Find real world jobs you could do to Shape Your World

Stacey Botwood

I have been at Kier Living since 2013 where I started as a business administration apprentice and have since progressed to the role of apprentice coordinator.

Most days I visit sites to carry out reviews with our apprentices and make sure they are happy in their roles. This is the part of my job I love the most as no one day is the same, travelling to different sites and meeting different people. Being female, I never thought I would ever be working in the construction industry, but now that I am I can see there are so many different roles and a lot more females coming into the industry at high levels. For example, three of the directors at Kier Living Central are female!

Cherry Lisle

I’m the first point of contact for enquiries around the courses we provide and I am responsible for ensuring bookings are taken. I also work with our supply chain to arrange asbestos awareness courses.

Before each training course takes place, I make sure all relevant learner files are prepared and available to the participants. After the courses I then manage the payment process, sending out invoices and helping with any enquiries relating to this. I really enjoy working at the Gas Training Centre, the team are really supportive and have helped boost my confidence.

Joanne Concesso

My role as an Assistant Estimator is varied. It includes helping the Estimator put a cost together for a current project we are bidding for .It involves checking drawings, sending out enquiries for prices, comparing the prices when they come back and generally helping to get the job priced.

I enjoy it because even though some projects may be similar, there are always different aspects to the projects that we are pricing, which makes it really interesting. When we are successful with winning a project, its really great to visit the site and watch the project being built, and see it come alive. Very satisfying!

Zoe Morgan

I assist in placing orders and managing work packages at SA1. I’m a site based assistant Quantity Surveyor, and I have very good hands on practice as I’m able to work closely with design and operational staff.

I love my job because no day is the same! I work with intelligent people who I am constantly learning from.

Paul Leadbitter

I am responsible for managing a team that puts together all of the Housing Maintenance bids that we submit across the country. I coordinate activities, manage processes and make sure we constantly strive to be better at what we do.

There are different challenges in my role every day, and on every bid with no two days being the same. I am passionate about winning work for Kier and being able to put together solutions that satisfy the objectives of our clients.

Tony Roscoe

I head up a small team that aims to help improve health and safety behaviour in our business through the application of behavioural and cultural programmes

I love working with people (especially front line staff) in order to help to improve how we as an organisation operate. If we can engage with staff in order to improve how we operate, we start to create a culture of continuous improvement across the business.

Ben Castle

I’ve been working as a carpenter at Kier Living since November 2015. My favourite part of the role is getting the chance to carry out a wide variety of jobs on site.

While I do prefer some tasks more than others, it’s great that I’m getting the opportunity to develop and learn valuable new skills, which will help me in my career as well as outside the workplace. I’ve had great support from my colleagues, which has really helped me settle in as an apprentice. If I ever needed help or assistance, they are always more than happy to help.

Holly Pierson

I’m heavily involved in maintaining and improving Suffolk’s Highways, designing and redesigning bus stops, working with other colleagues on major schemes and working on my own projects around the country.

My favourite parts of the job are the new opportunities I get to experience, particularly designing on AutoCAD and going on site visits where I can learn from others. The thought that I’m making a difference to Suffolk’s economy gives me great pride. Knowing that the public will be benefiting from something that I have designed for years to come gives me great job satisfaction.

Madeleine Batchelor

I help keep employees engaged with the company, what it does and continues to do through internal communications. I also help produce content for external communications, for example, interviewing clients shortly after job completions for customer satisfaction videos. I also organise milestone celebration events for our clients, which involves liaising with the client and organising an event to celebrate whatever milestone the project has reached.

My role within the construction industry is surprisingly creative. There is more to this industry than just building and it’s my job to find out about everything else that goes on and share it with people in different creative ways. Whether this is through internal communications, newsletters, video, social media, blogs etc the possibilities are endless and it’s always fun thinking up new ways to engage my colleagues in what’s going on in the company.

Stewart Croft

I started working at Kier as an apprentice after I left St Francis Xavier School. I’m finding my apprenticeship really interesting and varied and a typical day for me usually consists of carrying out site inductions, attending progress review meetings with subcontractors and liaising with clients about the scheme’s management.

I also spend time working with other members of the project team to understand the various roles required to deliver projects. There’s a lot of competition for apprenticeship places but if you work hard and secure one you can learn so much.  I try to take in as much knowledge from the people around me as I can as each day is different within construction.

