Engineering Manager – South West (Technical)

Location: Exeter
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Role

A regional, well-known housebuilder with over 50 years of success – and still growing – is looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to join their Technical team in the South West.

Reporting to the Technical Director, you’ll lead the engineering aspects of new developments, manage consultants, coordinate with internal teams, and ensure cost-effective, buildable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate potential development sites and prepare comprehensive technical reports, including on-site assessments with management teams.
• Develop engineering feasibility studies for land acquisitions, covering infrastructure, drainage strategies, foundations, retaining structures, cut and fill calculations, and underbuild considerations.
• Review geotechnical reports, drainage plans, and highways designs, providing guidance on foundation and structural engineering requirements.
• Implement sewer requisitions (S98) and create constraints plans to support efficient and practical site layouts.
• Collaborate with external consultants to develop initial drainage strategies.
• Coordinate external consultants through all design stages, from bidding and planning to detailed site working drawings.
• Evaluate roads, sewers, and external works to optimise buildability and ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Oversee utility management, including diversions, supply arrangements, and cost considerations prior to land and planning submissions.
• Participate in planning, pre-tender, and pre-start meetings as needed.
• Support the Land and Planning teams with pre-commencement activities and site surveys.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Construction/engineering-related further education (HNC/HND/Degree preferred)
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently or in a team
• Strong problem-solving abilities and ability to prioritise tasks
• Personable, hands-on, and positive approach
• IT skills: Word, Excel, Outlook
• Full UK driving licence

Benefits

• Salary circa £68,000, depending on experience
• Car allowance and option to join the Hybrid & Electric Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Annual bonus scheme
• 24 days holiday (increasing with length of service)
• Employee discount scheme
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual volunteering day

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Estimator

Location: Exeter (with travel to regional sites across Devon, Cornwall & Somerset)
Salary: £70,000 + £5,000 Car Allowance + Benefits
Type: Permanent

About the Role

We are working with a respected construction contractor specialising in restoration, refurbishment, new build and maintenance projects across the South West.

They are seeking an Estimator to join their Exeter-based team. You will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for projects ranging from £300k to £5m, supporting tender submissions, and working closely with senior management and project teams to drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for projects, including materials, labour, plant, and subcontractor costs.
• Analyse tender documentation and drawings to identify risks, opportunities, and scope requirements.
• Collaborate with project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure accurate pricing.
• Support bid submissions, value engineering exercises, and contract negotiations.
• Maintain and update estimating databases and cost records.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, health & safety regulations, and industry standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Construction Estimator, ideally in refurbishment, civil/structural, or M&E projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction techniques, cost planning, and tendering processes.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from £300k to £5m.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of liaising with clients, subcontractors, and project teams.

Package & Benefits

• Up to £70,000 per annum
• £5,000 car allowance
• Private medical cover
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Exeter (with travel to regional sites across Devon, Cornwall & Somerset)
Salary: £35,000–£40,000 + £5,000 Car Allowance + Benefits
Type: Permanent

About the Role

We are working with a respected construction contractor specialising in refurbishment, new build and maintenance projects across the South West.

They are seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join their Exeter-based team. You will support the senior QS team on a variety of projects, ensuring accurate cost management, measurement, and reporting across the company’s portfolio. The role includes office-based work as well as regular site visits across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates, bills of quantities, and tender documents.
• Support the monitoring of project budgets, forecasts, and cash flows.
• Prepare and submit valuations, progress reports, and cost analyses.
• Liaise with project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure accurate cost reporting.
• Assist in contract administration and variation management.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and health & safety standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• HNC in Quantity Surveying or related discipline (preferred).
• Competent using Microsoft Excel for cost tracking, reporting, and data analysis.
• Experience in construction projects, preferably across refurbishment, civil/structural, or M&E sectors.
• Strong organisational, communication, and numeracy skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Package & Benefits

• £35,000–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• £5,000 car allowance
• Private medical cover
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Job Title: Adoptions Manager

Location: Exeter, Devon
Salary: £60,000–£65,000 + benefits

We’re seeking an experienced Adoptions Manager to oversee the maintenance and adoption of estate roads, sewers, pumping stations, and public open spaces. You’ll play a key role in ensuring timely, cost-effective handovers, working closely with Engineering, Build, and Commercial teams to minimise delays and resolve barriers to adoption.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage adoption processes for highways, sewers, and public open spaces
• Liaise with local authorities, water companies, and other stakeholders
• Monitor and resolve legacy adoption issues
• Ensure compliance with Section Agreements (S38, S104, S278, etc.)
• Oversee inspections, surveys, and technical documentation
• Support Build and Commercial teams to deliver works to adoption standards

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in a similar role with a housing developer or Highway/Drainage Authority
• Strong knowledge of estate road and sewer construction & inspection
• Understanding of Highway and Water Industry standards
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Excel, and Word
• Civil Engineering qualification (Degree/HND/HNC) desirable

Benefits Include

• £60,000–£65,000 salary + bonus
• Company car/car allowance or travel allowance
• Private medical insurance
• Generous annual leave & pension scheme
• Life assurance and employee rewards portal

Next Steps

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please call Jo for a confidential chat on 07736 455560.

Sphere Solutions Ltd is a leading construction recruitment agency specialising in providing top-notch staffing solutions to the construction sector. With a strong presence in Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with the best construction job opportunities in these areas.

Adoptions Manager – Housing Development

Location: Exeter, Devon
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 – £63,000 + Benefits

Join an Award-Winning Housing Developer!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Adoptions Manager to join a well-established and award-winning housing developer in Exeter. This role is crucial in ensuring the adoption of estate completion infrastructure, including roads, sewers, and utilities, by the respective authorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct site inspections to assess infrastructure completion for public adoption.
• Monitor and manage Section Agreements (S38, S104, S111, S278).
• Liaise with Local Authorities and legal teams to resolve adoption-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with title deeds, maintenance bonds, and legal requirements.
• Assist in producing monthly estate completion reports and budget forecasts.
• Apply for Deed of Variations for S38 and S104 Agreements.
• Oversee certification applications and bond reductions.
• Attend site meetings with Authorities and report on adoption progress.
• Manage remedial works, ensuring completion through subcontractor coordination.
• Oversee streetlight supply contracts and renewals.
• Submit as-built plans, CCTV reports, and sewer requisition/diversion documentation.

About You:

✔ Proven experience in adoption and infrastructure within new-build housing estates.
✔ Strong understanding of S38, S278, and S104 Agreements.
✔ Familiarity with bonds, certificates, and legal processes.
✔ Experience working with a housing developer, consultancy, or local authority.
✔ HNC/Degree in Construction, Planning, or Engineering (advantageous).
✔ Full UK driving licence required.

What’s on Offer?

✔ Competitive Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum
✔ Car Package: Company car or car allowance
✔ 10% Company Bonus
✔ 26 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
✔ Pension Contribution: Up to 5%

How to Apply:

Contact Jo or Cat at 01752 421888
Apply via Sphere Solutions Ltd – a leading construction recruitment agency, connecting skilled professionals across Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton.

Take the next step in your career today!

Quantity Surveyor

Location: Exeter
Type: Permanent
Salary: £50,000-£60,000 + Package

Sphere Solutions are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor, ideally from a Civils/Groundworks background, to join a very successful sub-contractor based in Exeter with a market-leading presence in Devon, Cornwall & Somerset. Our client works with a number of housing developers and contractors across the region and, with several long-standing relationships, they have an extremely busy portfolio of work.

Duties will include:

• Produce Valuation matrices and Daywork schedules
• Review contract documentation and drawing issues to ensure all parties hold the correct information
• Produce a monthly application for payment to the client in line with the client’s calculation schedule
• Verify accurate payments for sub-contractors
• Be aware of all costs relating to all project spend
• Responsible for cost changes as a result of new drawings
• Liaise with the client to evaluate daywork before an order is raised
• Ensure all works are carried out in line with detailed procedures to achieve ISO/SMAS/CHAS/Achilles certification

The successful applicant should ideally be qualified to degree level or similar and have extensive experience within the construction industry, preferably within a groundworks or civil engineering background.

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

To Apply:

For an informal discussion please call Abbie Evans or Jo Lambert on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions are one of the South West & Wales market leaders in providing recruitment services to the built environment. With specialist consultants based in our regional offices (Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth, and St Austell), we fill vacancies daily with contractors, developers, civil engineers, and their supply chain, delivering high volume and quality candidates.

Planner – Construction

Location: Exeter (Site-Based)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Starting circa £85,000 + Benefits

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a site-based Planner to join a long-term, high-value construction project in Exeter.

