strong site awareness, leadership, and a proactive approach to health, safety, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate specialist foundation equipment including hydromill, grab, and piling rigs
- Support and supervise diaphragm wall and deep foundation operations
- Deliver works safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications
- Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors on site activities
- Monitor excavation quality, verticality, slurry management, and reinforcement installation
- Carry out daily equipment checks and basic maintenance coordination
- Ensure compliance with all HSE procedures and site safety requirements
- Support productivity targets while maintaining high technical standards
- Assist with troubleshooting operational and technical site issues
- Contribute to accurate reporting and communication across shifts and work fronts
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience on major infrastructure, tunnelling, rail, underground, marine, or large‑scale civil engineering projects.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in diaphragm wall and deep foundation works
- Experience operating hydromill and/or grab systems
- Background within piling and geotechnical operations
- Experience working on large infrastructure or heavy civil engineering projects
- Strong understanding of safe lifting, excavation, and slurry operations
- Ability to work effectively within multicultural project teams
- Strong awareness of QA/QC and HSE requirements on major projects
Desirable Experience
- Experience on rail, metro, tunnel, marine, dam, or underground projects
- Previous international project exposure
- Experience supervising crews or acting as foreman/operator supervisor
- Bentonite and polymer slurry experience
- Exposure to cut‑off wall construction
Qualifications & Certifications
- Relevant operator tickets/certifications CPCS / NPORS or equivalent preferred
- SMSTS / SSSTS advantageous
- CSCS card preferred
- Valid right to work in the UK or willingness to relocate/sponsor discussion where applicable
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on one of the UK’s landmark infrastructure projects
- Long‑term project stability
- Collaborative international project environment
- Competitive salary and package
- Career progression within specialist foundations and major civil engineering works
VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request.
Grab/Cutter Operator (2 Year FTC) employer: Bouygues Travaux Publics SA
Bouygues Civil Works Division is an exceptional employer, offering the chance to work on landmark infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing. With a strong commitment to sustainable construction and diversity, employees benefit from a collaborative international environment, competitive salaries, and ample opportunities for career progression within specialist foundations and major civil engineering works. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, quality, and innovation in a supportive workplace.
Contact Details:
Bouygues Travaux Publics SA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grab/Cutter Operator (2 Year FTC)
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We think you need these skills to ace Grab/Cutter Operator (2 Year FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Bouygues Travaux Publics SA
✨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.
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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.
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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!