Tim Boardman

I am responsible for the safe and successful delivery of highway maintenance and improvement schemes within the wider ASC9 delivery programme. My schemes are predominantly structures on, under or over the motorway network mainly within the Birmingham Box Area (M6/M5/M42). Our schemes are focused on maintaining and improving the motorway network functionality for Highways England and the wider economy. We always strive to do this safely, enthusiastically and professionally in order to give our client a quality and reliable product and service.

Because I absolutely love this industry and have done for nearly 30 years. Every day is different, full of challenges and opportunities to learn or improve. Our people, logistics and planning are fundamental to the safe and successful delivery of our works and I relish the challenges that these all pose when delivering projects. We ultimately leave the asset in a safer, better and improved condition and this has benefits to the wider society and our country as a whole. As an industry we typically do this diligently, quietly and without fuss; which I personally find very rewarding.

Craig Garood

Construction contracts managers oversee projects from the start through to completion, ensuring that work is completed on time and within its budget. A contracts manager is sometimes in charge of a single scheme, or may look after several smaller ones.

Every day is different and every project is unique.Which means that I am actively problem solving and being creative.

Paul Fryer

I oversee all of our external online activities. From managing our website, social media and campaigns no two days are the same!

Working in such a diverse business allows me to get involved in a wide variety of marketing activities (from B2B to B2C). I never thought I’d end up visiting such awe inspiring projects wearing high-vis (like Crossrail and Mersey Gateway) when I first got into marketing!

Robert Toon

I manage the design process from inception of a project to completion. I work with and manage consultants to ensure a project is designed to client’s expectations, the correct building regulations and within the client’s budget.

I love working in a team and having a physical output to my work. From looking at a drawing on a page to seeing it built and transform the local area and peoples lives. Leaving a legacy is also a big plus!

Mica Latouche

I assist the development team in the evaluation and acquisition of sites. I also appraise and manage opportunities including the management of the development appraisal system throughout the bidding process. I regularly attend site for inspections and for site progress meetings with Project Managers and Development Managers.

I love my work because it is challenging, lucrative and it’s great to see final results of my work, particularly when every project is different. Additionally there are lots of networking opportunities to engage with other organisations.

Levi Elliot

The opportunities I have received through Kier have been endless. I have such a supportive contracts manager who has guided me throughout the process and continually encouraged me to progress. I would recommend the apprenticeship route into Facilities Management to anyone, and if I could offer any advice to someone just entering the industry then it would be that you can never ask too many questions. It shows just how keen you are to learn and fully understand the task ahead.

Becoming a qualified electrician helped broaden my opportunities and I am now an electrical supervisor for the electrical small projects team.

Andrew Staufenbiel

I assist with both the pre-construction and construction teams looking to address associated environmental risks on our projects. This includes; looking at risks within the ground before we even start building and helping sites to understand and manage risks throughout the construction phase (protecting & enhancing ecology/wildlife, waste management, etc). I travel across all of our offices and construction sites, providing ongoing support and visibility and I particularly enjoy managing the wide range of changing issues we face and the varied people I work with.

I have a strong interest in people and the environment, and believe that the construction industry has a huge part to play in protecting and enhancing the environment in which we all live.

Morgan Scale

My role involves ensuring the company is compliant with all banking and joint venture requirements. I support the development team on new transactions and acquisition. Also I monitoring and report on our key performance indicators (KPI’s), new business analysis and investments.

I enjoy my role because it allows me to gain a financial understanding across the whole business as well as on individual projects. Managing financial programmes helps me to be able to identify risks and key elements and help contribute to the overall success and profit of the company.

Ian Warren

I oversee the Design Management role in Kier’s Birmingham office which covers the West Midlands area. I also deal with the various consultants needed on our projects including Architects, Civil and Structural Engineers, M&E Consultants, Fire Consultants, Acoustic Consultants and more. I am involved at both at the pre-construction stage and construction stage of a project, so I get to see it starting and finishing.

I enjoy my role because we work locally and therefore we impact local communities. Also everyday is different, we work with different people, we work on different projects and sometimes we manage different challenges.

Vicky Squibb

I am the solicitor who has overall responsibility for the legal advice given or procured on property-related (and other commercial) matters for the Property and Living business units.

