Associate Director

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Structures Director to lead a dynamic team in delivering high-quality engineering projects. This role involves managing project budgets, ensuring adherence to technical standards, and fostering client relationships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in design consultancy, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to a collaborative work environment. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community and beyond, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in design consultancy managing projects.
• Chartered Engineer or pursuing chartered status with relevant bodies.

Responsibilities

• Manage Structures group, ensuring technical quality and timely project completion.
• Develop new business opportunities and maintain excellent client relationships.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

CAD Proficiency

Team Building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MSc in Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Office Suite

Project Analysis Software

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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

Each role throughout our organization 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.

As an Associate Structures Director, you will be part of an organization that is 100-percent employee owned, supporting and creating many opportunities for you to advance, succeed, and fulfill your career aspirations.

About You

We are looking for a 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, establishing excellent rapport within the team, business, and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining high technical standards.

Primary Objective

As an Associate Director, you will manage the Structures group, monitor and deliver projects effectively, ensuring technical quality, professionalism, and timely completion. You will also oversee staff performance, implement training, QA, and health and safety protocols.

In the role of Associate Structures Director, you will have the opportunity to:

• Monitor resource allocation and project budgets monthly, define CAD requirements, and forecast engineering workload.
• Lead engineering design from concept to detailed design, tendering, on-site supervision, and project completion, ensuring adherence to design briefs and deadlines through regular reviews.
• Ensure all projects and reports meet technical standards and quality expectations, conducting regular design reviews.
• Manage contract staff or third-party appointments.
• Maintain excellent client relationships to achieve high satisfaction and repeat business, managing expectations and promoting teamwork.
• Develop new business opportunities and participate in company presentations.
• Motivate and manage staff within the group, setting objectives, monitoring performance, coaching, and developing talent.
• Oversee project progress, handle design variations, and control financial budgets.
• Implement management systems, coordinate staff leave, and carry out staff development plans.
• Ensure QA systems and health and safety regulations are followed, including CDM regulations.
• Adhere to Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• BEng, MSc, or equivalent in Civil, Structural Engineering or relevant field.
• Chartered Engineer or pursuing chartered status with ICE, IStructE, or relevant body.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a design consultancy managing projects.
• Experience managing contract staff or third-party appointments is desirable.
• Proficiency in computer modelling, CAD, and effective communication with other consultants.
• Experience in similar roles is preferred.
• Competency in MS Office Suite and project analysis software.
• Ability to project a positive, professional attitude consistently.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team building and remote management.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting to executives and large audiences.
• Active participation in our employee-owned culture is essential.

Our Values and Commitment

We believe in building on each other's experiences to make great things possible every day, fostering a collaborative culture, organizational trust, and closer connections to our clients and communities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Our Employee Network Groups support this goal by fostering belonging and engagement across diverse communities.

Additional Information

Location: United Kingdom-England-London

Schedule: Full-time

Status: Regular

Business Class: Program Management

Job Posting Date: Apr 28, 2025

HDR is committed to employment equity and is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal history.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges and are always looking for talented individuals to join our global teams.