Civils Sub Agent

Balfour Beatty plc; Dundee; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Balfour Beatty is seeking an experienced Civils Sub Agent to lead a section of civil works on the ASTI East Project in the Dundee/Tealing area. You will manage Section Engineers, coordinate RAMS, and ensure safe, on-time delivery within a major power transmission programme.

The role requires strong leadership, setting out expertise, and a proactive approach to drive productivity while maintaining high safety and quality standards across the project team.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Experience as Sub Agent, Section Engineer or similar in civil engineering or major infrastructure.
• Good understanding of quality assurance, NCRs, inspections and handover documentation.
• Experience preparing, reviewing and implementing RAMS and safe systems of work.
• Knowledge of UK health and safety legislation.
• Experience managing subcontractors and monitoring performance.
• Experience developing construction programmes and monitoring productivity.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project cost and value.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and design information.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the safe and successful delivery of an allocated section of civil engineering works.
• Lead, manage and develop Section Engineers and Site Engineers, providing technical guidance and coaching.
• Maintain a relentless focus on Zero Harm, ensuring works are planned and delivered safely.
• Review RAMS and ensure safe systems of work are in place.
• Coordinate temporary works and integrate into the construction programme.
• Provide technical leadership on setting out and resolving construction issues.
• Develop and manage section programmes and monitor milestones.
• Monitor productivity and KPIs, and intervene to maintain programme.
• Manage subcontractors and monitor safety, quality, and performance.
• Maintain accurate site records and handover documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Independent working

Job description

About the role

Balfour Beatty is looking for an experienced Civils Sub Agent to join our team delivering the ASTI East Project, based in the Dundee/Tealing area.

ASTI East forms part of SSEN Transmission’s major Pathway to 2030 investment programme, delivering significant upgrades to Scotland’s electricity transmission network. The programme includes new 400kV overhead line infrastructure, upgrades to existing transmission routes and extensive civil engineering works across eastern Scotland.

As Civils Sub Agent, you’ll take responsibility for leading and controlling a section of the works, managing Section Engineers and Site Engineers and working closely with the wider construction team, subcontractors and designers.

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a key delivery position on a major infrastructure programme while building specialist experience within the growing power transmission and energy sector.

What you'll be doing

As a Civils Sub Agent, you will:

• Take ownership of the safe and successful delivery of an allocated section of civil engineering works.
• Lead, manage and develop Section Engineers and Site Engineers, providing technical guidance and coaching.
• Maintain a relentless focus on Zero Harm, ensuring works are planned and delivered safely.
• Review Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) and identify opportunities to improve safe systems of work.
• Ensure appropriate Permits to Work and control documentation are implemented and maintained.
• Coordinate temporary works requirements and ensure they are appropriately planned into the construction programme.
• Provide technical leadership on setting out and the resolution of construction and engineering issues.
• Work closely with designers to resolve technical queries and ensure buildability.
• Develop and manage fully resourced section programmes, monitoring progress against key milestones.
• Track productivity and KPIs, identifying where intervention is required to maintain programme.
• Manage subcontractors, monitoring their safety, quality, programme and overall performance.
• Maintain accurate site records and diaries.
• Support subcontractor procurement and contribute to commercial discussions with suppliers and the wider project team.
• Monitor costs against the resourced programme and maintain a good understanding of cost and value.
• Implement quality systems covering materials approvals, inspections, NCRs and handover documentation.
• Undertake site audits and independent inspections to ensure works and associated documentation comply with project requirements.
• Take ownership of handover documentation for your section, ensuring records are accurate and complete.
• Promote continuous improvement and share best practice across the project team.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone with strong civil engineering experience who is comfortable taking responsibility for a section of works and leading engineers in a busy construction environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Sub Agent, Section Engineer or similar within civil engineering or major infrastructure.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil engineering construction and setting out.
• Experience managing and developing Site and Section Engineers.
• A good understanding of temporary works and their coordination within construction activities.
• Experience preparing, reviewing and implementing RAMS and safe systems of work.
• Good working knowledge of current UK health and safety legislation.
• Experience managing subcontractors and monitoring performance.
• Experience developing and working to construction programmes and monitoring productivity.
• Good understanding of quality assurance, NCRs, inspections and handover documentation.
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and design information.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of project cost and value.
• Strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• A current CSCS Card.
• SSSTS or SMSTS.
• A full UK driving licence.

Previous experience within power transmission, utilities, energy infrastructure, overhead lines, substations or major civils projects would be particularly advantageous.

Why work for us

Professional & Personal Development

The size and scale of Balfour Beatty coupled with our strong pipeline of work provides incredible opportunities, regardless of what stage you are at in your career.

We encourage and empower our employees to take control of their career and explore which part of the business they want to work in and what role is right for them. We actively encourage our managers and employees to have open communication throughout the year about wellbeing, development and career opportunities.

We're also very proud of our Balfour Beatty Academy. Whether it’s sharpening your technical expertise, improving your personal skills or seeking support to become professionally qualified.

• Be part of a major energy infrastructure investment that’s shaping the UK’s low-carbon future.
• Work on challenging, high-profile projects with the support of a skilled, multi-disciplinary team.
• Join a culture of learning, improvement, and excellence—where your voice makes a difference.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, development opportunities, and a flexible, inclusive working environment.

For further information about Balfour Beatty Regional Scotland please go to www.balfourbeatty.com/careers/Scotland - You can also check out further job opportunities in the careers section

About us

From Dunfermline’s tramways in 1909 to highland hospitals today, Balfour Beatty has been trusted for over a century to deliver the complex and critical infrastructure and iconic buildings Scotland relies on.

We have the people, knowledge and experience to safely deliver projects right first time, maximising value for money and ensuring a positive social impact and inclusive economic growth for local communities.

Our award-winning sustainable projects, including active travel, Passivhaus and retrofit, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Scotland’s transition towards net zero in the built environment.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at [e-mail]