Kenton Black Ltd

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Site Engineer to support ongoing works across major infrastructure and heavy civil engineering schemes, including projects associated with High Speed Two (HS2).

This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable contractor delivering commercial groundworks and heavy civils packages on high-profile, technically demanding projects.

Key Responsibilities

- Setting out for commercial groundworks and heavy civils packages

- Managing and interpreting technical drawings and specifications

- Overseeing earthworks, drainage, foundations, reinforced concrete structures, and infrastructure works

- Ensuring works are delivered in line with project programmes and quality standards

- Maintaining accurate site records and as-built information

- Liaising with site management, subcontractors, and design teams

- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards (particularly on HS2-related works)

Requirements

- Proven experience as a Site Engineer within commercial groundworks and heavy civils

- Experience working on major infrastructure projects (HS2 experience highly desirable)

- Strong knowledge of setting out using total stations and GPS equipment

- Familiarity with QA processes, ITPs, and RAMS

- CSCS card (essential)

- SMSTS/SSSTS (desirable)

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple work fronts

Desirable Experience

- Earthworks and bulk excavation

- Deep drainage and utilities

- Reinforced concrete structures

- High-value infrastructure schemes

Experience working within HS2 compliance and reporting frameworks

Site Engineer

We are recruiting for an experienced Freelance Site Engineer to join a major Water Treatment Works upgrade scheme. This is a significant heavy civils project involving structural concrete works, deep excavations, and complex infrastructure upgrades within a live operational environment.

The scheme includes reinforced concrete structures, drainage, pipework, and associated infrastructure to modernise and expand water treatment capacity.

Role Overview

As Site Engineer, you will play a key role in the technical delivery of the project, ensuring works are set out accurately and constructed in accordance with drawings, specifications, and quality standards. You will work closely with the Site Manager, Subcontractors, and Design Team to deliver works safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

- Setting out for heavy civils and reinforced concrete (RC) structures

- Managing QA documentation and ITPs

- Checking drawings and raising technical queries (RFIs)

- Overseeing subcontractor works and ensuring compliance with design specifications

- Maintaining accurate site records and as-built information

- Ensuring works are delivered safely in accordance with project RAMS

- Liaising with surveyors and design teams

Essential Experience

- Proven experience as a Site Engineer on major water or wastewater treatment projects

- Strong background in heavy civils

- Extensive experience in reinforced concrete (RC) structures

- Experience working in live water treatment environments (desirable)

- Proficient with setting out equipment (Total Station / GPS)

- Strong understanding of QA processes and documentation

- CSCS card (essential)

- SMSTS or SSSTS (desirable)

Managing / Senior Quantity Surveyor – Tier 1 Contractor 
Major Environment Agency Project 
Oxfordshire

Are you a Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to take the next step in your career? A leading Tier 1 construction contractor is seeking an experienced Managing / Senior Quantity Surveyor to join a high-profile Environment Agency project in Oxfordshire. This is a unique opportunity to work on a complex, high-value environmental infrastructure scheme with significant career progression potential.

About the Role
As a Managing / Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will:
Lead the commercial management of your project, overseeing costs, budgets, and financial reporting.
Provide strategic commercial advice to project teams and senior management.
Manage subcontractor contracts, variations, claims, and procurement processes.
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, risk management, and reporting to the client.
Mentor junior QS staff and help develop a high-performing commercial team.

About You
We are looking for someone who:
Has proven experience as a Senior or Managing Quantity Surveyor on civil engineering or environmental infrastructure projects.
Has worked with Tier 1 contractors or equivalent on major projects.
Possesses strong knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, cost planning, and commercial reporting.
Demonstrates excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
Is ambitious, proactive, and ready to take on a step-up role with greater responsibility.

Why this role?
Work on a flagship Environment Agency project, making a real environmental impact.
Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking Tier 1 contractor with career development opportunities.
Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to lead and shape a commercial team while enhancing your professional profile.

?? Location: Oxfordshire
?? Position: Managing / Senior Quantity Surveyor
?? Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

If you’re a Senior Quantity Surveyor looking for that next step into a Managing QS role and want to be part of a leading contractor on a high-profile environmental project, we want to hear from you.

Managing Quantity Surveyor

Laboratory team leader

This is a permanent opportunity. Kenton Black Scientific is a recruitment partner to one of the leading food testing laboratories based in Cambridgeshire. In this role, you will be managing a team of laboratory technicians. 

Responsibilities:

•	Responsible for running day-to-day activities within the food chemistry testing laboratory.
•	Provide technical and quality training for all the new starters 
•	Ensure that an adequate number of staff are present at all times in the laboratory
•	Analysing protein, moisture, and fat content present in food samples using gravimetric techniques 
•	Ensure all team members are performing duties/tests according to ISO17025 guidelines 
•	

Qualifications:

•	Degree in science or equivalent 
•	Proven operational experience and team management within a food/water/environmental  testing laboratory 
•	Proven project management skills and experience, lean production principles
Experience in using analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS

Laboratory team leader

Kenton Black are recruiting for a permanent Managing Quantity Surveyor vacancy based in East of Scotland.

