A founder-led consultancy delivering deep sector expertise. We focus on Early Works and Heavy Civils projects – providing the talent that drives successful project delivery.
After more than 15 years recruiting across the civil engineering sector, I founded SEDR Recruitment in 2018 to offer something better.
I had seen how the traditional recruitment model, built on volume, generic processes and overstretched consultants, was letting both clients and candidates down.
SEDR was built to be different. Dedicated specialists, genuine sector knowledge and a hands-on approach where I stay personally involved in every placement.
We are also at the forefront of innovation, using the latest recruitment technology to work faster and smarter without ever losing the personal touch.
It is a simple formula: real relationships, real understanding and results that last.
Daniel Lewis
Founder & Director, SEDR Recruitment
We do things differently.
Every consultant on our staff is dedicated to a specific market and role type. You work with recruiters who genuinely understand your sector and needs.
Our founder, Daniel Lewis, oversees and guides each placement. That hands-on leadership ensures attention to detail and commitment to quality in every hire.
We believe in partnerships, not one-off deals. Many of our clients and candidates work with us repeatedly because we invest time to understand their long-term goals and build real trust.
The best people aren’t always on the job boards. We proactively headhunt passive candidates – those successful professionals who aren’t actively applying – to find the perfect fit for your role.
You won’t get inundated with resumes. Instead of volume, we focus on fit. We carefully shortlist a few outstanding candidates for each role, saving you time and ensuring a higher success rate.
This is not CV-pushing. It is about building trust and long-term value for both our clients and candidates.
Founded in 2018 by Daniel Lewis, SEDR Recruitment builds on over 15 years of experience supporting major Earthworks, Remediation, and Heavy Civils projects across the UK. We partner with contractors delivering the country’s most challenging and complex infrastructure schemes.
years’ experience specialising in civil engineering recruitment
of successful placements each year across operations, engineering and commercial
Projects exceeding £10 bn+ combined value supported through client partnerships
Trusted nationwide by specialist contractors and Tier 1 & 2 delivery partners
“During our search for a leader, Dan took time to understand our exact brief, culture, positioning and growth plans. He mapped the market in our region and shortlisted candidates who matched the role. The due diligence upfront made interviews efficient and we hired within our preferred timescale. I highly recommend Dan as a diligent and knowledgeable professional and look forward to working with him again.”
Contracts Manager
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Operations Director, Erith
HR Advisor, Blackwell Earthmoving
McAuliffe Group
Description:
Supported a growing regional contractor’s strategic expansion by headhunting and securing a new Operations Manager and two Senior Project Managers from within the targeted sector.
Result:
strengthened leadership team, enabling the secure delivery of two new major framework packages.
Description:
Placed a SHEQ Advisor who was later promoted, then delivered the replacement and further H&S hires.
Result:
became the go-to partner for SHEQ and compliance recruitment.
Description:
Helped high-potential Supervisors step up onto larger projects through the right client connections and conditions.
Result:
stronger leadership pipelines and better retention outcomes.
Description:
Scaled site resource quickly during a ramp-up phase using targeted headhunting and fast mobilisation.
Result:
improved coverage and reduced delivery risk.
Description:
Appointed a senior HSQE professional to strengthen compliance, reporting and site-wide standards.
Result:
improved control and stronger safety leadership.
Description:
Secured an experienced Site Manager to take control of daily operations, subcontractors and reporting standards.
Result:
improved coordination and reliable progress.
Description:
Mobilised a Setting Out Engineer quickly to maintain QA, setting out and daily progress on a fast-track package.
Result:
consistent delivery support and pace maintained.
Description:
Delivered critical engineering cover at short notice to address a resource gap that placed delivery at risk on a major civils project.
Result:
Immediate stability restored on site and programme disruption avoided.
Description:
Advised a smarter solution to inflated estimator salaries by introducing Engineers transitioning into estimating.
Result:
stronger long-term hire with better commercial value.
Description:
Filled a highly specialist Technical Manager role from an extremely small candidate pool with location restrictions.
Result:
hard-to-find hire secured through targeted headhunting.
Description:
Delivered 3 qualified Engineers in 10 days to protect mobilisation and maintain programme momentum.
Result:
3 hires secured and delivery risk reduced.
Description:
Secured 6 General Foremen in 2 months despite a remote location and a limited talent pool.
Result:
improved supervision coverage and continued demand for support.
Get in touch with SEDR today and let’s talk about how we can support your next project or move.
SEDR Recruitment is a specialist partner to earthworks, remediation and civils contractors across the UK, supplying proven delivery staff from early works through to project completion.
Registration No. – 11236656