Meet our people

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 Sanna, a senior engineer working in our transportation division.

What led you to your career at Costain?

"Being an East Londoner, I witnessed the construction of the London 2012 Olympics site. It was a fantastic development project and I was struck by the engineering skills that were evident on a daily basis. 

"I felt inspired into a career in Engineering so completed an internship with a design-led engineering company. Once I had started my apprenticeship with them, I knew I wanted to understand how a design comes to life, so I decided to join Costain in 2019 as an Apprentice Site Engineer, to complete my apprenticeship. 

"Costain caught my attention based on the variety of significant engineering projects they were working on, ranging from nuclear to rail to water. I had experience on the Tideway Project and Costain had a role available for an apprentice site engineer on the East Section of the project, so it felt like the right move and opportunity to bring the design I was working on to life."

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

"Engineers have a crucial role in improving people's lives. In addition to working on Tideway, I have been lucky enough to work on a refurbishment project on Southern’s Water Framework at Burham, a clean water site supplying Kent. I worked on delivering the first refurbishment of the Granular Activated Carbon tanks as part of the critical remedial works required to the critical water infrastructure. The work is integral to ensuring Southern Water’s millions of customers have use of a clean, reliable water supply."

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?

"Completing my BEng and MSc in Construction Management with first-class honours, all during a part-time study and whilst working on some very challenging packages of work such as on Tideway – notably the construction of the Combined Sewer Outflow at Greenwich Pumping Station.

"I have also been heavily involved with STEM initiatives showcasing the apprenticeship route as well as a career in Engineering – over the years I have been awarded many apprenticeship awards as well as sharing the stage with the Mayor of London discussing the need for investment in apprenticeships."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?

"Costain has a vast number of development programmes that you can enrol in, helping you excel, grow and develop your career, and I have relished the opportunities I’ve been given to develop on a professional and personal level.

"I completed Costain’s Empowerment Programme in 2024 which focused on how to reflect and lean into strengths at work. We also learnt from industry senior leaders in and outside Costain on how to navigate challenges and as a result, I’ve built a strong network of like-minded individuals.

"Costain also encourages you to transfer between sectors, allowing you to apply the skills you have gained from one project to another. The water projects I have been involved in - including Tideway and Southern Water’s CMDP Framework – have posed intricate design challenges. which have stood me in good stead for my current role in the Integrated Transport sector, where I am working on the refurbishment of an existing fly-over bridge in Essex."

What have you learned during your time at Costain?

"There are so many opportunities Costain has to offer across sectors and teams. Whether it be in engineering, project controls, delivery, or consultancy - there will always be a role within Costain that can be best suited to someone's career goals and aspirations.

"Costain deliver several critical national infrastructure projects which mean there is a continuous need to help deliver innovative solutions. As someone who comes from an under-represented group within the industry, this allows me to showcase my role and career into engineering, as well as the apprenticeship route."

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

"Look at the different career paths into engineering. The apprenticeship route was best suited to me as I have always been a practical person with visual learning, and it provided both practical learning during my site-based role and technical learning at university – it was the best of both worlds.

"I would also urge you to use your team to expand your knowledge and understanding, whether that be in the office or on-site. There is also no such thing as a silly question!"

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

Meet Andrew, a senior decarbonisation consultant in our transport sector. Andrew specialises in delivering infrastructure that's more sustainable, efficient and beneficial to local communities.

What led you to your career at Costain? 

"My career in construction began as a site labourer before later starting a carpentry apprenticeship. While working on various large timber frame projects, I developed a strong fascination for structural engineering principles, which subsequently led me to acquire an academic understanding. Without A-levels, I was able to pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) at the University of South Wales, as a pathway to a BSc in Civil and Structural Engineering. That later led me to obtain a work experience opportunity in Swansea, close to where I live. This experience inspired me to pursue a career within Costain, and after a period of work experience, I was accepted onto Costain’s graduate scheme." 

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

"Drawing on my construction background, technical expertise, and PhD in low-carbon concrete, my role as a senior decarbonisation & constructability consultant enables me to influence infrastructure outcomes. Operating within the early contractor involvement phase, I apply PAS 2080 principles, the leading standard for carbon management achieved by Costain, to drive down carbon usage on a project while ensuring that proposed solutions are practical, buildable, and resource-efficient.

"By integrating decarbonisation and constructability principles, I help deliver infrastructure that’s more sustainable, efficient, and beneficial to the communities it serves." 

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? 

"Whilst working in London for several years on Costain’s projects supporting the delivery of London Bridge Station and Crossrail, I was still studying my masters in South Wales. For two years, I had to travel back weekly to attend lectures, which was challenging but ultimately rewarding to combine working on these fascinating projects and completing my studies. 

"More recently, I was delighted to complete my PhD in low-carbon concrete while balancing a busy work and family life, including raising a baby, teaching, and renovating a new house."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?  

"The opportunity to make a real impact, combining innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to shape and improve infrastructure across the UK."

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

"Being part of a forward-thinking team that values both technical excellence and purpose-driven outcomes is incredibly rewarding. 

"I have also significantly developed my professional skillset. Costain has supported my growth, first from a hands-on construction labourer to undertaking advanced research, and now into a role where I influence early-stage decisions that support constructability and a decarbonised UK."

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

"Follow your passion. This has kept me motivated for years and has been the key to getting where I am today. I never had a grand plan, I’ve just done what I enjoyed and given it everything I had."

Connect with Andrew 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 Macy, a project controls degree apprentice who joined Costain in 2022.

What led you to your career at Costain?  

"I have always been interested in construction and buildings. At college I studied A-Level Art and design, and I really enjoyed making physical models of buildings, as well as planning the creation of these models and making step by step plans to get there. After researching into careers that were focused on the planning and the ‘behind the scenes’ process that gets you a final result, I came across Project Controls / Project Management."  

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

"My role helps to successfully deliver projects on time and on budget. For example, one of my roles was a risk manager on the M60 Simister Island interchange working with our customer National Highways. The project will improve junction 18 of the M60 and facilitate smoother flows of traffic along the connecting motorways, contributing to more reliable and safer journeys into and around Greater Manchester."

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? 

"There are two achievements that I am most proud of to date. The first is being shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year award at the Project Controls Expo in 2024. 

The other is creating and developing the GRaAPS (Graduate and Apprentices) network at Costain. The network is designed for apprentices and grads to collectively share their learning experiences to support career development." 

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?  

"The people I’ve worked with and the opportunities I’ve had." 

What has inspired you during your time at Costain? 

"I have learnt that everyone is different and works differently, but to look at this from a ‘glass half full’ perspective. You learn methods of working that you can apply to your own work, and it’s inspiring to work with such amazing people everyday whom I can learn things from."  

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

"Be open minded and try every opportunity you are given. Better to say you tried something and it didn’t work out, than to say you didn’t try at all!" 

Connect with Macy on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our early career 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 Karmarl Loving-Charles, a project controls co-ordinator in our rail sector who joined us three years ago as an apprentice.   

What led to your career at Costain?

"I would say the Costain values, as they align to what I believe in and what I strive to do in my career. Also, the construction industry is very big so there are various opportunities to improve and grow in my career."  

What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?  
"Getting a distinction in my apprenticeship is my biggest achievement to date because I worked very hard for it. It showed me that studying hard alongside my role gave me both the theory and the practical experience to achieve top marks. My manager and colleagues around me supported me a lot during the process by giving me the time needed to focus as well as help and advice when needed."  

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?   

"I most enjoy the people I work with as it makes work better being surrounded by a great team who share the same purpose and values. I also think there is good work life balance which allows me to spend time with my loved ones and do things I enjoy outside of work."

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

"I have learnt that networking is very important and that the connections you make in the business and with the customer and supply chain partners are key to an efficient and effective team." 

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

"Stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone!"

Search our careers page to learn about our early careers opportunities.

Meet Ray, a programme director in the water sector.

Ray joined Costain in 2015 and has had a range of roles across our water and rail sectors.

What led you to your career at Costain? 

"I was initially drawn to Costain by a former colleague, who mentored me for several years when I worked in Australia. That said, I was also aware of Costain’s reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects and soon became familiar with its emphasis on innovation, collaboration and sustainability, which all align with my own values and professional goals. I later joined Costain as a site agent to help deliver Crossrail, Europe’s largest infrastructure project."

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.

"As programme director for CMDP+, a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment, I lead the delivery of Southern Water’s wastewater portfolio for AMP8, which is seeing a record level of investment in water and wastewater infrastructure.

We seek to embed principles of production thinking – which combines modern methods of construction (MMC) with new technologies, lean techniques and digital tools – into our approach to delivering projects on the framework. This is helping us to deliver essential improvements to infrastructure that supports a more resilient water network for the millions of Southern Water customers reliant on a clean, reliable water supply each day."

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 greatest achievement throughout has been developing high-performing, collaborative teams that deliver excellence across complex and challenging programmes. Seeing people grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding.

I’m also proud of how we’ve embraced digital transformation and sustainability within CMDP+. We have used digital rehearsals to support the complex lift of three siphon pipes, each 30m long and weighing 29 tonnes, into Bewl reservoir, supporting a more resilient water supply and a better environmental outcome for the region."

What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?

"Without question, the people. Joining Costain has provided an opportunity to work alongside exceptional, talented and passionate individuals who are driven by a shared purpose, and I have met some great people in all capacities in the ten years since I joined the business. The culture of continuous improvement makes it a great environment to work in."

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

"I’ve learned that true progress comes from collaboration and openness. Working with diverse teams within Costain, as well as with clients and across our supply chain, has shown me the power of shared purpose and how innovation flourishes when we create the right environment for it. The passion and commitment across Costain to deliver meaningful outcomes is evident inspires me to continue learning."

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

"Be curious, be collaborative, and be open to learning from everyone around you. Costain offers huge opportunities to grow and make a real impact. If you bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a willingness to challenge yourself - an approach which has always stood me well in my career - you’ll thrive here."

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