Our client, a well-established and highly respected main contractor, is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Managing Quantity Surveyor to join their expanding team. This is a key position supporting the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of building projects across the region, offering the opportunity to work within a forward-thinking construction environment where quality, collaboration and professional development are central.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage all commercial aspects of projects from initial tender through to final account
- Prepare, negotiate and agree subcontract and supplier packages
- Monitor project costs, valuations, forecasts and cashflow to ensure strong financial performance
- Lead on the preparation of applications for payment and support monthly commercial reporting
- Identify, value and agree variations and change control items
- Work closely with project managers, site teams, designers and clients to support smooth project delivery
- Ensure full compliance with contract conditions, procurement policies and financial controls
- Undertake regular site visits and meetings, providing commercial input and strategic advice
- Support junior members of the commercial team and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

What You Bring:

- Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying or a related construction discipline
- Proven experience in a Senior or Managing Quantity Surveying role
- Strong understanding of commercial management, cost control, procurement and contract administration
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documentation with a high level of accuracy
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Edinburgh and the surrounding region

Why This Role?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable construction business that offers long-term career progression, a collaborative working culture and exposure to high-profile projects across the region. The position offers a competitive salary of £70,000 – £75,000 per annum, plus car allowance, bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Contracts Manager - Formwork Background
Salary:	Circa £80k p.a Plus package (to suit experience)
Location: 	Northamptonshire + 1.5hours 

A very well established Northamptonshire based Civil Engineering, Groundworks and Formwork business requires a Formwork experience Contracts Manager to take on the Formwork projects throughout their thriving Formwork division.
Projects Information:

•	Valued between £50k and £2.5million (formwork only)
•	Typically, around the £1.5million level
•	Bridges, Retaining Walls, Complex Foundations, Renewable Energy Projects - Large Concrete Bases and Plinths & Residential Groundworks packages.

Contractor:

•	Northamptonshire based, very well established, big order book, lots of blue chip clients.

Rewards:

•	Salary estimated around £80,000 + package depending on experience 
•	Flexibility & ownership of work
•	Project Control & Client Relationship Management
•	££ Salary to suit along with vehicle package, holidays, pension etc

Key Responsibilities & Duties - You will be responsible for:

•	Running 3-4 projects (overlapping at any time), managing through established site teams
•	Overseeing and executing concrete formwork systems, ensuring structural, safety, and budgetary compliance on sites. 
•	Managing the site teams, any subcontractors, and resources to meet schedules for client needs.
•	Responsibilities include reviewing technical drawings, managing health & safety, and optimizing materials. 
•	Reviewing and planning formwork systems (wall, slab, climbing forms)
•	Budgeting with the QS and Estimator
•	Programming
•	Working closely with the Directors, clients and stakeholders.

Contracts Manager required to join the business long ter, this Contracts Manager post may be ideal for a Project Manager or Site Manager looking to take a step up into this type of role.  Apply now for more details.



Contracts Manager - Formwork

Site Manager - Formwork Background
Salary:	Circa £80k p.a Plus package (to suit experience)
Location: 	Northamptonshire + 1.5hours 

A very well established Northamptonshire based Civil Engineering, Groundworks and Formwork business requires a Formwork experience Site Manager / Project Manager to step up when ready into the post of Contracts Manager.  Taking on the Formwork projects throughout their thriving Formwork division.
Projects Information:

•	Valued between £50k and £2.5million (formwork only)
•	Typically, around the £1.5million level
•	Bridges, Retaining Walls, Complex Foundations, Renewable Energy Projects - Large Concrete Bases and Plinths & Residential Groundworks packages.

Contractor:

•	Northamptonshire based, very well established, big order book, lots of blue chip clients.

Rewards:

•	Salary estimated around £80,000 + package depending on experience 
•	Flexibility & ownership of work
•	Project Control & Client Relationship Management
•	££ Salary to suit along with vehicle package, holidays, pension etc

Key Responsibilities & Duties - You will be responsible for: Site Manager

•	Running 3-4 projects (overlapping at any time), managing through established site teams
•	Overseeing and executing concrete formwork systems, ensuring structural, safety, and budgetary compliance on sites. 
•	Managing the site teams, any subcontractors, and resources to meet schedules for client needs.
•	Responsibilities include reviewing technical drawings, managing health & safety, and optimizing materials. 
•	Reviewing and planning formwork systems (wall, slab, climbing forms)
•	Budgeting with the QS and Estimator
•	Programming
•	Working closely with the Directors, clients and stakeholders.

Site Manager / Project Manager / Contracts Manager required to join the business long term, this role post may be ideal for a Project Manager or Site Manager looking to take a step up into this type of role.  Apply now for more details.



