Helen Denham

Helen started her career as a Veterinary Nurse and went on to work in Wildlife Conservation and Land Management. After achieving an Open University Human Geography Degree at 38, she joined the construction sector – and Sir Robert McAlpine. We spoke to her to learn more.

How did you come to join Sir Robert McAlpine?

In 2014 I was looking for a change from environmental consultancy, as my strengths were based on being involved in managing the interface with construction and consultants at site level.

What does your current role involve?

As a Site Sustainability Manager, I promote responsible sourcing, environmental best practice and community engagement, and I report qualitative data linked to sustainability targets.

I am also involved in the Company Sustainability Delivery Group, and currently leading the Biodiversity Working Group with head office team and regions.

What makes Sir Robert McAlpine different to other employers?

You feel involved. Your opinions are welcomed, and you’re recognised for your strengths and experience.

Why is Sir Robert McAlpine a good place to work in as sustainability-linked role?

The company is 150 years old, but it has and is continuously evolving. It recognises there are many threads to sustainability; and in my role that means there is always motivation to deliver this through meeting our environmental, social and economic goals.

Which qualities do you think it takes to succeed here?

Being a good communicator, respecting others and being willing to see every day as a day to learn.

You’re a regular participant at our careers events. What do you enjoy about them?

Talking to Year 7s upwards is great. I get to explain how from bare earth we develop iconic buildings and breathe life into areas that require economic rejuvenation; how that relates to sustainability – and that it takes all manner of individuals to make it happen.

What’s your favourite Sir Robert McAlpine project?

Watermark, Southampton. It was my first, where I cut my teeth in the company and the construction industry.

How would you sum up Sir Robert McAlpine in three words?

Community. Inclusive. Professional.

What would you say to anyone thinking of joining us?

This is the company for you, if you are prepared to work autonomously, but also understand you will be part of the team.

Meet the team

Mekha Rajesh, Graduate Civil Engineering

Growing up, Mekha had a fascination with the STEM sectors, which ultimately paved her way into completing a Masters degree in engineering and then joining Sir Robert McAlpine as a Civil Engineer.

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Dane O'Kine, Quantity Surveyor

As a part of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we sat down with Quantity Surveyor, Dane O’Kine, to learn more about his route to construction and what drew him to joining our business.

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Sam Davey, Quantity Surveyor

Sam is one of the undergraduate students we are sponsoring through their studies. As he is currently on his Industrial Placement year with us, we took the opportunity to chat to him about his experiences and plans for the future.

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Ella Mills - Planner

Ella is undertaking a Planning Apprenticeship, whilst studying Construction Management at London Southbank Uni. We caught up with Ella to learn about her experiences so far.

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Jack Arnold, Engineer

Jack joined the business in 2014 after two placements with us during his degree in Construction Engineering Management at Loughborough University. We caught up with him to get his take on working at Sir Robert McAlpine.

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Max Hacon, Engineer

After graduating in Civil Engineering at Bristol University, Max joined us in January 2018. We caught up with him to find out more about the start of his career with us.

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Helen Denham, Sustainability Manager

Helen started her career as a Veterinary Nurse and went on to work in Wildlife Conservation and Land Management. After achieving an Open University Human Geography Degree at 38, she joined the construction industry.

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Mark Boyland, Design Manager

Mark studied architecture in New Zealand and worked in a small design practice in Wellington before heading to the UK. Once here he completed his professional qualifications, and worked in a number of roles, before joining us. We caught up with him to learn more about his experiences.

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Shauna Farrell-Wessling, Construction Manager

Shauna joined us a graduate after studying Civil Engineering at the University of Nottingham, and has since worked on projects including the new American Embassy. We spoke to her about her career to date – and what it’s like to work on her current project, the Elizabeth Tower.

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Ciara Shaugnessy, Trainee Quantity Surveyor

Ciara is studying an accelerated BSc in Quantity Surveying, studying one day a week, every week throughout the year as opposed to having a summer break. This enables her to complete the day-release course in a reduced timeframe. As part of the course she is working towards chartership and completing an assessment of professional competence.

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James Roy, Sustainability Manager

James Roy is finding our open and supportive learning culture invaluable as he settles into his new role as Sustainability Manager.

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Tyler Penwill

Tyler Penwill worked with us at the new US embassy in London during his degree and he’s now part of our team at Battersea Phase 3.

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Working for Sir Robert McAlpine

Exciting career opportunities in Bridgwater, Somerset

Join our construction team delivering a state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing facility for Agratas.

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Why Join Us?

We’re an employer that genuinely stands apart from our peers. Here’s why there is nowhere else like Sir Robert McAlpine to do the job you love.

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What's On Offer

We offer competitive packages that recognise the value we put on our people.

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Experienced Hires

Keen to take on new challenges and greater responsibility? At Sir Robert McAlpine, you will find the opportunities you need to take your career to the next level.

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Emerging Talent

Explore opportunities for school leavers, students and graduates – start on the path to achieving your career potential.

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Meet the team

Meet some of the diverse and talented employees who make our business what it is. Hear their stories and see why they’re proud to be part of the team.

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Join the team

Find out more about Sir Robert McAlpine

Our Approach

We employ exceptional people and work alongside first-rate partners to build and deliver exemplary construction projects.

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Our Vision

To be renowned for our work with clients and communities as we construct a better world for future generations.

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Technical Excellence

Technical excellence. It’s what we are known for. And it's why we attract some of the industry’s brightest talent.

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People & Culture

In everything we do, we act with integrity, treat people fairly, and do what we say we will.

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Inclusion

'We treat each other like family'. It's the ethos that we live by and that underpins our culture.

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Our partnership with Maggie's

As well as the construction of many of its architecturally significant centres, we’ve raised £1m for Maggie's in just six years.

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Sustainability

We are committed to leaving a lasting positive legacy as a result of our actions. Considering our impact on the environment and society in all we do. Playing our role in addressing the climate emergency for a sustainable and prosperous future.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Health, Safety and Wellbeing is about people, and nothing is more important to us. We are committed to reducing risk and creating positive working environments.

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Quality

We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product to our clients on time, every time.

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