Closing Date: 01/12/2026 Civils Sub Agent Bowburn - Salaried Civil Engineering Explore

Esh Group; North East; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Esh Civils in the North East region is recruiting a Civils Sub Agent to manage day-to-day operations on small schemes and support Site Agent on larger projects. You will ensure safe, efficient delivery in line with project specs and company standards.

Based in Durham, you will lead inductions, develop RAMS, monitor programmes, and maintain QA documentation while mentoring engineers and coordinating with the commercial team.

Qualifications

• Appropriate civils qualification (HNC/HND or Degree) with minimum 5 years of civil experience.
• CSCS card – minimum gold standard.
• 5-day SMSTS.
• Experience delivering civil engineering schemes valued £100k–£5m.
• First aid at work certificate desirable.
• UK driving licence, clean or low on points.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inductions and RAMS development including review and approval of sub-contractor RAMS.
• Lead by example on Health, Safety and Environmental standards; avoid taking risks.
• Produce site construction phase plans and coordinate temporary works where required.
• Develop and manage weekly programme and procurement schedules; monitor progress.
• Maintain accurate records for direct works and subcontract works to support commercial team.

Skills

Site leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Team mentoring

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

This role is based within Esh Civils which delivers infrastructure schemes of all sizes, including major capital projects. We work in partnership with local authorities throughout the North East, Tees Valley, Yorkshire and the Humber to deliver a variety of projects, including public realm, highways, flood alleviation, active travel and bridge works.

About the role:

We are seeking a competent and motivated Civils Sub Agent to manage the day-to-day operations of smaller schemes within the General Civils sector, while also providing essential support to the Site Agent or Project Manager on larger-scale projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that site activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications and company standards. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a capable individual to contribute to the successful execution of civil engineering works within a structured and professional environment.

Location:

Durham

What we will expect from you:

• Carry out inductions and TBT briefings
• Develops RAMS including review and approval of sub-contractor RAMS
• Leader by example on Health Safety and Environmental (will not take risks)
• Has a good understanding of industry H&S and Env best practices
• Produces site construction phase plans
• Can fulfil role of temporary works co-ordinator and fulfil requirements of procedure
• Has a good all-round knowledge of basic engineering principles
• Can mentor and develop engineers and set example
• Good at problem solving, troubleshooting and innovation. Can think outside the box analysing project benefits (cost/programme)
• Can manage information flow and identify and produce technical queries
• Can assist project planner with project programme and monthly updates
• Has a basic understanding of planning software
• Has a basic understanding of contract requirements (NEC Cl31,32 and Cl 60s)
• Can fully develop the weekly programme independently
• Monitors progress and plans key programme deliverables, i.e., procurement schedule
• Has a basic understanding of monthly commercial reporting
• Has basic training in various forms of contract (NEC/JCT)
• Can develop and produce procurement schedules
• Can maintain accurate records of measurement for direct works and subcontract works to support the commercial team
• Can support commercial team in production of variations and quotations
• Can undertake the review/appraisal processes and management of sub-contractors with support from commercial team
• Can identify risks and opportunities and communicates this in monthly reports to management
• Prepares daily and weekly progress reports for presentation to line ManagerIs familiar with document management systems and importance of utilising systems in place for record purposes
• Will chair weekly internal meetings, and where required (smaller projects) client progress meetings
• Can produce Monthly reporting in line with contract requirements (for Review by Line Manager)
• Will ensure the wider site team are complying with daily and weekly reporting requirements
• Maintains the necessary company quality assurance documentation for ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 systems
• Will embrace the sector QA procedures and demonstrates buy in by compliance
• Has ability to recognise defective works and rectify in a timely manner
• Ensures project team and sub-contractor supply chain deliver to standards (Lead by Example)
• Can compile efficiently the necessary documentation to complete H&S file and handover documentation supported by Line Manager

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

What to Expect from us:

At Esh, our values shape the way we work every day — and you can expect to see them in action from the moment you join us.

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications:

• Appropriate civils qualification HNC/HND/ Degree - Minimum 5 years’ experience
• CSCS card – minimum gold standard
• 5-day SMSTS
• Experienced in delivery of civil engineering schemes - value £100k - £5million
• First aid at work certificate desirable
• UK driving licence, clean or low on points

Attributes & Skills:

• Conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner
• Is open and honest
• Friendly and approachable
• Encourages and supports other colleagues
• Has a ‘can do / will do’ attitude
• Remains focused and can work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Is open to new ideas and listens to others point of view
• Can adapt their communication style to suit colleagues/client and customer
• Can consistently make decisions in line with position and level of authority
• Can take feedback on own performance and takes steps to improve this