I drive and lead commercial property deals to conclusion within challenging time-frames in order to ensure the delivery of the necessary commercial outputs, whilst taking a balanced view as to risk. I appreciate that sounds a bit contrived, and possibly a bit dull (I am a lawyer, after all). In reality I help the team that I work with (who I very much like and respect) to solve problems which enables them to buy, develop and sell property in order to make profit for the Kier Group. I enjoy it because the team is great, the buildings we create are tangible and of a high quality, and I can see the part I play in our success.

David Mellows

I work with the planning team to develop construction programmes and methodology, from initial concept stage, though the tender and construction process to final completion of a project.

The great thing about planning is that you are involved in the project from start to finish and I work with many different departments and organisations all with the common goal of completing the project on time.

Tim Lacy

I help our Group and Property divisions deliver on their strategic SHEA (Safety, Health, Environment, Assurance) goals for Vision 2020. I do this through the development and application of SHE programmes. I help ensure that our business units remain compliant with all SHE related legislation and drive to deliver continuous SHE improvements.

I believe that good health and safety is vital for any business, so the management of health and safety is an important role that provides added value to any organisation. It is a technical function that utilises my professional training and experience. It is a challenging and varied role that provides job satisfaction, exposure to many other business functions, as well as a mix of activities at offices and sites.

Jamie Daniels

I look after Kier’s fleet vehicles on our TOR2 contract. From inspections, to services, to repairs; there’s not much I don’t do! I’ve always loved cars and I’d like to run the garage one day. My apprenticeship is helping me on my way to accomplishing this; I’ve already achieved my level two light vehicles and levels two and three heavy goods vehicles qualifications.

I’m well looked after – my team is a great bunch and Kier’s a good company to work for. I know an apprenticeship can seem scary, but everyone has been really helpful. The friendly environment has really brought me out of my shell, which has helped me in life as well as work.

Mark Austin

My role as innovation director is to engage with our people across the country, capture the great work we do, share that more widely and reward peoples ideas. This includes carrying out site visits, attending forums, starting one to one discussions using social media such as Yammer and LinkedIn.

I enjoy my role because I’m passionate about “making a difference” and developing people, sharing knowledge and looking forward collaboratively to help shape your world.

Kieran Jassal

I enjoyed the variety of work and learning that’s part of my apprenticeship. My work is not repetitive, each job is different. My mentor was very supportive, that we even developed a friendship out of work. I have felt part of a team and I enjoy the banter with my fellow work colleagues.

I leave for work about 6.50 so I can be on site ready to start work at 8am and my working day finishes at 4.30pm. I would initially work shadowing a joiner, but gradually I became experienced to work away on my own. I enjoyed the variety of skills I was learning as each day was different. My long term ambition would be to work towards management level and to become my own boss.

Paul Humphrey

I provide the link between the Group Marketing & Communications team and the operational businesses across our Construction Division. I advise on producing impact provoking marketing such as brochures, videos, tweets and blogs which support them in achieving their strategic goals within our Vision 2020 five year growth plan.

We build iconic bridges, hospitals, schools, offices, retail parks and leisure facilities which make our world a better place to live and work in. So I love to capture and share the technical skills our people have in designing and constructing these large scale projects. Then once a project is completed the pride when it is handed over to a delighted client by recording all this for use on our social and digital platforms or in print.

Jason Taylor

I oversee the regional Construction Business within South Wales. I am responsible for leading the delivery of business development, work winning, construction and aftercare of the buildings we create. in South Wales. I have the pleasure of leading around 94 staff who deliver around £100m worth of contracts per year.

Its a real pleasure to create buildings and improve local communities and leave a lasting legacy, where we work, live and play. To see our staff grow and develop and achieve the best of their abilities is always a pleasure.

Laura Negus

In my role as Personal Assistant, I assist Rob Gray, a Technical Services Director within Kier, with every day responsibilities including diary and calendar management as well as supporting his senior management team to support and deliver the best possible service to our clients and various jobs within the business. As well as a P.A. I am a Social Impact Manager, where as part of the Scape Framework, I ensure the delivery of social impact across all projects led by our Kier Workplace Services South team. This includes liaising with various public bodies and organisations to capture and evidence all activities, assist in implementing the apprenticeship programme, arrange work experience with locals schools across the UK, conduct Health and Safety talks in Schools and record all the professional development across the team.

