Senior Director, Construction Disputes & Advisory (PLDC): Architect

Ankura; Scotland; On-site; GBP 81,144 - 177,043; Full time

Job summary

Ankura is seeking a Testifying Expert for high-profile construction disputes. You will lead evaluations, present findings in legal contexts, and mentor project personnel. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, a relevant license, and over 10 years of experience, including at least 5 years focused on disputes. The role emphasizes strong analytical and communication skills to present complex concepts. The position is located in the UK, Scotland.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in construction/engineering.
• At least 5 years of forensic consulting experience focused on construction defects.
• Proven history as an Active Testifying Expert in construction defect matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluations of Design and Construction Deficiencies and Defects.
• Serve as the Testifying Expert in depositions and trials.
• Oversee data-gathering activities and supervise project personnel.

Skills

Technical proficiency in design, building codes, and construction methods

Exceptional analytical skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Experience managing client relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture

Advanced degree (preferred)

Architectural license

NCARB certification (preferred)

Job description

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

Practice Overview

Ankura's Professional Liability & Defective Construction (PLDC) subgroup delivers sophisticated expert services to resolve complex construction disputes. Our multidisciplinary team combines deep industry expertise (Architects, Engineers, and Contractors) with advanced analytical capabilities to provide independent professional opinions, focusing on liability, standard of care, defective construction, and remedial protocols. We offer robust analysis and compelling expert testimony across some of the world's largest capital projects.

Role Overview

Lead and serve as the primary testifying expert on high-profile construction disputes, claims, and litigation matters, focusing on design and construction defect analysis and Standard of Care for General Contractors and other parties.

Value Proposition

This role offers the opportunity to establish your legacy as a definitive testifying expert, lead high-performing teams, and directly impact multi-million-dollar dispute resolutions by providing objective, credible, and defensible conclusions in court, arbitration panels, and dispute resolution boards.

This position is located near an Ankura office anywhere in the U.S., with a strong preference for candidates in the Western or Mountain Time Zones.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed, after-the-fact evaluations of Design and Construction Deficiencies and Defects, Water Infiltration/Intrusion, and Standard of Care for general contractors and design professionals.
• Serve as the Testifying Expert in depositions, mediations, and trial, presenting complex technical and causation findings in a clear, concise, and objective manner.
• Direct and perform forensic analysis of pertinent design and construction documentation to determine contractual liability and cause-and-effect relationships between project events and alleged defects.
• Oversee data-gathering activities, including document review and supervising the quality control of technical work product.
• Supervise and mentor project personnel, including analysts and less experienced associates.
• Lead engagement work planning, proposals, budgeting, and client communications for senior-level review.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution. Advanced degree preferred.
• Architectural license required. Additionally, NCARB certification preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in construction/engineering, with at least 5 years of dedicated disputes/forensic consulting experience focused on construction defects, liability, and claims.
• Proven history as an Active Testifying Expert (deponent and trial/arbitration witness) on construction defect and standard of care matters (at least 2-3 matters)
• Technical proficiency in design, building codes, and construction methods.
• Experience with forensic analysis techniques related to construction deficiencies and remedial repair protocols.
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse, non-technical audiences (judges/juries).
• Experience managing client relationships and leading project teams.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in California, Colorado, or New York, Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and takes into account a broad range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Ankura, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $110,000 to $240,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [e-mail] or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.