We are constantly looking to develop and grow our business, which we can only achieve through the skills and knowledge of our staff. To facilitate staff development we invest in training and development and offer interesting opportunities to those who share our commitment to deliver first class services.

To view current vacancies, click here, but don’t be put off if none are available or suitable as things can change quickly. We welcome speculative enquiries and if you would like us to consider your CV please email it to careers@bba.star.co.uk.

We also run a Technical Trainee Programme for those who have little or no experience, but the potential and enthusiasm to develop in a structured way.

BBA Technical Trainees benefit from working in Project Management Teams and studying for recognised technical qualifications, possibly up to degree level. We plan for Trainees to progress and develop such that after three years we expect to offer them a Project Manager position within the company.

Those suitable for the programme will be bright, enthusiastic, self-motivated and keen to build a career and have 5 A to C grade GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science and 2 A levels, one of which must be in a Maths or Science subject.

Our Technical Trainee Programme provides excellent opportunity for working, training and studying to lay strong foundations for a successful technical career.

If you are interested in applying for a place on this programme, (places subject to availability and suitability), please email your CV to careers@bba.star.co.uk.

BBA Career Profile - Peter Maddern, Inspection Manager

What is your background?

I worked for Tarmac Construction for 12 years before leaving to complete an HND in Construction Technology Management. Whilst studying for my HND I secured employment with West Lancashire District Council as a Building Inspector where I stayed for the next two years before joining the BBA in June 2002 as a FENSA Inspector.

In March 2005 I was promoted to FENSA Inspection Manager and in January 2008 Promoted to Inspection Manager responsible for all the BBA’s inspection resource.

Which part of the BBA’s business did you join and how has your career developed?

I joined the System Assessment and Inspection team in June 2002 as a FENSA Inspector. Initially the role involved the inspection of replacement windows. It soon developed into a more diverse role to include the reporting on FENSA requests and the assessments of installer’s wishing to join either the Quality Mark Build or the Ultra installer’s scheme.

The Inspection team grew quite considerably over the next couple of years, along with the business and a vacancy arose for an Inspection Manager. I applied and after competing against stiff competition was promoted to FENSA Inspection Manager. In January 2008 I was promoted to Inspection Manager responsible for all inspection resource.

Describe your current job and how you think your work affects the BBA as a whole.

I am currently responsible for all inspection resource which includes two inspection Managers, numerous inspectors and administration staff, providing thousands of inspections and assessments on cavity wall insulation, general building works and replacement windows. I provide annual budgets of output and resource requirement’s, coach and develop staff to deliver the annual budget, whilst maintaining required levels of quality and ensure BBA continue to meet its contractual obligations. I provide monthly management reports of progress and quarterly forecasts of delivery against budget. I act as a focal point to internal, client and customers enquiries and keep up to date with all relevant legislation, regulations, and technical documentation.

In addition I represent the BBA externally including seminars and conferences and continually liaise with BBA clients and other bodies as appropriate.

I like to think the services myself and the inspection team provide helps to promote the already recognised enthusiasm, integrity and diversity of the BBA, which over the six years I have been with them, has continued to develop.

How would you describe the BBA and the people you work with?

The BBA is a forward thinking organisation committed to excellence, employing only the most enthusiastic people who I find are a pleasure to work with.

BBA Career Profile - Vanessa Adell, Scientist, Technical Department

What is your background?

I studied Chemistry at the University of Jaume I, Spain, and graduated with a BSc in 2001 which included a two month placement at Borax Europe Ltd in Guildford, Surrey. After my graduation I continued to work at Borax for two more years as a researcher in the Business and Development Team on the development of ceramic and glass products. Although enjoying my job I wanted to further my education and consequently I enrolled for a PhD at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Imperial College London in January 2004. The PhD was an Industrial Case Award funded by EPRSC in collaboration with Lytag Ltd. As part of my PhD thesis I investigated the production and use of innovative construction products from waste materials, including the use of pulverised fuel ash from power stations. During my PhD thesis I also worked as a Waste Management Consultant including work on waste minimisation and sustainable development for Imperial College Consultants (ICON), before graduating in 2007.