Site Manager

We are seeking an experienced General Foreman to lead the delivery of structures and associated civil engineering works within a rail and/or highways environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for managing site activities, supervising works teams, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, and to specification.

You will work closely with Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors to coordinate daily operations across complex infrastructure projects, including structures, earthworks, drainage, and highways interfaces.

Key Responsibilities:

- Day-to-day management and coordination of site works relating to structures and associated civils

- Supervision of foremen, operatives, and subcontractors

- Ensure works are delivered in line with programme, drawings, and specifications

- Maintain high standards of health, safety, quality, and environmental compliance

- Deliver and record toolbox talks, briefings, and site inductions

- Liaise with engineering teams to resolve technical issues on site

- Monitor productivity, plant, and materials

- Support planning, sequencing, and short-term lookahead programming

- Ensure compliance with rail/highways standards and procedures

Requirements:

- Proven experience as a General Foreman (or Senior Foreman) on structures and civil engineering projects

- Background in rail and/or highways infrastructure

- Strong knowledge of reinforced concrete structures, foundations, drainage, and associated civils

- Ability to lead teams and manage multiple work fronts

- Excellent understanding of site safety and temporary works

- Relevant tickets and competencies (e.g. SMSTS, CSCS, PTS/highways passport as applicable)

- Strong communication and organisational skills

Desirable:

- Experience working under Network Rail or National Highways standards

- Temporary Works Supervisor/Coordinator

- First Aid at Work

General Foreman

Senior Estimator
Civil Engineering
Main Contracting

Location:South Midlands
Salary: Up tp £90,000 plus company package (DOE)

The Opportunity

We are working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected civil engineering and groundworks contractor that is entering an exciting new phase of growth. Having built a strong reputation delivering complex substructure and enabling works, our client is now strategically expanding into civil engineering and main contracting.

As part of this transition, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to play a pivotal role in shaping their pre-construction capability and future project pipeline.

This is a key appointment within the business and offers the successful candidate genuine influence, autonomy, and long-term progression.

The Role

The Senior Estimator will take responsibility for pricing and tendering works across groundworks, civil engineering, and emerging main contracting projects.

Key responsibilities will include:
Preparing detailed and competitive estimates from first principles
Leading tender strategy, risk analysis, and value engineering
Reviewing drawings, specifications, and contract documentation
Managing subcontract and supplier enquiries, analysis, and negotiations
Working closely with Directors and Commercial teams to align bid strategy with business object
Supporting the development of estimating procedures, systems, and supply chain relationships
Assisting with bid submissions and client presentations where required

The Candidate

Our client is seeking a commercially astute and technically strong estimator with experience operating in a growing or evolving contractor environment.

The ideal candidate will have:
Proven experience as a Senior Estimator (or an Estimator ready to step up)
Background in commercial groundworks, civil engineering, or main contracting
Strong ability to price from first principles and manage complex tenders
Working knowledge of JCT and/or NEC forms of contract
Confident communication skills and the ability to influence at senior level
A proactive, hands-on approach with strong commercial awareness

Why Apply?

Opportunity to join a contractor at a pivotal stage of growth
Real scope to influence the move into civil engineering and main contracting
Long-term career progression aligned with business expansion
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Discreet and confidential recruitment process

Apply

If you are a Senior Estimator — or an experienced Estimator ready to take the next step — and are interested in a role offering influence, progression, and involvement in strategic growth, please apply in confidence.

For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Ben Symonds at Kenton Black, Birmingham!

Senior Estimator

Senior Quantity Surveyor / Project Quantity Surveyor
Civil Engineering
Northampton
£55,000 - £75,000 + (DOE)

The Company:
An exciting opportunity for a Senior Quantity Surveyor, to join a company who value their employees and are on an undergoing organic growth. My client work on some very interesting and exciting Highways and Roads schemes. They are a Main Contractor and at points a Subcontractor who are very well established in the industry and have a very strong pipeline of work and a very solid reputation.

My client enjoys a turnover of £50 million and possess a fully stocked order book for the next 2+ Years.

About The Role:
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will play an integral role in the management, direction, and successful completion of the Civil Engineering projects. Your focus is to manage build cost and maximises margin whilst enhancing value for money for our clients and achieving the required standards and quality.

About You:
•	Previous experience as a Senior Quantity Surveying / Project Quantity Surveyor.
•	Experience in Civils, Highways & Roads schemes.
•	Experience looking after multiple live schemes at one time.
•	Experience working for a Subcontractor, Main Contractor or Regional contractor.
•	NEC Form of Contract Experience
•	Able to commute or live in the Northampton area.
•	UK Driver’s license
•	Full right to work in UK.

What’s on Offer:
•	£55,000 - £75,000 + (DOE)
•	£6,500 Car Allowance / Company Car
•	Pension
•	25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
•	Healthcare
•	Progression & Growth
•	Potential Hybrid Work – 3/2 Split

If you are interested in this opportunity as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, please apply with your CV using the link below or get in touch with Ben Symonds at Kenton Black, Birmingham!