Associate Director, Laboratory Planning & Innovation

AECO; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an Associate Director to lead laboratory planning and science design from a strategic level in London. You will guide complex projects across life sciences, higher education, and research sectors, ensuring design excellence and client satisfaction.

In this hybrid role, you will shape the growth of our Science & Technology sector while mentoring multidisciplinary teams and driving innovative, sustainable lab environments for a global client base.

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership across laboratory planning and design.
• Experience leading complex lab projects and securing work wins.
• Knowledge of GMP, cleanrooms, containment labs and advanced manufacturing facilities.
• ARB registration or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.
• Eligible to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across laboratory planning and science facility design.
• Act as sector leader and client-facing expert from concept to delivery.
• Drive work-winning, client engagement, and long-term partnerships.
• Mentor teams and drive innovative, future-ready environments.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Mentoring

Project delivery

Business growth

Education

ARB registered Architect (or equivalent professional qualification)

Significant post-qualification experience in laboratory/science sector design

Tools

Revit

BIM

Digital delivery workflows

Job description

AECOM is seeking an Associate Director to lead laboratory planning and science design from a strategic level in London. You will guide complex projects across life sciences, higher education, and research sectors, ensuring design excellence and client satisfaction.

In this hybrid role, you will shape the growth of our Science & Technology sector while mentoring multidisciplinary teams and driving innovative, sustainable lab environments for a global client base.