OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

Russwood Limited is a supplier of high-quality, sustainable timber flooring, cladding and decking based in the picturesque village of Newtonmore.  We are now looking for a graduate with a degree and/or a knowledge of architecture or engineering to deliver an exciting 12 month project related to Research and Development.

The successful candidate will carry out research into new products and create a document library for Architects. The placement will also entail supporting the creation of a  new cutting-edge Research and Development Centre at Russwood. 

It is envisaged that a successful completion of the project is likely to result in a permanent position with Russwood.

Job description

Project Description

Research and Development is a key requirement for Russwood to ensure we maintain our market position and stay ahead of our competitors. Russwood has three target markets: Architects, Main Contractors and Clients. We take pride in the technical expertise we offer and our aim is to become an industry market leader in this field.

The successful candidate will be required to identify market trends as well as to research and assess cladding systems used in continental Europe for their suitability in the UK market and weather conditions.

The placement project will also entail supporting the development of the new Research and Development Centre at Russwood with the aim of becoming a Centre of Excellence.

In addition, the graduate will create and develop a document library in language used by Architects which enables them to more easily specify our products in their NBS specifications.

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

• Month 1 - Familiarisation of Russwood’s cladding and decking systems
• Month 2 - Research NBS Specifications and the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 to understand the rules and regulations and the aims of Russwood
• Ongoing - Continually develop knowledge of timber science and timber application in order to contribute to the research and development of new cladding systems to add to existing product range
• From Month 3 - Start to provide technical advice to Architects in relation to the specification process
• From Month 3 - Contribute to Architect and Designer visits to Russwood in order to establish and develop strong relationships with Architectural Practices
• Months 4-9 - Undertake Research & Testing of all timber projects in conjunction with the Managing Director and Napier University
• Months 6-10 - Investigate and assist in the development of new products
• Months 8-10 - Support the creation of a new R&D Centre
• By Month 12 - Develop and setup a NBS document library
• By Month 12 - Create a handover document to ensure continuity

For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact Claire Howie on 01540 673 648. 

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Qualifications

The entry requirements for this project placement is an HNC or above in Architecture, Engineering, Design, Forestry or a related subject. Other candidates will be considered with evidence of industry experience in an appropriate discipline.

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

1. A degree/background in architecture or engineering
2. A passion for architecture, design or timber 
3. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 
4. Good numeracy and IT skills 
5. Good technical skills and experience 
6. Enjoy being part of a hard working close-knit team with a strong client focus
7. Ability to prioritise and organise workload

Desirable Skills

1. An awareness of current design trends 
2. An understanding of the connection between wood and what Architects and Designers are trying to achieve 
3. Commercial awareness

Benefits

Company benefits

Ongoing training will be provided throughout the course of the 12 month placement – this will include gaining first hand timber knowledge from the Managing Director. The graduate will also be eligible for the Company bonus. 

We will provide a list of accommodation available on a long term let within the community area if the graduate requires rented accommodation.

Placement benefits

As part of this ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme you will have access to a tailored business skills training course. ScotGrad placements also offer a unique opportunity to connect with a vast network of graduates, students and ScotGrad alumni. All graduates appointed through the programme are encouraged to use the ScotGrad LinkedIn group to communicate with other ScotGrad participants, learn about any professional development opportunities, including any relevant networking events and build up a professional network. 

Additional information

Location: Newtonmore

Preferred start date: 25/07/2016

Company information

Russwood Limited has been supplying timber to both the domestic and trade sectors for over twenty years and pride itself on our reputation for quality products and excellent technical expertise. For many years we have built a reputation for supplying high quality, responsibly sourced timber cladding, decking and flooring throughout the country.

We are a major employer within the Cairngorms National Park and we take our responsibility to the local community, as well as the local economy, seriously. 

Products are all FSC and PEFC sourced positioning them well with clients who appreciate the value of materials that work with nature rather than taking from the environment. Russwood is committed to establishing an Environmental Management System to meet the requirements of the international standard ISO 14001:2015 and set environmental objectives and targets which are regularly reviewed and revised.

Company sector: Other

Company website: www.russwood.co.uk

Placement contact details: Claire Howie
01540 673 648