During both my professional and academic careers I gained several prizes and awards, the highlight being selected for the UK Top Younger Scientists Competition at the House of Commons for the National Science Week in March 2006. Another personal highlight was working as a volunteer for an NGO in the reconstruction of El Salvador, Central America.

In April 2007 I joined the BBA as a Project Manager combining work as both a product assessor and an environmental coordinator in the Product Approval and Certification Department.

Which part of the BBA’s business did you join and how has your career developed?

I originally joined the BBA as a Project Manager and initially worked on assessing innovative waterproofing products whilst also taking a leading role in the BBA’s environmental programme. Following the restructure of the BBA in January 2008 which realised the increasing demand for technical experts I joined the Technical Department as a Scientist. The new role involves providing clients and BBA colleagues with technical and scientific support, particularly in relation to environmental and sustainability issues, including environmental profile declarations.

How do you think your work affects the BBA as a whole?

BBA is the leading approval body for construction products in the UK. This means we need to be up to date and react quickly to the changes occurring within the construction industry. This includes both changes to building regulations and new upcoming materials and technologies. Our role in the Technical Department is to ensure that BBA have sufficient technical expertise so we provide adequate technical and scientific support to clients and Project Managers.

How would you describe the BBA and the people you work with?

BBA is a “big-family” organisation. There is a fantastic and friendly atmosphere where everybody is very supportive and helpful. All employees have an extraordinarily high expertise in their technology areas, which I believe is the main reason for the continued success of the company. I also believe that the recent reorganisation of the company, combined with the recruitment of dynamic staff, will maintain the young and enthusiastic spirit of the company. This will keep the company in pole position for the approval of construction products in the UK.

The company also endeavours to promote the social interaction and integration of employees. Examples of these are constant sporting events and the Summer Barbeque… Not to be missed!!!!

BBA Career Profile - Luke Adams, Product Assessor

What is your background?

I started at the BBA in 1988 when I was at Luton College studying ONC Chemistry on day release from my previous employer. In fact it was a past employee of the BBA, a college friend, who recommended I apply for the job of Lab Technician in Test Services. I started in Test Services and was lucky that the BBA agreed to continue my education and I progressed to HNC Applied Chemistry on Day Release at Hatfield Polytechnic. I then opted for a degree course also on day release at Hatfield Polytechnic which then became Herts University.

After graduating with a degree in Applied Chemistry I remained in Test Services testing the various products for BBA approval for a total of twelve years, concentrating mainly on PVC-U products such and windows, doors and conservatories.

In 2000 I decided to seek an alternative career outlook but still within the BBA and applied for a Project Manager’s job in S2, the section dealing generally with Assessment of Windows, Doors and Conservatories. I was successful in the application due to my past experience of PVC-U products in Test Services and my degree qualification.

Which part of the BBA’s business did you join and how has your career developed?

I joined Test Services and after becoming well acquainted with the testing regimes for windows and door products developed into the role of Project Manager. In Test Services I had little direct contact with our manufacturer clients, now I have frequent face to face contact with major players in the industry.

I am also qualified in auditing and this involves carrying out inspection visits to manufacturers to witness their production control procedures. This again is an essential part of the ongoing Certification to ensure the manufactured product remains the same as previously assessed.

Describe your current job and how you think your work affects the BBA as a whole.

I currently assess window, door and conservatory products for BBA Approval using the results from the test laboratories I used to work in. This job I feel is the most important part of the BBA, the assessment of products. Without Project Managers assessing the products for BBA approval, I don’t believe the BBA could exist as it does.

Unlike many other Project Managers I am also qualified in auditing and this involves carrying out inspection visits to manufacturers to witness their production control procedures. This again is an essential part of the ongoing Certification to ensure the manufactured product remains the same as previously assessed.

How would you describe the BBA and the people you work with?

I believe the BBA works very well as a team, where each section’s knowledge of product performance and attributes can be easily tapped into for another sections. Occasionally with product innovation one product may overlap over into another section’s area and their knowledge of the product’s performance is invaluable.

The BBA is a very friendly environment where staff work closely with each other to achieve the one goal – BBA certification.