Associate Director - Power in Glasgow

HDR is committed to an inclusive environment where every employee is valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work. We aim to impact the world through our work and community engagement.

Join HDR’s vibrant team and work with high-profile clients, including leading utilities and global tech companies, on projects such as data centres and low-carbon power solutions. As an Associate Director, you will lead, innovate, and leave a lasting impact on power infrastructure.

Our Glasgow office is HDR’s UK power hub and operates as an innovative startup within HDR’s global presence. You’ll be part of a small, rapidly growing team with the opportunity to influence local operations, supported by HDR’s larger power team in the US for resources, expertise, and collaboration.

As part of a 100% employee-owned organization, you’ll have opportunities to excel and grow. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams in developing detailed designs and specifications, taking projects from concept to completion across a diverse range of initiatives. This role also offers the chance to lead teams, mentor engineers, and shape a growing team of substation specialists, building strong connections with industry experts and Project Managers to deliver innovative solutions and high-quality projects in energy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the delivery of complex engineering projects, setting standards for technical excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction across the business.
• Define and deliver business plans for your discipline or regional team, including revenue, profitability, and growth targets, ensuring alignment with company strategy and objectives.
• Lead the development and delivery of multiple projects and frameworks from concept to detailed design, ensuring client expectations are met and quality standards are upheld.
• Act as a senior technical authority for high-voltage electrical design up to 765kV, providing guidance, oversight, and peer review across projects and teams.
• Establish and nurture strong, long-term client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to key clients and stakeholders and driving repeat business through service and technical leadership.
• Oversee and influence major bids, proposals, and tender strategies, including fee negotiations, scope definition, and risk assessment for commercially successful outcomes.
• Champion innovation in design and delivery, embedding sustainability, digital engineering, and emerging technologies into project approaches and company standards.
• Drive performance, engagement, and development within your team by setting objectives, mentoring staff, and ensuring robust succession planning.
• Provide governance and assurance for project delivery, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, and internal Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, 14001) and Health & Safety procedures.
• Collaborate with other Associate Directors and Directors to deliver strategic initiatives, shape company-wide policy, and continuously improve processes and outcomes.
• Represent the business externally through professional institutions, industry forums, and technical working groups, promoting HDR’s expertise and industry best practice.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; a Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in electrical engineering design, with significant exposure to high-voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 765kV.
• Deep understanding of electrical, civil, and structural aspects of substation design and familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and other relevant standards.
• Proven track record in leading large, multidisciplinary design teams, managing multi-million-pound projects or frameworks from concept to completion.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget setting, financial management, risk assessment, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated success in client relationship management, business development, and securing new work through tenders or partnerships.
• Recognised as a technical authority in one or more specialist areas (e.g., HV protection, power system studies, grid connection, or earthing).
• Proficient in Power System Studies software (e.g., DigSILENT, IPSA, ETAP) and capable of guiding technical teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills to foster a collaborative culture across teams and disciplines.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and quality standards in all aspects of design and delivery.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. We build on each other’s experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day, shaping a collaborative culture and trust with clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all contribute to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Primary Location: United Kingdom - Scotland - Glasgow

Other Locations: United Kingdom - England - London; United Kingdom - England - Manchester

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Substation Engineering

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.