Meet our people

Meet Charlotte, a Commercial Change Manager at Costain. Charlotte is a tunnelling specialist who has been delivering rail and water tunnel infrastructure on major projects across the UK, and recently won the European Women in Construction Awards (WICE) award for Best Woman in Tunnelling and Underground Construction.

Meet Bruce, our experienced and successful transmission director.

What led you to a career at Costain?

"My background has always been related to UK power transmission and distribution, and I knew Costain due to its involvement in major infrastructure projects in transportation, defence, energy, and water. I have always been impressed by Costain’s tremendous reputation in high value engineering, together with its emphasis on sustainability, safety, and digital transformation, so joining Costain was an easy decision!

"As well as its well-deserved reputation, my knowledge and experience aligned perfectly with the company’s growth in the energy connectivity market. I felt I had a great opportunity to make an impact, leading and working in an environment that values technical excellence as well as long-term societal benefits. I also felt that my passion and skills fitted well with Costain’s culture and strategic focus on growth in strong markets.”

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives?

"While my job title - transmission director - may sound technical, the outcome of my team’s work has far-reaching societal impact. Our work helps to keep people’s homes and businesses powered, while also supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions.

"I’m responsible for leading the design and execution of complex, high-voltage transmission and distribution projects that enable a low-carbon future and ensure the safe and efficient flow of electricity. One of my key areas of focus is delivering projects that enable green energy to reach the National Grid, strengthening national energy resilience, and creating jobs and prosperity in the communities we work in.

"We do this while driving efficiency, harnessing innovation and developing sustainable engineering practices, and Costain’s approach to production thinking, which combines modern methods of construction with new technologies and materials, is playing an important part in making that happen."

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?

"One of the professional achievements I’m most proud of is leading the successful delivery of a major transmission infrastructure programme through the pandemic, which included working for more than three years without any loss time injuries or incidents."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?

"It’s the people! Costain has some amazing people with a truly impressive variety of skills, knowledge and backgrounds. This means that when we work together, the sky is our limit."

What have you learned during your time at Costain?

"Costain’s leadership is very focused and hands-on. They know and understand their people, and there’s clear strategic direction right across the business. It’s also obvious to me just how important sustainability is to the company, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions and driving a nature positive approach across all our projects."

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?

"Take time to understand the organisation and its values and always remember to prioritise safety and compliance while owning your own development."

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.

Meet Ollie, our head of process engineering and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

In addition to his role as head of process engineering at Costain, Ollie is co-founder of the Association of Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers. He graduated with a BEng in chemical process engineering with fuel technology from the University of Sheffield in 1999 and then earned a PhD in the environmental impact of fuels combustion from the University of Leeds in 2002, authoring five international publications in the field of combustion and engineering. 

What led you to a career at Costain?

"I had been familiar with Costain for many years, and knew a number of people at Costain. . A friend brought to my attention a LinkedIn opportunity for a role similar to my position at Optimus Plus, part of the PD&MS Group, and encouraged me to apply. 

"My interview experience left a positive impression due to the diverse range of work available and the clear potential for growth as both a technical expert and a people-oriented leader. I also noted the significant number of employees who had been with the business for many years, which further solidified my interest.

"I ultimately joined Costain based on its reputation for sound engineering and its commitment to providing opportunities for professional development and advancement."

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives?

"I often say that engineers are the midwives of sustainability; none of the UN’s sustainable development goals can be delivered without us. As head of process engineering, my primary focus is on designing and modifying systems that enhance production, ensure safety, and maintain access to essential resources for daily life. Innovation is paramount to our objectives, and through successful initiatives in extending the lifespan of aging plants, decarbonising energy production, and developing green technologies, I, along with my colleagues in Costain’s engineering services team, am actively contributing to energy security, affordability, and the energy transition, all of which are directly linked to sustainable development and thriving societies."

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?

"It's not just a singular moment that stands out to me; rather, it's the culmination of a series of significant growth steps that have shaped my journey. Each experience has contributed to my ability to deliver on a wide range of engineering projects in power generation, in gas processing, refining, offshore production and process and more recently with green projects."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?

"I greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with my team members, each of whom contributes their distinct perspectives and talents. I am also grateful for the supportive colleagues within the company who consistently offer valuable advice and assistance."

What have you learned during your time at Costain?

"Costain is a company that values everyone and is dedicated to exploring everyone's potential. Senior leaders understand the importance of investing time in their people, recognising that a rising tide lifts all boats. When everyone truly maximises their potential, it benefits the entire organisation."

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?

"Success is as much about the 5-9 as it is about the 9-5."

Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.

Meet Georgia, a design manager, Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the ICE. From starting in the rail sector on HS2, she's currently working at Heathrow as part of our Integrated Transport sector.

What led you to your career at Costain?  

"I initially applied for a role as a constructability engineer in the rail consultancy team, as having such an influence at the pre-construction stage really interested me. This only grew when I met a few of the team during the interview stage, and I was excited to have the opportunity to do something different."  

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives? 

"My main role has been at Heathrow Airport, where we have been commissioned to collaboratively shape, create and deliver asset renewal and construction projects. The role brings a unique opportunity to work with thousands of people and ensure that what we are delivering caters to everybody’s needs. It's important the airport is accessible to all.  

"In addition, I was the project leader for a project Costain has undertaken with the Royal Academy of Engineering called the Inclusive Leadership Programme. This has been really impactful for me as we looked at the role of introversion, gender and ethnicity within the business and how we can ensure we are supporting people’s development, including creating spaces for people to communicate in the way that suits them best." 

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? 

"I would say being the youngest woman to achieve ICE Fellowship. Alongside my engineering role, I passionately believe that inclusive cultures should be embedded within the industry, not just so we’re creating environments for people to thrive at work, but also in the products and services we provide. There is a traditional way we look at engineering and it feels empowering to change the narrative." 

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?  

"There is a culture of flexibility and willingness of people to help and support you. Whether that is an idea or project you want to work on, there is a genuine desire from colleagues to support and grow that into a real opportunity."   

What have you learned / what has inspired you during your time at Costain? 

"The employee-led REACH (Religion, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) network has been my opportunity to connect with so many others around the business, and being able to co-chair the network has been such a great opportunity. I have been able to learn so much about other cultures and religions.  

"Although I belong to a group that’s underrepresented across the industry, it gives me the opportunity to also learn from others and be an advocate and ally for other groups too."  

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career? 

"Don’t wait for opportunities to be presented to you, sometimes you need to be able to say what you would like and find opportunities to make it happen. It doesn’t happen overnight but it is important you keep moving in the direction you see yourself in the future. And if it doesn’t work, just do something different and keep going."  

Connect with Georgia on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.

Meet Richard Paddey, our customer and community lead in our roads sector. Richard joined Costain after 20 years in the public sector. 

What led you to your career at Costain?  

"Having enjoyed a career in the public sector for more than 20 years, where I held roles with both the NHS and the police, I wanted to pursue a new challenge that still meant I could work with the community.  

"I had always worked in customer and community-facing environments, and I wanted to use my skills and experience to help make a real difference in a new environment. Whether it’s building a new road or making the UK’s water systems more resilient, Costain helps improve people’s lives through its work, which is why it was the perfect choice. 

"12 years on, I can say that was the right decision. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here at Costain and look forward to the future within this great business. 

"Community is very important to me and it’s great that I’ve found a profession that aligns with my values. In my personal life, I’m a trustee at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield, and I’m also a trustee for the Victoria Cross Trust, which works tirelessly to ensure the memory and graves of every recipient of the Victoria Cross are remembered and maintained for generations to come."  

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives? 

"I’m extremely proud to head up the customer and community team within Costain’s roads sector. Having the ability to improve people’s lives and create positive legacy in the areas that we operate is a real privilege to me, personally, and professionally.   

"From one-off gestures of good will to structured long-term community initiatives, my team and I work hard to make a real difference for our customers and the communities we serve.  It’s rewarding to know that you are making a difference through your job and the recognition from the public and our customers makes it all worthwhile. 

"Our commitment to our customers and the community is well documented and aligns with our vision of creating connected, sustainable infrastructure enabling people and the planet to thrive." 

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? 

"National Highways, supported by the Connected Places Catapult, launched a competition to identify innovative technologies designed to improve people’s experiences of roadworks.  Being part of the project board and mentoring a group of outstanding specialist and technical experts was a privilege that showed how complex, often intangible infrastructure problems can be solved with a clever blend of cutting-edge technology and deep industry knowledge. 

"At the top of the list, however, would be transforming the life of one very special person with autism. Not only has this intervention completely changed the future for this individual, but it’s also provided hope to thousands of other families in similar situations." 

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?  

"I’m immensely proud to work for Costain, which really does care about its people, its customers, and the communities it serves.  

"Being surrounded by incredibly talented and like-minded professionals who really want to make a difference is fantastic, and the opportunities to develop and progress are outstanding.  

"Costain actively encourages people to push the boundaries to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions, and that’s exactly what my team and I feel empowered to do every day! " 

What has inspired you during your time at Costain? 

"Since joining Costain, I don’t think a single day has passed by without me feeling inspired by those around me. 

"Our teams are truly remarkable, from those setting out in early careers roles right through to our senior leadership team and exec board.  

"Costain has a ‘one team’ approach, with a fantastic culture, and a desire to ‘do the right thing’, which fits perfectly with my personal and professional values." 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career? 

"It’s important to focus on what experiences and capability you can bring to the role and not the job title or industry you are coming from.  Your career is all about you! It’s about following your dreams and doing what motivates you, and the only person that can make that happen is you. Be the best version of yourself, believe in your abilities and remember, everyone started somewhere!  

"Be curious, and never be afraid of asking questions, or making mistakes - we’re all human!    

"Good luck, own your future, and enjoy the adventure!" 

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.

Meet Bryan Williams, our framework lead for Anglian water.

Bryan joined Costain straight after leaving school and has experienced multiple projects and sectors at Costain.

What led you to your career at Costain?  

"I joined Costain just over 20 years ago after doing work experience and seeing first-hand the cranes at the construction site at St Pancras Station. When I saw just how complex the project was, I knew I wanted to get into construction to find out more. After doing a bit of research, I found out about Costain and its track record of improving people’s lives, as well as its development program for new people joining the industry. I subsequently joined Costain after leaving school and I have not looked back." 

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives? 

"I have worked on several major projects during my time at Costain and all of them have improved people’s lives. Projects like Thames Tideway, which is already cleaning up the River Thames and will leave a legacy for the next 150 years; or building new stations on the London Underground to help people who require step-free access across the network; or working with National Highways to reduce the traffic flows around the M25 and helping people get to their destinations. I’ve recently taken on a role as the framework lead for Anglian Water and the Strategic Pipeline Alliance. This is a really exciting opportunity for us to help Anglian tackle water scarcity in one of the driest parts of the country, and I’m looking forward to helping where I can. 

"The thing I enjoy most is volunteering and giving something back to the local community of the construction sites I work on."

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?

"My biggest success is being one of the youngest in the industry to achieve Fellowship for the Chartered Institution of Building (FCIOB) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE). 
I'm passionate about the need to support and empower people to believe in themselves, as this is what I have needed to do to achieve these Fellowships through the apprenticeship route. 

"I am involved in Costain’s Front-line Supervisors Gateway Programme – a career development programme that is seeing frontline supervisors getting Chartered status, which is a step change in the time I’ve been working in the profession - previously frontline workers would not have been interested in further development or additional qualifications. It’s great that people are taking the opportunities to develop when presented to them."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?

"21 years is not a typical length of time that people would stay with a company! Costain is like a family - everyone is supportive to each other and it’s an environment where people can be at their best. I know from my own experience that I have been given the space to develop and push on to the next stage of my career." 

What has inspired you during your time at Costain?

