Associate Director - Civils

HDR; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a commercially astute and technically accomplished Civil Associate Director to lead complex civil engineering projects from inception to completion, managing client relationships and driving business development across Scotland and the UK.

You will mentor high-performing teams, oversee financial performance, and shape the division's direction with senior leadership, supporting sustainable infrastructure and innovation in data centres, drainage, utilities and development schemes.

Qualifications

• Chartered civil engineer with consultancy experience.
• 8+ years in consultancy delivering infrastructure projects.
• Experience on Data Centre projects desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex civil engineering projects across infrastructure, drainage, utilities and development schemes
• Provide technical direction and governance to ensure excellence
• Build and strengthen long-term client partnerships
• Identify, secure and convert new business opportunities
• Take ownership of financial performance, forecasting and risk management
• Mentor and develop engineers and future leaders
• Contribute to business planning and strategic growth initiatives

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring / team development

Education

BEng or MSc in Civil/Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (MICE or equivalent)

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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 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 optimising 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 You

We are seeking a commercially astute and technically accomplished civil engineering professional with a proven track record of leading complex projects and high-performing teams. Chartered (MICE or equivalent), you bring significant consultancy experience and the confidence to operate at a strategic level, balancing technical excellence with financial accountability. You will be a natural leader who builds strong client relationships, identifies growth opportunities and inspires those around you. Forward-thinking and solutions-focused, motivated by delivering impactful infrastructure while contributing to the long-term success and direction of the business.

About The Role

As Civil Associate Director, you will play a pivotal leadership role within the business, combining technical excellence with strategic and commercial oversight. You will lead the successful delivery of complex civil engineering projects from inception through to completion, while managing client relationships, driving business development and ensuring financial performance across your portfolio. Working closely with senior leadership, you will help shape the direction of the division, mentor and develop high-performing teams, and uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation and professionalism. This role offers significant influence, autonomy and a clear pathway for further progression.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex civil engineering projects across infrastructure, drainage, utilities and development schemes
• Provide technical direction and governance to ensure excellence and compliance
• Build and strengthen long-term client partnerships
• Identify, secure and convert new business opportunities
• Take ownership of financial performance, forecasting and risk management
• Mentor and develop high-performing engineers and future leaders
• Contribute to business planning and strategic growth initiatives

Requirements

• BEng, MSc, or equivalent qualification in Civil, Structural Engineering or relevant subject
• Chartered Engineer (MICE or equivalent)
• Extensive consultancy experience designing and managing infrastructure projects within civil engineering (ideally 8yrs minimum). (experience working on Data Centre projects is highly desirable)
• Strong leadership and team development capability
• Commercially astute with experience managing budgets and profitability
• Proven ability to win and grow client accounts
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

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-Scotland-Glasgow, United Kingdom-England-Manchester Industry:Building Engineering Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Building Site Civil Job Posting:Sep 11, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.