Senior Materials Technician

About the role

Be part of this 'once in a generation' project that will deliver clean energy to 6 million homes for the next 60 years. Sizewell C will see the creation of a 3.2 Gigawatt nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast to provide reliable load low-carbon electricity.

The Civil Works Alliance is an extended delivery enterprise involving Sizewell C and three international construction companies: Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke.

We are more than just an alliance, we are bringing together a single delivery organisation with years of learning and experience from other major complex infrastructure programmes worldwide.

What you'll be doing

The purpose of the role is: To establish, operate and manage all aspects of construction materials testing (Concrete, Earthworks, Aggregates, Grout) for the marine and tunnels, earthworks and MCA backfill packages.

Live the Project Values
• Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm
• Support the delivery of Sustainability activities
• Establishing and maintain safe methods of work for the materials team on site and in the laboratory
Plan and undertake inspection and testing on site and in the laboratory as required by the contract, identifying
and reporting areas of risk and opportunity immediately
• Maintain high standards of work and compliance with UKAS accreditation requirements
• Comply with the site quality system for the materials testing laboratory, including materials reporting
• Deliver results by deadlines as required by the contract and project teams
• Maintain equipment calibrations and notify the lab manager of any defects requiring attention
• Identifying, recording and reporting of Best Practice to project and offsite
• Producing summary compliance reports of material compliance as required by the contract
• Undertake audits of Laboratory Quality System on the project, and other contracts as required by agreed rotas
and ensure that identified findings are closed out
• Manage dispatch of samples to external test laboratories and review reports
• Daily allocation of testing resources
• Managing supplier test results as required by the contract
• Training and development of junior staff to ensure succession plan in place
• Manage expectations of materials team in regards to test result reporting and testing timescales
• Development of testing programmes for trials
• Executing trials and ongoing quality testing requirements as per agreed Specifications, Scopes or ITP's

Who we're looking for

Knowledge & Skills
Essential
• Knowledge of ISO 17025
• Good interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to collect, manage and present data in a clear manner
Desirable
• Knowledge of construction materials (Concrete, Grout, Earthworks, Aggregates, Asphalt)
• Desire for continuous improvement and development
• Quick learner
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office (particularly excel)
• Well organised

Qualifications & Experience
Essential
• Previous Experience of running a UKAS accredited laboratory
• Experience in Auditing, training and development of junior staff also required
• Minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Full UK driving License
Desirable
• SMSTS or SSSTS qualified
• Member of a professional institute
• Experience in training others
• Experience in reporting KPI's and reports to a timescale
• Experience managing a defined budget
• Experience of preparing and reviewing risk assessments and method statements.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow. 42 hours per week.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more

About us

Balfour Beatty's Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK's most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high-speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point C. Using the latest technology, we're driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering sustainable solutions that strengthen communities.

From consultancy and design, to all aspects of construction and maintenance. We have the proven expertise to deliver large-scale projects safely and successfully.

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

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:

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: