Associate​/Project Specialist

About The Role

Job Title:

Associate / Project Support Specialist

Location:

Derby or Leeds

Company:
Balfour Beatty - Balvac

Balvac is a specialist contractor delivering complex structural strengthening, refurbishment, and asset life‑extension projects across the UK. Trusted to operate where safety, quality, and technical excellence matter most, Balvac works across highways, bridges, marine and critical infrastructure. As part of the Balfour Beatty Group, Balvac combines specialist expertise with the strength, scale, and stability of a major infrastructure organisation.

We are seeking a high‑calibre Associate to work closely with the Balvac Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This is a pivotal, business‑wide role providing capacity, focus, and delivery support across Pre‑Construction, Technical Services, Operations, Commercial, and Business Development. You will lead and support strategically important projects, governance activities, communications, and commercial processes—playing a key role in shaping how Balvac operates and grows.

• Lead and support defined projects and governance activities across the Balvac business
• Support the Managing Director and SLT in delivery, reporting, and strategic initiatives
• Manage delivery and reporting of cross‑business projects in line with business controls
• Lead and support business communications, including development of social media presence
• Review market intelligence, competitor activity, and industry news to identify opportunities
• Lead/support Scape Framework compliance and best practice
• Lead/support Supplier Questionnaires (SQs), PQQs, and vendor accreditations (including Construction line)
• Manage CRM systems and Digital GBL processes
• Provide commercial support at GBL stages 1–4, including initial contract reviews
• Manage and support Balvac and Testal Administrators
• Facilitate SLT meetings and support employee engagement events
• Support marketing, brand development, and business growth initiatives

You’ll be commercially astute, confident working at senior level, and comfortable operating across multiple business functions.

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with Directors and senior stakeholders
• Degree educated in a business or professional discipline
• Experience in an operational management or leadership role within a large organisation
• Demonstrated delivery of complex projects and strategic initiatives
• Strong analytical and commercial judgement skills
• Advanced IT capability, particularly Excel and management information reporting

• Smart thinking – strong business and commercial judgement
• Drive – self‑starter mentality with determination to deliver results
• Agility – adaptable, energised by change, quick to learn
• Influence – able to win hearts and minds at all levels
• Collaboration – values teamwork and shared success
• Change leadership – confident leading improvement and transformation
• Business acumen – strong understanding of markets, customers, and competitors

• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making
• A unique, business‑wide role with real influence
• Work on complex, high‑profile infrastructure projects
• Career development within Balvac and the wider Balfour Beatty Group
• Competitive salary and benefits package

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 proud of the Balfour Beatty Academy. Whether it’s sharpening your technical expertise, improving your personal skills or seeking support to become professionally qualified, our 70:20:10
* approach to development means we have a learning approach that suits everyone.

• 70% learning on the job, 20% learning from those around you, and 10% formal training courses and learning events.

For further information about Balfour Beatty please go to