Associate Director

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Senior MEP professional to assume an Associate Director role, focusing on technical delivery and client relationships in a dynamic environment. This pivotal position offers extensive growth potential and the chance to shape the future of MEP delivery while mentoring a high-performing team.

Benefits

£6,000 Car Allowance

EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Health Shield Plan

Private Health Cover

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible & Wellbeing Holidays

Enhanced Sick Pay

Referral Bonus

Hybrid Working

Qualifications

• Operating at Principal or Associate level.
• Strong technical background with client interactions.
• Desire to build and mentor a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead MEP design projects from concept to Stage 4 delivery.
• Build and mentor a team of engineers.
• Contribute to business development in multiple sectors.

Skills

Technical background in MEP design

Client-facing skills

Leadership qualities

Flexibility across sectors

Education

Degree in a relevant engineering field

Job description

Location:
Sale, Greater Manchester (Hybrid Working)
Salary: Competitive + £6,000 Car Allowance + Benefits
Sector: Building Services / MEP Design Level: Senior / Associate
About the BusinessEstablished in 1987, this UK-wide consultancy has grown into a £6.5m turnover business with ambitious plans to reach £10m in the next two years. With 9 regional offices and a strong presence in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and London, they are known for their technical excellence and holistic approach to MEP and cost consultancy.The business is structured, supportive, and people-focused, offering a clear mentoring pathway and a culture that values getting it right the first time. Directors are hands-on and have risen through the ranks, bringing deep technical insight and leadership to every project.
The OpportunityAs part of their strategic growth, the business is looking to embed MEP capability into their head office in Sale. They are seeking a
Senior-level MEP professional to step into an Associate Director role, leading client relationships and technical delivery while building and mentoring a high-performing team.This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on technical detail, enjoys client interaction, and is ready to shape the future of MEP delivery in a dynamic and growing consultancy.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead MEP design projects from concept to Stage 4 delivery
• Act as a technical authority and client liaison across a diverse portfolio
• Support cross-selling of MEP services through collaboration with PMs
• Build and mentor a team of engineers and technical staff
• Contribute to business development and sector expansion, particularly in banking, education, and industrial sectors
• Work closely with Directors and Revit staff to ensure high-quality, coordinated design output
  
  

Sectors & Projects

• Data Centres
• Clean Rooms
• Student Accommodation
• Industrial & Warehousing
• Office Refurbishments (e.g., £50m Spinningfields project)
• School Campuses (expanding from Scotland into England)
• Banking Sector (NatWest and others)
  
  

Ideal Candidate

• Currently operating at Principal or Associate level
• Strong technical background in MEP design with excellent client-facing skills
• Experience across multiple sectors with a flexible, non-pigeonholed approach
• Leadership qualities with a desire to build and grow a team
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment (3 days in-office)
  
  

Team & Support

• 6 Directors offering direct support and mentorship
• 48 Technical Staff across the business
• Revit and Admin support
• Teams structured into pods of 12 for focused delivery
  
  

Benefits Package

• £6,000 Car Allowance
• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Health Shield Plan (Dental, CT Scans, Glasses)
• Private Health Cover
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible & Wellbeing Holidays
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Referral Bonus
• Hybrid Working (3 days in-office, 2 remote - flexible)
  
  

Future OpportunitiesThis role offers long-term career development, with the potential to work internationally as part of a wider global network. The business is committed to nurturing talent from school-leavers to senior leaders, with a strong mentoring culture and a clear path for progression.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk