At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams in delivering innovative building services projects.
- Company: Join a top independent consultancy known for sustainable engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a chance to lead a dynamic office.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing consultancy while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in MEP design, strong leadership, and education sector experience required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Reporting to: Managing Director
About the Company
Our Client are a leading independent Building Services (MEP) Design Consultancy delivering innovative, sustainable and commercially focused engineering solutions throughout the UK. Their experienced team provides Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and BIM design services from concept through to project completion, working across all RIBA stages for National Contractors, Developers, End Users and Public Sector Clients. With an impressive portfolio of projects valued at up to £150 million, they have established a reputation for delivering technically robust, practical and commercially driven engineering solutions across a range of sectors including Education, High-Rise Residential, Commercial, Healthcare, Stadia and Mixed-Use developments.
As part of their continued growth strategy, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical-biased Associate Director / Regional Director to lead our Leeds office and become a key member of our senior leadership team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness, enjoys building long-term client relationships, has a proven track record of winning work and possesses extensive experience within the Education sector.
The Opportunity
Working closely alongside the Managing Director, you will have overall responsibility for the operational leadership, commercial performance and continued growth of the Leeds office. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, develop existing client relationships, secure new business opportunities and ensure the successful delivery of projects to the highest technical and commercial standards. This is far more than a technical role; they are looking for someone who is passionate about developing people, growing a business and helping shape the future direction of the consultancy.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day management and performance of the Leeds office.
- Provide leadership across Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and BIM teams.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on programme and to the highest quality standards.
- Drive operational efficiency, resource planning and project performance.
- Support recruitment, succession planning and staff development.
- Promote collaboration across all offices.
- Foster a positive, high-performing and accountable team culture.
- Client Relationship Management
- Build, develop and maintain long-term relationships with key clients.
- Act as the senior client representative on major projects.
- Attend client meetings, design workshops and strategic reviews.
- Deliver exceptional client service to maximise repeat business.
- Represent the business professionally within the industry.
- Business Development & Work Winning
- Identifying and securing new project opportunities.
- Developing strategic client relationships.
- Preparing and negotiating fee proposals.
- Leading bid submissions and interview presentations.
- Growing existing client accounts.
- Developing new markets and sectors.
- Supporting the delivery of the company's long-term business strategy.
- Education Sector Leadership
- A key requirement of this role is significant experience within the Education sector.
- Applicants should demonstrate a successful track record delivering Mechanical Building Services Consultancy projects including:
- Department for Education (DfE) Schools
- Primary and Secondary Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Further Education Establishments
- Decarbonisation Programmes
- New Build Schools
- Major Refurbishment Projects
- Public Sector Frameworks
- Existing client relationships within the Education sector would be highly advantageous.
- Technical Leadership
- Providing technical direction across multidisciplinary projects.
- Leading design reviews and quality assurance.
- Supporting project teams in delivering innovative engineering solutions.
- Ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, British Standards, CIBSE guidance and industry best practice.
- Promoting sustainable, low-carbon and energy-efficient design solutions.
- Championing BIM and digital engineering throughout project delivery.
- Commercial Management
- Monitor project profitability and financial performance.
- Review fees, resources and programme performance.
- Support contract negotiations.
- Identify and manage commercial risks.
- Maximise project profitability.
- Assist with debt management and fee recovery.
- Contribute towards annual business planning and growth targets.
- Leadership & People Development
- Inspire, motivate and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Mentor Associate, Senior and Graduate Engineers.
- Support professional development and Chartership.
- Recruit and retain high-performing individuals.
- Promote collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Lead by example through professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Candidate Profile
- Essential
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Building Services Engineering or equivalent.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards Chartership.
- Minimum 10 years' experience within a UK Building Services (MEP) Design Consultancy.
- Strong Mechanical Building Services design background.
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Extensive client-facing experience.
- Demonstrable work-winning and business development success.
- Significant Education sector experience.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.
- Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Desirable
- Previous experience leading a regional office.
- Existing client network within the Education sector.
- Knowledge of ISO 19650 and BIM delivery.
- Experience delivering Net Zero Carbon and sustainable building solutions.
- Membership of CIBSE or another relevant professional institution.
Typical Project Portfolio
Projects typically range from concept through to completion across all RIBA stages, including:
- RIBA Stage 0–2 – Strategic Definition, Brief Development and Concept Design
- RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination and Tender Documentation
- RIBA Stage 4 – Technical and Detailed Design
- RIBA Stage 5 – Construction Support, Site Inspections and Technical Assistance
- RIBA Stage 6 – Handover, As-Built Information and Project Close-Out
Our sectors include:
- Education
- High-Rise Residential
- Commercial Offices
- Mixed-Use Developments
- Healthcare
- Stadia and Leisure
- Industrial
- Student Accommodation
Working closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, you will have genuine autonomy to shape the Leeds office, develop people, strengthen client relationships and drive sustainable business growth. This role offers excellent long-term career prospects for an individual looking to make a significant impact within a respected and expanding consultancy.
Remuneration & Benefits
They offer an excellent package designed to attract exceptional talent:
- Competitive salary of up to £120,000 per annum (dependent upon experience)
- Performance-related annual bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced private pension
- Professional membership fees paid
- Continuous professional development and leadership training
- Flexible working arrangements
- Company laptop and mobile phone
- Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Opportunity to play a key role in the strategic growth of a leading independent Building Services Consultancy. If you are an experienced Mechanical Building Services professional with the ambition to lead, grow a successful regional office and help shape the future of an ambitious consultancy, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Associate Director / Regional Director in Leeds employer: Baker Recruitment Group Ltd
As a Senior Estimator at our company, you will join a dynamic team that values precision and collaboration in the construction industry. We offer a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through training opportunities and a competitive salary package, including benefits such as pension and performance-related bonuses. Located in a thriving area, our company is committed to fostering an environment where your skills can flourish while contributing to exciting projects in both commercial and residential sectors.
Contact Details:
Baker Recruitment Group Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director / Regional Director in Leeds
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Associate Director / Regional Director role you’re after at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Associate Director / Regional Director at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director / Regional Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate Director / Regional Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Baker Recruitment Group Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baker Recruitment Group Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Baker Recruitment Group Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Baker Recruitment Group Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
