Associate - Building Physics

HDR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is looking for an Associate to join their Building Physics team in Manchester. You will lead building performance analysis and ensure sustainability is integrated into design strategies. The role requires experience in Building Physics or Environmental Design, strong project management skills, and the ability to manage client relationships. This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while fostering innovation in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Building Physics or Environmental Design within a consultancy environment.
• Educational qualifications to a degree, equivalent or higher in a relevant subject.
• Strong expertise using IES, NDEA for EPCs, NABERS.
• Strong experience with BREEAM.
• Qualified OCDEA.
• A solid understanding of UK building regulations and sustainability frameworks.
• Experience leading projects and managing client relationships.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of building performance analysis, including thermal modelling.
• Oversee projects from concept through to detailed design and completion.
• Provide expert guidance on sustainability strategies and regulatory compliance.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to successful project delivery.

Skills

Building Physics

Sustainability strategies

Energy efficiency

Client relationship management

Project management

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Tools

IES

NDEA

BREEAM

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We empower everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day, fostering a culture of inclusion throughout our company and communities. We constantly ask: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centres driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

About The Role

As an Associate, you’ll be a key leader within our Building Physics team, responsible for delivering technically excellent solutions while supporting the strategic growth of the discipline. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure sustainability and performance are embedded at every stage.

About You

We are seeking a passionate and driven professional who thrives on solving complex challenges and influencing sustainable outcomes. Someone who is personable, self-starter with the ability to project a positive ‘can do’ professional attitude at all times, maintaining good working relationships. Someone who enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines, being able to establish excellent working rapport within the team, business and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload and keep to tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of building performance analysis, including thermal modelling, energy assessments, and daylighting studies
• Oversee projects from concept through to detailed design and completion
• Provide expert guidance on sustainability strategies, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary design teams to ensure integrated project delivery
• Manage client relationships and contribute to the successful delivery of projects within agreed timelines and budgets
• Support the development and mentoring of junior team members
• Contribute to business development activities, including bid preparation and client engagement

Requirements

• Proven experience in Building Physics or Environmental Design within a consultancy environment
• Educational qualifications to a degree, equivalent or higher in a relevant subject
• Strong expertise using IES, NDEA for EPCs, NABERS
• Strong experience with BREEAM
• Qualified OCDEA
• A solid understanding of UK building regulations and sustainability frameworks
• Experience leading projects and managing client relationships
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong commercial awareness
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Experience working on Data Centre projects is highly desirable

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other\'s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United Kingdom-England-London

Other Locations

United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Industry

Environment/Sciences

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Sustainability and Resiliency

Job Posting

Mar 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.