Build your career @ JN Bentley.
Welcome to JN Bentley. We can’t do anything in this industry without people working together in great teams. At JN Bentley we are committed to creating a fun workplace, where people have a voice, are safe, reach their potential, and where rewards are shared. And one thing we pride ourselves on is our long-standing tradition of bringing talented people through the business and promoting from within. We offer routes into employment at all stages, from school leavers to experienced professionals. Each year we invest over £1 million in training and development to ensure our people achieve their potential and make maximum progression. Read on to find out more about us - who we are and what we do - and how you could build your career with us.
Why JN Bentley? People are at the heart of our business. Whether you’re looking for an apprenticeship, work experience, a year out placement or you’ve got years of experience and looking for a new challenge, JN Bentley offers opportunities in various disciplines - from civil engineering to business support roles - across the UK. Working with us, you’ll be given the chance to gain valuable skills and experience from day one. This hands-on experience coupled with award winning training and development will provide you with the support needed to develop your skills and build a successful career. We have a strong culture of promoting from within. Nothing gives us more satisfaction than seeing our people grow and progress their career with us. If you have a positive ‘can do’ attitude and a drive to achieve, then we’d like to hear from you. And now part of the Mott MacDonald Group, opportunities for progression have never been bigger.
Want to get to know us a bit better? Read on to find out how you could build your career at JN Bentley.
Who are we? JN Bentley is a leading engineering and construction company, delivering design-and-build projects with clients in the water sector and beyond, right across the UK. This strong association with water dates back to the early years of the business and our formation by the Bentley family back in 1972. Over the years we’ve built up a wealth of experience in engineering and construction, something which has been strengthened by years of collaboration with MottMacDonald and will continue to grow since joining the Mott MacDonald Group. The majority of our work is now delivered as MMB – or Mott MacDonald Bentley. As MMB, we work with more water companies in the UK than any other firm. That said, as you’ll see, the family values still remain. We differ from your typical engineering and contracting company because we employ people in all roles - both operations and business support - including civil engineers, construction operatives, accountants, directors and more. It matters to us that you reach your potential, so we invest in tailored training and development to help you achieve this. Show the right attitude and skills and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to progress.
Entry points. Apprenticeships
School leavers
Placements
Our popular apprenticeship for budding general construction operatives is externally accredited but designed 100% in-house. This means that not only do our apprentices work towards an externally-recognised qualification, they get the chance to gain experiences and learn competencies specific to the work we do at the same time.
We understand that university and other avenues of further education aren’t for everyone, which is why we encourage applications from school leavers in anything from engineering to accounting.
We offer placements in both the operational and support sides of the business, and take on a number of students every year across the UK. You won’t just spend the year making tea and trying to buy tartan paint, placements at JN Bentley give you a real insight into your vocation of choice.
Watch the JN Bentley website for news of when the apprenticeship scheme will be next open for applications.
Find a role that really suits you and before long you could start to ‘learn whilst you earn’. There are plenty of employees you could ask about balancing a part-time degree with real-life work at JN Bentley - just get in touch.
You’ll have real responsibility on placement, and really learn about the world of work. Treat it like a year-long job interview; we’ve many a placement student re-join us after graduation.
At JN Bentley we pride ourselves on the flexibility of our recruitment. There are a number of different points at which you can join the business; you’re not restricted by a certain level of degree or number of years of experience. Show the right desire and attitude when we meet and there’s every chance we’re going to get along.
Graduates
Experienced professionals
Workforce
With structured development schemes leading to chartership, joining JN Bentley as a graduate is your chance to flourish.
We’re a growing business, and always on the lookout for talented experienced professionals after that next step or a new challenge.
We are a rare breed in 21st Century construction in that we still directly employ our own workforce. This means we can deliver work more safely and to a higher quality, and can provide you with the right training so you make maximum progression. We directly-employ people in a variety of trades, and use structured programmes to enable you to improve your skills and move through the ranks. Direct-employment brings added job security too.
You’ll apply the knowledge from your studies from the word ‘go’, and have chance to work on interesting, complex and challenging civil and mechanical engineering projects. Development schemes, hands-on training and opportunity for progression is available for those of you who join as graduates in the support teams too.
