Last week marked a major milestone for JSM as we officially launched “Leading on the Frontline”, our first-ever Operational Supervisor Leadership Development Programme delivered through the JSM Academy with our delivery partner HSP Training & Consultancy Ltd.

A cohort of 10 Operational Supervisors from across the business started their first 5-day training block at our Training Centre in Creek Road, Barking. This programme is designed to strengthen frontline leadership capability and support JSM’s long-term people and growth strategy.

Upon completion, attendees will have earned their Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction), which leads to CSCS Gold Card eligibility.

Leading on the Frontline is more than a training programme, it’s about empowering our supervisors with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to lead effectively and safely. Investing in our frontline leaders is investing in the future of JSM.

Helen Stewart, Chief People Officer at JSM

This is an exciting step forward for the business. Well done to all participants starting their leadership journey.

Jamil Cadersaib is a skilled project manager who leads multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, low‑risk engineering solutions. With experience across Civil and Electrical engineering from 11kV to 400kV, he specialises in feasibility studies, optimal cable routing, and guiding stakeholders through clear optioneering to achieve the most effective project strategy. The rapid growth of renewable energy, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), data centres, and electrification projects is fundamentally reshaping power infrastructure delivery. As projects become more complex and are delivered in increasingly constrained environments, the technical expectations placed on Civil Engineering Supervisors have expanded significantly.

Industry context

Power infrastructure projects are being delivered under heightened regulatory scrutiny, tighter programme constraints, and increasing technical interdependencies between civil, electrical, and environmental systems. Civil Engineering Supervisors are no longer solely responsible for overseeing construction activities; they are now expected to provide informed technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility through construction and commissioning.

Core civil engineering competence

At the foundation of the role lies strong technical knowledge in civil engineering principles. This includes expertise in the utilities industry, temporary works, structural interfaces, surface reinstatement, and street works compliance. In power infrastructure projects, supervisors must also understand trenching and trenchless methodologies, duct and joint bay design, and access road construction. Additionally, they need to keep up to date with new laws and regulations posed by statutory bodies and local authorities, including health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, highways standards, and utility-specific specifications. This technical grounding enables supervisors to assess constructability, challenge design assumptions, and ensure that designs are both practical and compliant with relevant standards.

Understanding of power and utility interfaces

Modern power projects demand a working knowledge of electrical infrastructure interfaces. Civil Engineering Supervisors must understand cable installation requirements, clearances, thermal backfill specifications, and interactions between civil works and high-voltage systems. This cross-disciplinary understanding is critical for coordinating works, preventing rework, and managing risk at the interface between civil and electrical disciplines. [column_divider]

Digital and data-driven capability

Technical expertise increasingly extends into digital engineering. Civil Engineering Supervisors are expected to interpret and utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and 3D/4D construction models to assess route options, identify utility conflicts, and plan construction sequencing. Proficiency in digital planning, reporting, and data analysis tools supports improved forecasting accuracy, risk identification, and decision-making across the project lifecycle.

Ground risk and site investigation insight

A detailed understanding of geotechnical and environmental conditions is essential. Supervisors must be able to interpret ground investigation data, assess contamination risks, and identify potential constraints related to groundwater, archaeology, or ecology. This expertise enables informed decision-making during route selection and construction planning, reducing exposure to unforeseen ground conditions.

Conclusion

The technical expertise required of Civil Engineering Supervisors in modern power infrastructure extends well beyond traditional site supervision. Strong civil engineering fundamentals, cross-disciplinary understanding of power systems, digital capability, and regulatory awareness are now essential. As power infrastructure continues to evolve, organisations must recognise and invest in the technical development of Civil Engineering Supervisors to ensure resilient, efficient, and sustainable project outcomes. By drawing on its multidisciplinary strength across civil, electrical, and digital engineering, JSM is well positioned to support this evolution by providing integrated capability in high voltage connections, substation delivery, complex and trenchless civil engineering, multi utility coordination, and advanced fibre and digital infrastructure. This enables supervisors to access the tools, insight, and project expertise needed to meet the growing complexity of modern power projects with confidence and precision. Check out the latest Civil Engineering Supervisor vacancies.  
JSM is proud to announce that Jamil Cadersaib, Senior Project Manager in Pre-Construction, has been named one of the Leeds & West Yorkshire Top 30 Under 30 winners for 2026 – a prestigious recognition celebrating the region’s most exceptional young professionals. Now in its third year, the Top 30 Under 30 programme highlights rising talent across Leeds and West Yorkshire, offering each winner a year long development experience through the Leadership Excellence Acceleration Programme (LEAP). The initiative recognises individuals who are not only excelling in their roles but also shaping the future of their organisations and the wider business community.

