At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor teams in delivering innovative engineering solutions across diverse projects.
- Company: Join Robert Bird Group, a global leader in consulting engineering with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy birthday leave, corporate health insurance, paid parental leave, and a vibrant social club.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for all candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil Engineering with relevant experience and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Robert Bird Group is a global consulting engineering firm delivering innovative, sustainable and buildable solutions across structural, civil, geotechnical, construction engineering and virtual design & construction (VDC). Established in Brisbane in 1982, we now have more than 850 staff across twelve offices in Australia, the UK, Asia, the Middle East and North America. As part of SJ Group, we are connected to a global network reimagining a smarter, more sustainable future.
About The Role
We are seeking an Associate to join our expanding Construction Engineering Team in the London office. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to take a senior leadership position within a growing and dynamic consultancy. You will play a key role in project delivery, client engagement, team development, and the continued growth of the UK practice, working closely with Directors, clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary design teams. The role combines technical leadership with commercial and people management responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development: Motivate and lead project teams proactively and ethically to deliver outstanding outcomes. Provide supervision, mentoring, and career development support to staff under your direction. Identify training needs and ensure team members receive appropriate development opportunities. Contribute to technical excellence, culture, procedures, professional development, and continuous improvement across the UK practice.
- Client & Business Development: Promote Robert Bird Group to existing and prospective clients. Establish new clients and strengthen relationships through excellent project delivery and repeat business. Lead client liaison with Project Directors, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded. Ensure client requirements are understood by all project personnel and manage changes as they arise. Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and fee variations. Represent the company at client, consultant, and coordination meetings.
- Technical & Project Delivery: Take an active, hands‑on role in all projects under your direction, ensuring exemplary service and high technical standards. Develop concept design and design philosophy in conjunction with the Project Director. Review design and documentation, including design checking as required. Select and manage sub‑consultants, including scope, programme, and commercial terms. Manage project programming, resource planning, and project cost control, including invoice compilation. Undertake project coordination and oversee multidisciplinary interfaces. Implement RBG’s Quality System on all assigned projects.
- Health, Safety & Site Support: Implement and oversee Health & Safety policies and procedures on projects. Participate in the Workplace Health & Safety Committee when required. Provide technical support and problem‑solving guidance to both site and office teams.
The Ideal Candidate Will Bring:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
- Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), or an equivalent internationally recognised professional body.
- A minimum of 8 years’ relevant engineering experience, ideally within structural, construction, or multidisciplinary engineering environments.
- At least 2 years’ experience in design and design development, including preparation, coordination, and review of engineering deliverables.
- A minimum of 2 years’ account or client management experience.
- Client‑facing experience, with the ability to manage relationships and support commercial delivery.
- Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring, and developing engineers and technical staff.
- A familiarity with computational design workflows is advantageous.
- Experience in nuclear, rail, or water infrastructure projects would be advantageous.
What We Offer You
RBG is a growing, fast‑paced business which offers birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, paid parental leave, recognition awards, an active and engaging social club, along with a supportive team environment where healthy lifestyle balance is encouraged.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support—such as receiving the application form in an alternative format—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team.
Agency: Please note that any unsolicited resumes or CVs submitted through our website or directly to SJ Group employees’ personal email accounts will be considered the property of SJ Group.
Associate CE employer: Robert Bird Group
Robert Bird Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the construction engineering field, ensuring that team members are supported in their professional journeys. Joining Robert Bird Group means being part of a dynamic consultancy where your contributions directly impact project success and client satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate CE
✨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 Robert Bird Group, 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 Associate CE at Robert Bird Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate CE
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 Robert Bird Group
✨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!