As important as it is to promote from within, we recognise the value that experience, knowledge, ideas and fresh thinking can bring our business. As with all our points of entry, there is the opportunity to join the operational or support side of JN Bentley, depending on your skills and interests.
What roles are available? Featured here you’ll find more information on our core operational roles: civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, and quantity surveying. You can also read up on what a role in our business support team is all about. We typically offer graduate, placement, summer placement and work experience opportunities in these disciplines. Keep an eye on www.jnbentley.co.uk and our LinkedIn page for details of when the different schemes are open to receive applications.
Competitive salary and benefits
Development opportunities
Flexible start dates
Various locations
Part of a great team
Civil engineering. JN Bentley introduced me to the ICE Development Scheme, and ever since have supported me in achieving my goal of becoming a chartered civil engineer.
Gemma
Civil engineer.
Civil engineering is hands-on from day one; with a very supportive team behind you, you will work both on site and in the design office environment, and be given every opportunity to develop your skills through our development scheme for civil engineers, which ties in with the ICE. You’ll get out on site surveying and applying designs and plans, and spend time in the office preparing important documentation. What does the future look like? Progress as a great civil engineer and you’ll soon have projects of your own to manage as you take on the role of site manager...then contracts manager...then who knows, you could soon be overseeing whole frameworks.
Quantity surveying. You’ll be encouraged to learn new skills and enhance your learning - we’ve a dedicated development scheme for our quantity surveyors to help you progress, which is linked to the ICES. What does the future look like? Commercial management beckons for talented quantity surveyors who demonstrate the right aptitude for numbers and commercial awareness. Before long you could find yourself overseeing a number of projects and even whole frameworks.
Working with experienced, knowledgeable people has helped greatly, as has working as part of brilliant project teams. This has given me invaluable experience.
Adam
Quantity surveyor.
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Quantity surveyors at JN Bentley take on responsibility for important aspects of the QS’ role within construction projects, from conception through to design, construction and completion.
Mechanical engineering. I’ve been given great support for my own personal development and been offered a number of different training courses to help to expand my knowledge and skillset.
Isaac
Mechanical engineer.
Our mechanical engineers work on site and in the office, carrying out important design, planning and commissioning. You’ll implement your prior learning as well as develop new skills. We have a dedicated development scheme for our mechanical engineers, linked to the IET. As with all roles at JN Bentley, you’ll be surrounded by a supportive team delivering a variety of interesting projects. What does the future look like? Mechanical engineering is more integral to what we do than ever. With the right attitude and skills you’ll soon progress to work on more complex schemes and manage the mechanical parts of projects from the outset.
Electrical engineering. With experience will come minimal supervision and an increased level of responsibility, splitting your time between site and the office. What does the future look like? More of our schemes than ever rely on the skills of our electrical engineers to succeed. Show the right attitude and ability and you’ll progress to work on more complex schemes and start to manage the electrical elements of projects from the outset.
Site commissioning is particularly enjoyable. Having this on-site experience is key to the role and adds a healthy balance to time spent in the office.
Jamie
Electrical engineer.
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Electrical engineers are vital in supporting the delivery of our projects. In the role you’ll put your knowledge and expertise into practice, and further develop your skills through our dedicated development scheme for electrical engineers, which is linked to the IET.
Business support. • • • • • • •
Procurement. Plant. Accounting and finance. Human resources. Training. Communications and marketing. Bidding and estimating.
The JN Bentley business support team works closely with operations to serve the growing needs of the company, and help ensure we continue to deliver first class projects for our clients. The team is based at head office in Skipton, North Yorkshire - at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Having such a varied support team means we have opportunities across a broad spectrum of roles. You’ll find members of support who have joined from all walks of life: school and university; as a career change; and even from site, where their experience is invaluable to the team.
Procurement and plant. Our busy procurement and plant teams are always working to deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You’ll liaise closely with operations and the supply chain to deliver best value and solutions that help keep the business moving. What does the future look like? With materials, subcontract and plant teams to oversee, show the right attitude and skills and there will soon be opportunities to take on added responsibility. We have routes open for professional development too.
