Associate Director / Director - Laboratory Design

Thrive on openness, respect and collaboration? Good. Us too. Join our Laboratory Consulting team in this leadership role and create transformative outcomes for people, planet and places. This hire will be a key enabler as we continue to scale the team and diversify our offering and markets, therefore offering a significant platform for career growth.

Buro Happold’s laboratory designers bring a wealth of expertise to projects, informed by decades of experience delivering some of the most complex yet human-scale research facilities to world-leading clients. From design concept to delivery to peer review and post-occupancy evaluation, our laboratory consultants can provide the support required at each stage. We are also able to draw on Buro Happold’s deep experience of integrated engineering and design knowledge from a wide range of projects around the world.

Our track record in laboratories, research facilities, innovation districts and university research buildings spans a wide range of scientific disciplines and technologies and is based on developing a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. We understand that different branches of science and technology need very different approaches and use our experience to create spaces which encourage creativity and accommodate changing technologies. This reduces the need for future investment while providing scientists with stimulation, safe and effective workspaces.

Our current workload includes UCB Project Apple where we are supporting Heatherwick Studio to create a major new headquarters for a global biopharmaceutical company. With Kadans and the Canary Wharf Group, we are supporting KPF Architects on One North Quay, Europe’s tallest purpose-built commercial lab.

Your next role: You will provide exceptional technical, commercial and design leadership to the Laboratory Consulting team and wider Science & Technology sector. As a key member of the senior leadership within the Laboratory Consulting discipline, you’ll be responsible for the work winning and delivery of projects, aligned to our Sector strategy, developing strong relationships with existing and new architects, collaborators, and clients. Inspiring design excellence in the Laboratory/Science sector, providing leadership to key clients and collaborators across our global project portfolio. Taking ownership for key client and collaborator relationships and working as a "trusted advisor" on Laboratory Planning and Design, both internally and externally. Winning work and driving expansion in our client and market coverage, e.g. in target growth areas such as Cambridge and the USA. Occupying a Project Director role on appropriate commissions led by the Laboratory Consulting team, delivering projects within the target quality, commercial and financial objectives. Driving collaboration with the Laboratory Consulting team in the US and S&T sector leaders globally.

Extensive experience in a design leadership role in the Science, Technology and/or research sectors. An ability to inspire clients and collaborators through creative thinking and communication. Experience leading multi-client stakeholder groups on impactful projects in the Science sector. Well-networked with both clients and collaborators, and able to demonstrate evidence of work-winning success.

What we offer: Attractive benefits package including car allowance, pension (10% EC), private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection. Annual Performance incentive scheme - up to 8% (Associate Director) or 10% (Director) of salary. For Directors, eligibility to participate in our Director Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) scheme. Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts. Enhanced parenthood leave policies. A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you. Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions. A commitment to your wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities. A supportive and inclusive environment that will welcome you through social and outreach activities from the Young Employees Forum to mentoring.

A place for everyone: Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers. Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive. We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.