Welcome to the March edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

This month, we’re exploring the real-world impact of engineering and executive search, bringing it to life through a recent candidate success story, unpacking the implications of escalating geopolitical tensions on the global energy and infrastructure markets, and highlighting current opportunities to build a career with Blakely Brown.

Thank you as always for your ongoing support.

With appreciation,

The Blakely Brown Team

Case Study: Aligning Career Growth with Personal Priorities

We recently partnered with a superintendent based in North Dakota who had been delivering large-scale data center projects across the country. While he thrived on the complexity and impact of the work, the travel demands weren’t aligning with expectations, limiting the time he could spend with his family in the Southeast.

At the same time, one of our clients, a $10B privately held general contractor and a key player in the data center sector, was looking to strengthen their team on a major ground-up build in Louisiana for a leading technology client. They needed an experienced superintendent who could step in and make an immediate impact.

The result was a strong match on both sides.

The candidate transitioned from a $160K base salary to a $175K base, alongside an enhanced overall package. More importantly, the move significantly reduced travel strain, bringing him closer to his family in Alabama and improving his work-life balance.

For the client, this hire added a highly capable superintendent with a well-rounded MEP background, critical for complex data center construction. His experience allowed him to contribute from day one, while also mentoring junior team members and strengthening the broader project team.

The outcome: a true win-win.

For the candidate:

• Increased compensation

• Exposure to a larger, more complex project

• Improved work-life balance and proximity to family

For the client:

• A proven superintendent with strong MEP expertise

• Immediate impact on a critical build

• Added leadership and mentorship within the team

Placements like this highlight what’s possible when client needs and candidate priorities are fully aligned. Reach out today and see how our team can help find you the next step in your career.

China Increases Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Production

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions affecting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, China is accelerating investment in non-fossil fuel energy to reduce reliance on imports. With oil still making up a significant portion of its energy mix, and supply risks increasing, China is fast-tracking nuclear, wind, solar, hydropower, hydrogen, and grid infrastructure projects.

Recent moves include major nuclear plant developments, expanded pumped hydro storage targets, new hydrogen initiatives, EV charging networks, and large-scale transmission upgrades. While current reserves provide short-term stability, the broader strategy is clear: strengthen long-term energy security through rapid clean energy expansion.

What does this mean for engineers?

1. Demand for complex energy infrastructure is accelerating globally: Large-scale nuclear, grid, and energy storage projects are moving faster, highlighting growing demand for engineers with experience in high-complexity, mission-critical infrastructure.

2. Multi-disciplinary expertise is becoming essential: Projects now combine power generation, transmission, storage, and emerging tech (like hydrogen and EV infrastructure), increasing the need for engineers who can work across MEP, civil, and energy systems.

3. Clean energy = long-term career stability: China’s push reinforces a global trend: nuclear, renewables, and grid modernization will continue driving sustained engineering demand for decades.

What does this mean for recruiters?

1. Energy transition talent will be increasingly competitive: As global investment in clean energy ramps up, competition for experienced engineers, especially in nuclear, power delivery, and MEP, will intensify.

2. Infrastructure + energy crossover talent is high value: Candidates with experience across data centers, utilities, transmission, and industrial projects will be especially attractive as sectors converge.

3. Speed to hire will be a differentiator: With projects being fast-tracked, clients will prioritize recruiters who can quickly deliver qualified, project-ready talent, particularly for critical infrastructure roles.

Opportunities

As our teams on both sides of the Atlantic continue to grow, we’re doubling down on hiring and creating new pathways for talent to join us at every level.

In Miami, we’re excited to be launching our first-ever Summer 2026 Internship Programme. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain real exposure to the full recruitment lifecycle from our Miami office. Whether you’re looking to secure a summer placement or want to get started even sooner, this is a chance to build practical experience in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.

At the same time, our London team, based in Victoria, is continuing its strong growth trajectory. We’re keen to connect with individuals across the spectrum: from soon-to-be graduates exploring their first role, to experienced recruiters ready to take their performance and earnings to the next level.

For experienced hires, the opportunity is clear: with access to established markets, strong client relationships, and a high-performing platform, our team consistently delivers the environment needed to 2–4x current billings. Beyond that, we offer a genuine pathway into leadership as we continue to scale.

If you’re ambitious, commercially driven, and looking to be part of a growing international business, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested? Send a copy of your CV to antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com