As a placement student I was paired with another member of the team and always had someone to ask if I was unsure; I never once felt I was left alone to sink or swim.
Anna
Procurement.
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Every year we spend millions of pounds on materials and subcontracts, and manage the logistics surrounding over 2,500 items of plant that we own - not to mention the kit we hire in from our suppliers too.
Accounting and finance. I was given all the support I needed to ensure the transition into the role was not as hard as some may think. If you work hard then the rewards will follow.
Nathan
Accounts.
With a multi-million pound turnover it is vital that the accounting team is organised, diligent and able to work under pressure whilst maintaining a sense of humour. The prompt payment of suppliers and subcontractors is crucial - as is tracking payments from our clients. There are all areas of accounting to get involved in - from the production of management accounts to expenses to audit costing systems. What does the future look like? You will have opportunity to develop your skills and qualifications in the area of accounting that most interests you, which can soon lead to a move into a more senior position in the team.
HR. Training and resources. This full suite of ‘people’ services are delivered by our people at head office. The departments are busy and fast-paced but the different outputs - from recruiting the latest talent, to delivering an enjoyable induction and helping get a team ready for the next ten million pound project - are certainly satisfying. What does the future look like? There’s all areas of HR to get involved in - and with a supportive team around you, you’ll take on added responsibility with the opportunity for professional development along the way.
At JN Bentley you’re not just another number, you’re seen as someone who can add value to the organisation and are given the support to achieve this.
George HR.
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The JN Bentley team is growing every week - which means there are more people than ever to look out for; to train; to assign to projects and to pay!
Communications and marketing. Working at JN Bentley is very hands-on. You are given a variety of responsibilities and the opportunity to develop your skills and make real progression.
Charlotte
Communications and marketing.
The JN Bentley team is growing every week - which means there are more people than ever to communicate with. Part of our suite of ‘people’ services, our inhouse communications function is delivered by our people at head office. A busy and fast-paced department, the team is responsible for ensuring key messages are conveyed across the business. Whether this is through generating great web and video content or producing engaging articles - it’ll be hands on from day one. What does the future look like? Working in communications every day is different. The role will grow organically over time and you’ll take on added responsibility as you progress.
Bidding and estimating. Primarily based at Head Office in Skipton, we also have a growing team of estimators based out of our West Midlands office in Shifnal. A busy and fast-paced department you’ll get involved in all areas of bidding - from providing support on Pre-Qualification Questionnaires to preparing and submitting bids to ensure a successful ‘work winning’ outcome. What does the future look like? Working in a fast-paced and progressive role, you’ll work with minimal supervision and take on added responsibility as you develop your career with us.
From my first day at JN Bentley the team were really supportive and they have continued to help develop my skills and understanding.
Alex
Bidding.
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With a multi-million pound turnover and a growing workforce, our bidding and estimating teams are vital to ensuring there is a constant flow of work into the business.
Recruitment process. Step one.
Step two.
Apply online.
Interview.
Assessment centre.
Start your application by visiting the careers section of the JN Bentley website and submitting all of the details we ask for.
We’ll invite you to one of our offices and meet over a brew.
Assessment centres are a really good way for us to get to know graduate and placement applicants a bit better. We’ll challenge your teamworking and problem-solving skills – just two important aspects of working with us.
Our recruitment team review all applications and then get back in touch after the application closing date to let you know whether or not you have the skills and competencies we need. It’s then time to meet face-to-face.
Interviews at JN Bentley aren’t stuffy affairs; more of an informal chat to help both sides to get to know each other a little better. Because we don’t like to keep people hanging on for an answer, we aim to let you know if you’ve been successful within a day or two.
We’ll tie an interview in to the same day so you don’t have to visit us twice and – as before – we’ll let you know if you’ve been successful within a couple of days.
What are you waiting for? Start your application today. You’ve got this far in the brochure, which we hope means you’re interested in joining the team. If you want to work in an environment where hard work and a good attitude are rewarded - and where we have plenty of fun along the way - then we’d love to hear from you. Visit the careers section of the JN Bentley website to find out a little more and to start your application!
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www.jnbentley.co.uk JN Bentley Ltd
Part of the Mott MacDonald Group. © JN Bentley Ltd.