Sphere Solutions is working in partnership with a leading Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Planner with 10+ years of experience to lead the planning function on a major multi-million-pound scheme. This is a pivotal role ensuring the project is delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish robust contract programmes from pre-construction through to handover
• Develop optimum working programmes covering design, procurement, enabling, construction, commissioning, and client milestones
• Identify potential risks and propose effective mitigation strategies

Project Manager – £15m+ New Build Lead

Location: Exeter
Salary: £75,000–£80,000 + Package

Are you the driving force behind landmark construction projects?
Do you thrive when leading from the front on high-value, complex new builds?

We’re looking for a Project Manager with a proven track record as the No.1 on-site lead for large-scale (£15m+) new build schemes. This is your opportunity to take ownership of a flagship project in Exeter — delivering excellence from ground-breaking to handover.

The Role

You’ll be the key figure on site, responsible for:

• Leading the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of the project.
• Driving a culture of health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence.
• Overseeing programming, resourcing, and subcontractor management.
• Protecting commercial interests through proactive contract management.
• Ensuring the scheme is delivered defect-free, on time, and within budget.

What We’re Looking For

• Experienced Project Manager with main contractor or large regional builder.
• Proven success delivering complex new builds £15m+ as No.1 lead.
• Strong commercial awareness, programming, and planning skills.
• Knowledge of UK building regs, H&S legislation, and NEC or JCT contracts.
• Degree or equivalent in Construction, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.

What’s on Offer

• £75,000–£80,000 DOE + car allowance/company vehicle.
• Generous holiday allowance (with option to buy more).
• Private medical, pension scheme, corporate discounts, Cycle to Work.
• The chance to deliver a landmark South West development you’ll be proud to put your name to.

Apply Now

Click below to apply, or for a confidential chat contact Jo at Sphere Solutions on 01752 421888.

About Sphere Solutions
Sphere Solutions is one of the South West & Wales market leaders in recruitment services to the built environment. With specialist consultants based in our regional offices (Bristol, Cardiff, Taunton, Gloucester, Plymouth, and St Austell), we fill vacancies daily with contractors, developers, civil engineers, and their supply chain with quality candidates.

Do you want me to also make a short, eye-catching LinkedIn version so it works better for scrolling audiences? That could grab more interest from busy PMs.

Estimator – Exeter

Salary: £70,000 + £7,000 Car Allowance + Bonus
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

Sphere Solutions is excited to partner with an award-winning housebuilder to recruit an Estimator for their dynamic commercial team. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high-performing business, driving the financial success of housing projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain estimating documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Update build costs based on current sign-offs.
• Collaborate with the Land & Sales team to develop land appraisals.
• Analyse site profitability, optimising layouts for cost and revenue.
• Undertake ad hoc measures and pricing responsibilities as required.

About You

• Relevant qualifications and/or experience in estimating.
• Experience in housebuilding and construction costs.
• Proficiency in software tools such as COINS and Bluebeam.
• Trainee, Assistant, or Junior Estimators with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Full UK driving licence required.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 (DOE).
• Car Allowance.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• 24 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Employee perks & discount scheme.
• Plus, more great benefits!

Site Manager – Ministry of Justice Refurbishment

Location: Exeter
Salary: Up to £60,000 + benefits
Start Date: ASAP

Are you an experienced Site Manager with a solid background in managing refurbishment projects? Do you have what it takes to deliver high-quality results on a secure and high-profile Ministry of Justice (MoJ) scheme?

We are working with a respected main contractor who is seeking a Site Manager to take the lead on a Ministry of Justice refurbishment project. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established business with a strong pipeline of public sector work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of the refurbishment site, ensuring works are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Coordination and supervision of subcontractors and site operatives.
• Maintaining site health and safety in line with legislation and company policies.
• Ensuring security protocols are followed on this secure site.
• Liaising with clients, design teams, and stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of the project.

Requirements:

• SMSTS, First Aid at Work, and a valid CSCS card.
• Must be able to pass Ministry of Justice security clearance.
• Proven experience delivering refurbishment projects – ideally within secure environments or public sector schemes.
• Background working with a Tier 1 or reputable Tier 2 main contractor.
• Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary up to £60,000, depending on experience.
• A secure, long-term opportunity with a respected contractor.
• The chance to work on meaningful and challenging projects within the justice sector.

Next Steps:

Please apply below as instructed or call Cat or Jo for an informal chat on 01752 421888.

Sphere Solutions is a leading construction recruitment agency, specialising in staffing solutions for the built environment. With offices across Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, and Truro, we connect top professionals with the best opportunities in construction, housebuilding, and civil engineering.