A standout leader in engineering and responsible infrastructure

Jamil’s selection reflects his remarkable professional trajectory, progressing from hands on civils roles to becoming a trusted Senior Project Manager leading complex feasibility studies, multidisciplinary teams and high value engineering packages. His work has directly influenced nationally significant infrastructure, including renewable energy schemes, major power upgrades and one of the UK’s largest regeneration power programmes. His nomination highlighted his:
  • Technical excellence in developing high voltage cable route strategies across challenging environments such as bridges, tunnels, rail corridors and dense utility networks
  • Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enabling green energy connections, reducing carbon impacts and protecting sensitive ecological environments
  • Leadership in safety and wellbeing, championing mental health awareness, supervising high risk operations and ensuring rigorous compliance with industry regulations
  • Contribution to the wider engineering community as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ambassador, ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) reviewer and host of interactive learning lunches that inspire colleagues and future engineers
Michael Booth, CEO of JSM, said:
Jamil’s achievement is richly deserved. He represents the very best of JSM – technically excellent, values driven and consistently committed to delivering responsible, sustainable engineering. His leadership, curiosity and passion for developing others make him an outstanding ambassador for our organisation. We are incredibly proud to see him recognised among the region’s top emerging leaders.

How LEAP will support Jamil’s next chapter

Through the LEAP programme, Jamil will gain enhanced leadership, communication and strategic decision making skills, further strengthening his progression toward CEng MICE and amplifying his impact across JSM’s preconstruction portfolio. His role as a STEM ambassador and internal learning lunch host means the benefits of the programme will extend far beyond his own development, uplifting teams and inspiring future engineers.

A milestone for Jamil and for JSM

Jamil’s recognition reinforces JSM’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and supporting the next generation of engineering leaders. His dedication to responsible engineering, community engagement and continuous improvement embodies the values that drive JSM forward.
March brings two moments to celebrate, International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. In that spirit, we’re profiling Samantha Monk, a Project Manager in our Fibre team, on thriving in a traditionally male industry, and how her perspective as a woman and mother supports the way she leads.

Q: Samantha, tell us a bit about your role, and what a typical day (or night) looks like in Fibre

Our Fibre team runs 24/7, and I’m currently on an out-of-hours shift supporting employees and clients while works continue overnight. That covers fault call-outs, access issues and troubleshooting, plus managing my 16 direct reports, scheduling works, completing RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements), and overseeing fault reporting.

Q: How did your career path bring you to Project Manager?

I joined JSM 3.5 years ago as a Fibre team administrator and quickly realised it was a role where I could add value and keep learning. I moved into Project Co-ordinator after a year, then became Project Manager in February 2026. I’ve built confidence through on-the-job learning and training across engineering, streetworks and SMSTS (Site Managers Safety Training Scheme). I’m lucky to work with colleagues who’ve helped shape the department from the start. I try to add fresh eyes and a data-driven approach when we’re improving processes.

Q: Fibre and engineering can still feel like a male-dominated space. What’s your experience been like?

I’m currently the only woman in the Fibre team, and the other four Fibre managers are male. It’s made me very intentional about being prepared, communicating clearly, and keeping decisions rooted in outcomes. Being a woman in this space can be a strength: it pushes me to bring a different perspective, build trust through consistency, and lead collaboratively – skills that match well with the resilience you build as a working parent.

Q: March also includes Mother’s Day. How do you juggle leadership at work with everything at home?

For me it’s about prioritising and staying organised. The planning mindset that helps at work also helps at home, and the out-of-hours pattern means I can support the team when it matters.

Q: What advice would you give to other women considering a role in this industry?

Know your value and don’t be afraid to speak up. You don’t need every technical answer on day one – stay curious and build credibility through how you show up.

Q: What are you most excited to be working on right now?

Right now I’m focused on improvements that make life easier for the team including an operational tracker to streamline client queries, digital timesheets, and making sure engineers have the best tech to do their jobs.

Q: Finally, what do you want people to know about succeeding in this industry – especially women and mothers?

