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Celebrating Transversal Careers at SOCOTEC
Wed 03/18/2026 - 11:34
At SOCOTEC, we’re proud of the opportunities our people have to grow, explore new paths and shape careers that truly fit their strengths.
This month, we’re spotlighting two colleagues whose journeys show just how far curiosity, ambition and a willingness to embrace change can take you.
From progressing through multiple technical departments in the UK to stepping into international leadership on the other side of the world, Jordan and Luke share how SOCOTEC’s supportive culture and global network have opened doors they never expected. Their stories highlight what transversal careers are all about, discovering new passions, building confidence, and finding the role that feels right.
From Bretby to Vietnam: My journey to global leadership with SOCOTEC
A Postcard from Vietnam - Luke Cave, Managing Director SOCOTEC Vietnam
Just over a year ago, I began an exciting new chapter in my SOCOTEC career, relocating to Vietnam to lead our platform here as Managing Director. After three successful years as Infrastructure HR Business Partner with SOCOTEC UK, the opportunity to take on a leadership role abroad felt like a natural next step.
This move has been both a personal and professional milestone — one that has challenged, inspired and developed me in ways I never expected. Leading a platform in a new country has broadened my perspective, strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my appreciation for our truly international business.
Embracing life in Vietnam
Adapting to Vietnamese culture has brought plenty of memorable moments — including learning how to navigate Hanoi’s bustling streets on a motorbike. Coming from the UK, adjusting to driving on the right-hand side of the road was quite a change after a lifetime on the left.
In my first few weeks here, the organised chaos of the roads felt overwhelming, but now it is one of the many things I love about living here.
Learning even a little of the language has also been incredibly rewarding. Simple phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) go far beyond their literal meaning — they show respect and a genuine willingness to connect.
Another highlight has been the food — which I have embraced enthusiastically. Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, balanced and incredibly varied, and meals are as much about connection as they are about nourishment. From early morning bowls of phở to late-night street food, sharing meals is a natural way for teams to come together.
SOCOTEC Vietnam: Supporting global growth
Our Vietnam team plays a key role as a strategic support hub for SOCOTEC platforms across the globe. We provide access to skilled, bilingual talent while delivering cost-effective solutions that help our international teams remain competitive.
The platform currently offers several services that complement operations across the Group, including:
- Monitoring & data services
- BIM/CAD & As-built survey
- Calculation & simulation
- Software & IT services
- Geotechnical, Materials Testing & Foundations
By focusing exclusively on supporting the Group internally, we can adapt to the needs of colleagues around the world. Working across multiple time zones also enables a continuous workflow, allowing progress to continue even while other regions sleep.
Today, our Vietnam technical support platform of over 80 employees contributes more than €4m annually to the SOCOTEC Group, and we are continuing to grow. With two new offices planned in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2026, we are building an even stronger platform for the future.
A culture of opportunity
My experience reflects SOCOTEC’s strong commitment to developing its people and creating opportunities across our international network.
Since joining the company in 2022, I have consistently felt supported and encouraged to grow. Taking on a leadership role abroad is not just a reflection of the trust SOCOTEC places in its people — it is proof of what is possible when we say yes to new challenges.
For anyone considering international opportunities, SOCOTEC offers more than just a career — it provides a truly global platform for growth.
Just over a year ago, I began an exciting new chapter in my SOCOTEC career, relocating to Vietnam to lead our platform here as Managing Director. After three successful years as Infrastructure HR Business Partner with SOCOTEC UK, the opportunity to take on a leadership role abroad felt like a natural next step.
This move has been both a personal and professional milestone — one that has challenged, inspired and developed me in ways I never expected. Leading a platform in a new country has broadened my perspective, strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my appreciation for our truly international business.
Embracing life in Vietnam
Adapting to Vietnamese culture has brought plenty of memorable moments — including learning how to navigate Hanoi’s bustling streets on a motorbike. Coming from the UK, adjusting to driving on the right-hand side of the road was quite a change after a lifetime on the left.
In my first few weeks here, the organised chaos of the roads felt overwhelming, but now it is one of the many things I love about living here.
Learning even a little of the language has also been incredibly rewarding. Simple phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) go far beyond their literal meaning — they show respect and a genuine willingness to connect.
Another highlight has been the food — which I have embraced enthusiastically. Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, balanced and incredibly varied, and meals are as much about connection as they are about nourishment. From early morning bowls of phở to late-night street food, sharing meals is a natural way for teams to come together.
SOCOTEC Vietnam: Supporting global growth
Our Vietnam team plays a key role as a strategic support hub for SOCOTEC platforms across the globe. We provide access to skilled, bilingual talent while delivering cost-effective solutions that help our international teams remain competitive.
The platform currently offers several services that complement operations across the Group, including:
- Monitoring & data services
- BIM/CAD & As-built survey
- Calculation & simulation
- Software & IT services
- Geotechnical, Materials Testing & Foundations
By focusing exclusively on supporting the Group internally, we can adapt to the needs of colleagues around the world. Working across multiple time zones also enables a continuous workflow, allowing progress to continue even while other regions sleep.