I really enjoy the two roles I carry out as my duties and responsibilities are constantly changing and adapting creating a challenging environment which is something I thrive on and I find allows me to do the best I can. Working with a great team is a welcomed bonus as I enjoy working with them every day without a dull moment insight.

Helene Lubineau

My role consists of creating and monitoring the construction and contract programme on sites, currently I am working on two projects in Cambridge. I regularly communicate with the site team regarding the key construction, procurement and design activities. I record and report the progress on site, both  internally and externally. I also adapt the construction programme to optimize or mitigate if there is any changes in the process. I help to look forward and assist the team to plan the next activities.

I love this job as you are involved with and aware of everything regarding the site, communicate with all the subcontractors and every members of your team including the design, procurement, pre-construction and operational teams. As the planning team is generally very small, typically a planner and sometimes an assistant planner, you are a key element on site. As a planner you work closely with the project manager and assist them in order to help deliver the project on time. The planner role gives you a very multidisciplinary approach of the construction phase with programmed targets to reach, which is why I find it enjoyable.

Andrew Freeman

Natalie Beech

I joined Kier in 2013 initially as a logistic technician apprentice. I was really pleased to be recognised for my work on that apprenticeship – I was nominated for the Rising Star award at Kier and I was also invited to London to meet Prince Andrew as part of an event to celebrate and promote apprenticeship schemes. I recently had the opportunity to become a plumbing apprentice, which I took with both hands.

So far I’ve learnt how to complete first fix, carry out repairs and maintenance, bathroom renewal and much more. I’m keen to keep learning and enjoy a variety of work at both Kier and College. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and furthering my career.

Shahab Ahmad

I undertake due diligence and review all technical matters on project with the design team. (including pre-con, construction and post-construction).

Development and construction is so varied and diverse there is always the opportunity to personally grow and develop your experience. Whilst you go through the same broad processes on most schemes; every project is different and has its own unique issues, often completely unpredictable, which always challenges you. After going through all the work of buying a site, developing a scheme, getting planning consent and appointing a contractor (which can all take years) there is huge satisfaction is actually seeing contractors on site and building something.

Terri Baker

My role involves preparing tender documents to a high standard, co-ordinating with the Framework/Bid Manager and wider design team. Co-ordinating and managing KPIs across all Kier offices for a major client, providing training and guidance and being a main point of contact. Writing, creating and editing documents for internal and external use, including marketing brochures, newsletters, presentations and case studies.

I enjoy my role as not only do I love writing and editing, but I also love learning new things and every week I am given new opportunities to learn.

Jacob Austin

I’m currently managing the budget for a £18 million new hospital for children, young adults and families with mental health problems. The job involves buying packages of work from local tradespeople and valuing their work as they complete it, paying them for their work, and charging the client for what has been completed. It involves use of maths skills, and practical knowledge of building.

In my role no two days are the same as the work on site continually changes and brings new challenges. I get to see how everything is done and to meet lots of different people. I’m not stuck in an office all day every day and it’s great to be challenged.

Rachel Lindsey

I recruit for the Kier Highways business, filling vacancies across the UK. To recruit I use a number of methods including advertising, head hunting and following up referrals. LinkedIn and job boards play a huge part in my job, along with regularly speaking with candidates, hiring managers and recruitment agencies.

I enjoy the fast paced aspect of recruitment and working on a variety of different vacancies at any one time. I find the job satisfying, knowing that I have helped source new talent for the business, as well as finding the right career opportunity for a candidate.

Andy Boutle

My role involves a very wide and broad range of activities and functions. BIM is about modernising project delivery and cultivating more collaborative integrated teams, using technology and improved processes to harness efficiencies. The focus of BIM is more in data and better information management, which requires a cultural and behavioral change to the way we work traditionally, as industry shifts into the digital world.

My role is incredibly challenging as it involves winning hearts and minds working towards a collaborative BIM environment. The successes along the way are incredibly rewarding. In this role you are always looking ahead at the cutting edge of technology, processes and behaviors.

Sharon Mitchell

My role involves working on business Improvement across the Property division. This means managing all elements of marketing, media, PR, business development, customer engagement, cross-selling, award submissions. I engaging with the rest of the Kier Property team and the wider Kier Group business to generate opportunities.

My role is varied and rewarding. My role has changed over the years in terms of divisions, strategy and project delivery. I have managed and interacted with a number of different teams over the years to encourage forward thinking, working towards a common goal of improved working, working collaboratively and enthusiastically.

