British construction and engineering companies are accelerating their presence in Latin America amid a surge of infrastructure investment across the region. Fueled by robust economic growth forecasts and increasing government commitments, Latin America represents one of the most dynamic markets for infrastructure development globally. Firms such as Arup, Mott MacDonald, Balfour Beatty, and Turner & Townsend are leveraging their world-class expertise to participate in landmark projects, while navigating complex recruitment challenges unique to the region.

 Latin America’s infrastructure market: scale and opportunity

According to a 2023 report by GlobalData Infrastructure, Latin America’s infrastructure market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.2% through 2028, reaching an estimated $650 billion in total project value. Key drivers include:

• Urbanization pushing demand for expanded metro and road networks
• Renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms
• Modernization of airports and ports to support trade
• Water management and flood control systems in response to climate risks

Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru are leading this investment wave, with governments increasingly favoring public-private partnerships (PPPs) and concession models. These frameworks closely align with British infrastructure firms’ experience, making Latin America a strategic priority market.

 British firms’ strategic positioning

British companies have developed a diversified portfolio in Latin America:

• Arup focuses on sustainable urban transit solutions and environmental engineering, notably in Chile’s Santiago metro expansion and Colombia’s airport upgrades.
• Mott MacDonald advises on large-scale water infrastructure and flood defense projects in Peru and Colombia, bringing expertise in climate resilience.
• Balfour Beatty has secured contracts in civil infrastructure, including highway modernization programs in Mexico and Colombia.
• Turner & Townsend supports multi-billion dollar projects across sectors by providing cost management and project controls, ensuring efficient capital deployment.

Recruitment realities: bridging talent gaps

While project pipelines grow, the challenge lies in assembling the right teams. British firms must often balance:

• Recruiting highly skilled local engineers fluent in both technical and soft skills necessary for international standards
• Deploying UK expatriate experts in leadership roles who understand both British and Latin American business practices
• Finding specialists in digital construction technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Ensuring bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish or Portuguese, critical for cross-cultural project coordination

There is also increased emphasis on hiring talent with experience in environmental compliance and sustainability, reflecting global and local policy priorities.

 Typical skills sought after by British construction and engineering firms in South America

British firms involved in Latin America infrastructure projects commonly seek candidates for the following roles:

• Project Manager / Construction Manager

Responsible for overseeing project execution, coordinating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timelines are met.

• Civil Engineer / Structural Engineer

Design and supervise infrastructure elements such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and buildings, ensuring compliance with international standards.

• Environmental Engineer / Sustainability Specialist

Focus on incorporating sustainable practices, managing environmental impact assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager

Handle project costing, budget control, and financial reporting, essential for controlling large-scale infrastructure budgets.

• Site Engineer / Field Supervisor

Manage day-to-day site operations, safety compliance, and coordination between contractors and engineers.

• Geotechnical Engineer

Evaluate soil and rock conditions to inform foundation and construction decisions, critical in varied Latin American terrains.

• BIM Specialist / Digital Construction Coordinator

Implement and manage Building Information Modeling technologies to improve design accuracy and collaboration.

• Procurement Specialist / Supply Chain Manager

Manage sourcing of materials and equipment, negotiate contracts, and optimize logistics.

• Health & Safety Officer

Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols on construction sites, reducing risks and incidents.

• Expats / Senior Leadership Roles (e.g., Regional Director, Operations Manager)

Often filled by UK-based professionals with experience in international project delivery and leadership.

Additionally, MEP roles (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) are increasingly crucial in Latin America’s growing infrastructure landscape. UK firms look for:

• MEP Engineers who design and oversee the integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with local regulations.
• Mechanical Engineers specializing in HVAC and machinery installations.
• Electrical Engineers responsible for power distribution, lighting, and renewable energy systems.
• Plumbing Engineers managing water supply and waste systems.
• Fire Protection Engineers developing fire safety systems.
• MEP Coordinators ensuring the coordination of all MEP disciplines within broader construction projects.

GateSource HR: a vital partner for British firms in LATAM

GateSource HR brings invaluable support to British construction and engineering companies seeking to grow in Latin America by:

• Providing access to a robust talent network that combines local expertise with international profiles
• Offering tailored executive search and recruitment solutions that meet complex technical and managerial requirements
• Facilitating expatriate recruitment and relocation, ensuring smooth transitions and cultural integration
• Advising on competitive compensation and regulatory compliance, reducing hiring risks

Our bilingual and bicultural team understands both British corporate culture and Latin American market nuances, enabling seamless recruitment strategies.

Conclusion

As Latin America invests heavily in infrastructure modernization, British construction and engineering firms are strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. Their success depends not only on technical innovation but also on securing and retaining the right talent to lead projects on the ground. Partnering with a specialist recruiter like GateSource HR ensures British firms can navigate the region’s complexities and build teams capable of delivering transformative infrastructure solutions.