Today, our Vietnam technical support platform of over 80 employees contributes more than €4m annually to the SOCOTEC Group, and we are continuing to grow. With two new offices planned in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2026, we are building an even stronger platform for the future.
A culture of opportunity
My experience reflects SOCOTEC’s strong commitment to developing its people and creating opportunities across our international network.
Since joining the company in 2022, I have consistently felt supported and encouraged to grow. Taking on a leadership role abroad is not just a reflection of the trust SOCOTEC places in its people — it is proof of what is possible when we say yes to new challenges.
For anyone considering international opportunities, SOCOTEC offers more than just a career — it provides a truly global platform for growth.
From Bottle Dispatch to Water Hygiene: How I Found My Path Through Career Moves
My Journey: Growing Across SOCOTEC - Jordan Holbrook, Water Hygiene Technician SOCOTEC UK & Ireland
I started with SOCOTEC UK in February 2022 in the Bottle Dispatch team within Environmental Chemistry, it was perfect for me at the time. I was on my feet all day, working with a small team but managing my own sample workload. I loved the accountability with planning my day, knowing what needed to be done and getting on with it.
But after a couple of years, I wanted something new. I wanted to push myself and take on more responsibility. So I started cross-training in Sample Reception and then Metals. What surprised me most was realising that our scientific methods aren't as complicated as they look. It's really about following a process and repeating it accurately over and over again. That's something I genuinely enjoy—the precision, the discipline, the routine of doing something well.
Finding My Next Move
Even with that new experience, I knew I wanted something different. That's when I spotted a vacancy in the "You Grow, We Grow" email for a Water Hygiene Technician. What I noticed immediately was the chance to be out on the road which was perfect timing since I'd just passed my driving test and I enjoy being out and about going to different locations across the East Midlands, site seeing while doing my job.
I reached out to recruitment, and they introduced me to Matt, who's now my manager. He walked me through the role and was really enthusiastic about how my skills from the lab could transfer into field-based technical work. It helped that we connected over our passion of Nottingham Forest and Formula One!
Where I Am Now
Nearly a year later, I'm genuinely loving this role. I manage my own sites, I have my own work vehicle that I take home every night and look after and it’s down to me to make sure it stays clean and not a shared responsibility. I've built solid relationships with clients and I can see how those connections make the work smoother, more efficient and that the clients have confidence in trusting us with their sites. I'm not just following processes anymore - I'm representing SOCOTEC, solving problems and delivering results that matter to me and our clients.
What's Next?
I've already spoken about my next steps, possibly moving into Legionella Risk Assessing. But I’m still learning, gaining experience and more confidence in my current role but after 2 years in this role I think I’ll be ready for that next step when it becomes available. This company has given me the chance to explore, the support to grow and the confidence to keep pushing forward.
My career has moved across departments, picked up new skills and opened doors I didn't even know existed, and that's exactly why I'm still here. The company is HUGE and there’s a perfect department for all of us, you just have to find it.
I started with SOCOTEC UK in February 2022 in the Bottle Dispatch team within Environmental Chemistry, it was perfect for me at the time. I was on my feet all day, working with a small team but managing my own sample workload. I loved the accountability with planning my day, knowing what needed to be done and getting on with it.
But after a couple of years, I wanted something new. I wanted to push myself and take on more responsibility. So I started cross-training in Sample Reception and then Metals. What surprised me most was realising that our scientific methods aren't as complicated as they look. It's really about following a process and repeating it accurately over and over again. That's something I genuinely enjoy—the precision, the discipline, the routine of doing something well.
Finding My Next Move
Even with that new experience, I knew I wanted something different. That's when I spotted a vacancy in the "You Grow, We Grow" email for a Water Hygiene Technician. What I noticed immediately was the chance to be out on the road which was perfect timing since I'd just passed my driving test and I enjoy being out and about going to different locations across the East Midlands, site seeing while doing my job.
I reached out to recruitment, and they introduced me to Matt, who's now my manager. He walked me through the role and was really enthusiastic about how my skills from the lab could transfer into field-based technical work. It helped that we connected over our passion of Nottingham Forest and Formula One!
Where I Am Now
Nearly a year later, I'm genuinely loving this role. I manage my own sites, I have my own work vehicle that I take home every night and look after and it’s down to me to make sure it stays clean and not a shared responsibility. I've built solid relationships with clients and I can see how those connections make the work smoother, more efficient and that the clients have confidence in trusting us with their sites. I'm not just following processes anymore - I'm representing SOCOTEC, solving problems and delivering results that matter to me and our clients.
What's Next?
I've already spoken about my next steps, possibly moving into Legionella Risk Assessing. But I’m still learning, gaining experience and more confidence in my current role but after 2 years in this role I think I’ll be ready for that next step when it becomes available. This company has given me the chance to explore, the support to grow and the confidence to keep pushing forward.
My career has moved across departments, picked up new skills and opened doors I didn't even know existed, and that's exactly why I'm still here. The company is HUGE and there’s a perfect department for all of us, you just have to find it.
Interested in starting your career at SOCOTEC?
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