Philip Lavelle

I manage a whole team of people to ensure that a major construction project is delivered safely, in budget on time and walk away with a very satisfied customer. My job gives me autonomy and the freedom to innovate and look at new ways of doing things. The people are the most important thing on any project and successful teams are not created by accident they require a plan and a strategy.

I love my role because of the autonomy it gives me to in effect run my own business and gives me variety as no two days are ever the same. I enjoy good communication with all my team and like the fact that at the end of each day I can actually see what has been achieved.

Steve Musson

Kier has also given me other opportunities in operations, design and managing packages from pre-construction through to handover.

With the exposure and opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to have with Kier, I have gained the skills needed to manage the handover of a £80 million project and project manage a fit out in London. A typical working day for me consists of liaising with the pre-construction team and subcontractors to ensure everyone has the materials and information needed to build the project to schedule. My favourite is handing over the project to the client, ensuring they are happy with the work.

Michael Simmonds

My role involves the implementation of our health, safety and environmental action plan by monitoring and mentoring other employees in our offices and on our projects in the central region.

I am passionate about my role because I have always loved the building of anything and when in the world of safety, it makes you feel that you are making a difference and assuring the safety of everyone on site. It is a very interesting career because you get to see how buildings are constructed from the ground up to the roof. It is a demanding job but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, as the satisfaction you get when a project is handed over on time, on budget and with no accidents is a good feeling. I would recommend any young person as it gives you a satisfying feeling at the end of each day.

Brandon Wood

I’m 18 years old and have been working with Kier for six months. I’m currently working on the Bitterne Park School project in Southampton as a site team apprentice. My role on this project is assisting the site management team in delivering the build.

My favourite part of the job is getting to meet all the different people involved in a project and seeing how they play a part in the construction work, as well as the planning that goes with it. I really enjoy being part of the construction team, learning from my colleagues and getting to experience different stages of the project.

Helen Pitman

I support the Corporate Communications team and its director. This could be anything from arranging a meeting for 2 people to an event for 250 people! In basic terms I am here to keep things running as smoothly as possible for the team day-to-day. I am based in Tempsford Hall, but sometimes I travel to work from our office in London.

I love working with people and this job means I can work closely with IT, HR and Finance as well as my own team. I particularly enjoy the variety of tasks within my role and the fact that no two days are ever the same. Kier is a great place to work and offers lots of opportunities to develop whatever your role.

Robert Stocker

As a trainee engineer, my job role varies depending on the situation i am in. As a part of the Kier Foundation Degree programme we are recommended to move around various departments in order to gain a better understanding of the company and how it operates. Currently i am working in pre-construction BIM at Tempsford where my role consist of supporting a number of departments within a project by setting up design documents, creating scopes, working with consultants and producing 3D models to provide visual aid. Prior to this i worked as a site engineer at Farringdon where i was exposed to a number of different jobs and activities, some of which were setting out, training apprentices, working with contractors and more.

I do what i do because i have an interested in learning new skills and having responsibilities. It allows me to gain a degree while gaining vital experience to help me push my career further. It also gives a sense of pride and achievement when you have worked on a project and have seen it grow from a design into a functional building. i also enjoy it because i have the opportunity to travel with my work and see and experience new things that i would not have normally had the opportunity to see, whether that be with university or travelling on a work basis.

Ian Brumskill

I joined Kier as an apprentice when I was 20 and I’ve been working on our project to redevelop Chester Theatre since February 2016.

My main responsibilities on site consist of supervising subcontractors on site, making sure the work is on schedule, and making sure all required materials are available when needed.  I also carry out quality assurance on the project and carry out site inductions for visitors. I supervise a number of site tours every week in addition to walking round with my mentors to identify which jobs need to be completed. Kier has invested a lot of time in helping me develop and I’m extremely appreciative of that.

Lewis Scott

I joined Kier in August 2014 and I love it. I like that each day is differently and I’m constantly learning new things. I enjoy interacting with the different workers on site too – I look forward to coming into work every day.

A typical day for me on site involves managing our supply chain and materials, as well as ensuring health and safety standards are always being maintained.  I also spend time shadowing the site managers and giving inductions to visitors. I’m currently studying for my NVQ Level 3 in construction alongside my work on site. In the future I would like to become a site manager and maybe explore construction overseas.