You don’t have to change who you are to succeed. Bring your perspective, keep learning, and back yourself. There’s real opportunity here, including for women and mothers. Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your story. This March, we’re celebrating the women across our business who are helping move our industry forward.
With over 37 years of experience in the electrical industry, Darren Cooper oversees all commercial operations within the pre-construction business, including managing a team of electrical estimators. He ensures tender bids are accurately prepared and submitted on time, and is responsible for delivering high standards of customer service and operational efficiency, making sure the division meets its commercial objectives while upholding professionalism and client satisfaction. The role of the estimator in utility infrastructure installation – especially in sectors like energy and telecommunications – has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once confined to calculating costs and compiling spreadsheets, today’s estimators are strategic contributors to project planning, risk mitigation, and technological integration. This transformation reflects broader shifts in the industry, driven by digital innovation, regulatory complexity, and sustainability goals.  From cost calculator to strategic planner  Traditionally, estimators focused on quantifying materials, labour, and equipment to produce accurate bids. Their work was largely reactive, based on historical data and standardised pricing models. However, as utility projects have grown more complex – with tighter timelines, diverse stakeholders, and evolving technologies – the estimator’s role has expanded.  Modern estimators are now embedded in the early stages of project development. They collaborate with engineers, project managers, and procurement teams to shape scope, assess feasibility, and forecast risks. Their insights influence design decisions, budgeting strategies, and even regulatory compliance. In essence, the estimator has become a linchpin in ensuring utility projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals.  Skills for the modern estimator  To thrive in this new landscape, estimators must possess a broader and more sophisticated skill set: 
  • Digital fluency: Proficiency in cost estimation software (e.g. ConQuest, Causeway), BIM tools, and cloud-based collaboration platforms is essential.
  • Data analysis: Estimators must interpret historical data, market trends, and predictive models to refine estimates and anticipate cost fluctuations.
  • Regulatory knowledge: Understanding environmental regulations, safety standards, technical standards and permitting requirements helps estimators account for compliance costs and avoid delays.
  • Communication and collaboration: Estimators must work closely with cross-functional teams, presenting findings clearly and negotiating scope changes effectively.
  • Risk management: Identifying uncertainties – such as supply chain disruptions or labour shortages – and building contingencies into estimates is now a core responsibility.
[column_divider] The rise of Extra High Voltage (EHV) expertise  One of the most significant recent developments in utility infrastructure is the surge in demand for extra high voltage (EHV) installations. This is largely driven by two forces: the proliferation of data centres and the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources. 
  • Data centres, with their massive energy requirements and need for uninterrupted power, often require direct connections at EHV on to distribution and transmission networks operating at 132kV and above. Estimators must understand the unique challenges of EHV installations, including specialised equipment, installation standards, and spatial constraints.
  • Renewable energy projects, such as large-scale solar farms and offshore wind installations, increasingly feed into the grid at EHV distribution and transmission-level voltages. Estimators must be able to assess the cost and complexity of connecting these sources to existing infrastructure, often across remote or difficult terrain.
As a result, estimators now need to be fluent in EHV design principles, substation configurations, and transmission line construction. They must also factor in advanced protection systems, grid compliance requirements, and long-term maintenance considerations. This expertise ensures accurate budgeting and risk assessment for projects that are critical to national energy strategies.  Influences shaping the role  Several key influences are driving this evolution: 
  • Technological advancement: The rise of smart grids, renewable energy systems, and digital twins has introduced new variables into utility projects. Estimators must understand these technologies to assess their impact on cost and schedule. 
  • Sustainability and ESG: Projects are increasingly evaluated through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lenses. Estimators must factor in carbon footprints, energy efficiency, and long-term operational costs. 
  • Economic volatility: Fluctuating material prices, inflation, and global supply chain issues require estimators to be agile and informed. 
  • Workforce dynamics: Skilled labour shortages and changing workforce expectations influence labour cost assumptions and scheduling. 
These factors demand that estimators remain adaptable, informed, and proactive.  View out latest Estimator vacancies.

JSM Group is delighted to announce our membership of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), a leading business network that supports employers to take action on domestic abuse.

EIDA works with employers to help them implement effective internal policies on domestic abuse, as well as providing awareness and signposting to up to date resources.

We are committed to raising awareness of the terrible impact of domestic abuse, to supporting our employees affected by domestic abuse, as well as to encouraging other employers to take action.

Emma Dormer, Group HR Director, said:

JSM Group is proud to join EIDA. Imagine if every employer made their employees aware of the signs of domestic abuse, provided appropriate support to their employees and told them how to seek relevant, effective help. That sort of wide-scale, societal impact requires informed action by business leaders, supported by EIDA with their guidance and resources.

“We are proud that JSM group is making a positive social impact by joining EIDA’s network.


Susan Bright, CEO of The Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse, added:
We are delighted to welcome the JSM team to our network, [particularly to expand our network deeper into the construction industry]. The important role that employers can play in tackling domestic abuse has become even more apparent during the Covid pandemic. The commitment from employers in supporting their own employees whilst also inspiring other employers to do the same will help us to achieve our vision of every UK employer taking action on domestic abuse.

Through awareness generation, building relationships and the sharing of best practice, JSM Group and EIDA are hoping to support a systematic change to the way domestic abuse is handled.

JSM Group is proud to announce our membership of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to support members of the Armed Forces community and ensure they are treated fairly across various aspects of their day-to-day lives. The key values of the Armed Forces Covenant are:
  • Members of the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantages arising from their service in the provision of public and commercial services.
  • In some circumstances special provision may be justified, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved.
Stuart Wiltshire, CEO at JSM Group, said:
We have a number of ex-armed forces employees thriving at JSM. Joining the covenant highlights to the community that we are committed and willing to support them as an employer.
As we continue to focus on being an employer of choice, we have committed to promote the Armed Forces activity and employment opportunities at JSM Group. We will provide employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community by offering special leave, ongoing mental health support and education/skill development. We will also ensure ​​​communications, engagement and outreach through charitable activities and sponsorship if appropriate to provide ongoing support and encourage others to sign-up.