"Over the time I have worked for Costain I often reflect on the amazing and talented people we have within the business. From new starters to the CEO, everyone has a drive to operate at the next level, everyone feels valued, and there are lots of networks help people support each other. I am also continually inspired by the complex projects that we deliver – whether it be Thames Tideway, upgrading London Bridge station, our work on HS2 as part of the SCS JV, or the great things we’re doing with our water clients on AMP8, these are major, complex engineering programmes that carry the wow factor." 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?

"The final goal is within your gift - just keep the passion and you will get to where you need to be. One of the great things about a career in construction is that if you are ever unsure about what you’re doing, there are always other roles to try and experience. Many years ago, I started out as a land surveyor and soon realised this wasn’t quite for me – after speaking to my line manager I changed roles and 18 years later I am here as a construction director." 

Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.

Meet Molly, an apprentice civil and structural engineer who joined Costain in August 2021.

What led you to your career at Costain?  

"Coming out of college, I was set on a degree apprenticeship but open to possibilities. My A-levels in Maths, Geography, and 3D Design sparked my interest in engineering, as I saw a clear connection between my skills and the different opportunities within the field. This led me to research different engineering disciplines and organisations to find the right fit for me. From there, I secured a place on the Costain apprentice programme and haven’t looked back." 

How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives? Please include an example of a specific project or initiative that you’ve been involved in and the difference it has made. 

"In my role as co-chair of the GRaAPS (Graduates and Apprentices) network, I've directly contributed to improving the experience and development of our early careers’ talent.  This initiative has significantly helped to build a more cohesive and supportive community, ensuring our colleagues feel more connected and empowered to thrive, both professionally and socially, during these crucial early stages of their careers." 

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? Examples include a person/team you have helped develop, an environmental or social impact achievement or a delivery performance target that was achieved above and beyond expectations.  

"My biggest professional achievement to date is winning the CARES national award for my contributions during Constructionarium. This week-long course provided a critical foundation in construction and communication skills within a live site environment. It was a huge honour to be nominated by my university, selected from 80 students in my class, and to ultimately  win this national award, competing against over 50 universities. Accepting this award was a pivotal moment; it not only validated my initial skills but also significantly increased  my self-confidence."  

"I am now working alongside a Costain site team on the Gallows Corner project, as a design site representative. I don’t think this would’ve been possible if I hadn’t built my confidence from participating in activities such as the Constructionarium work." 

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?  

"I enjoy the constant opportunity for new experiences and learning. My apprenticeship has been incredibly valuable in providing a fresh perspective on problem-solving, teaching me different ways to approach challenges. I'm also genuinely grateful for the support I've received throughout this journey, which has been key to my development." 

What have you learned / what has inspired you during your time at Costain? 

"All my colleagues inspire me everyday with the different projects they’re managing and the way they treat others. I am so proud to be a part of a company that not only has one of the best reputations in the industry but continues to produce best in class delivery and large-scale projects all around the UK." 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career? 

I think I would have to say to try everything. If an opportunity comes your way, take it, even if you don’t feel like you can do it. Keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone because you will thank yourself for it in the future! 

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our early career opportunities.

Meet Cameron, a quality engineer in our defence and nuclear energy sector.

Cameron believes that the role of quality professionals is to make people think about getting things right first time.

Meet Amy, a project engineering manager in our defence and nuclear energy sector.

With a background in electrical engineering, she's supporting the customer to deliver high value, complex infrastructure projects on their operating site.

Meet Ella, an Apprentice Project Controls Engineer in our defence and nuclear energy sector.

Ella is in the process of working towards a degree in Project Controls and is an active member of our Graduate and Apprentice Network.

Meet Ben, a project manager in our defence and nuclear energy sector.

Ben joined the construction industry after serving in the military and has worked across power, oil and gas, water and is now supporting clients in the nuclear energy sector.

Meet Jordan, an experienced Project Director working in our Integrated Transport sector. 

Jordan believes the power of Costain's collaborative culture allows her team to solve complex infrastructure problems efficiently and safely.