Project Director/Area Market Sector Leader in Manchester

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation.

As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centres driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration.

This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

In the role of MEP Director, you will be required to effectively manage the operations of an MEP team principally based within the London office, whilst liaising closely with the lead directors for Building Structures and Civils Group, Sustainability, and other relevant disciplines and specialisms. You’ll be expected to be a focused, goal-minded individual and a natural connector of people. In addition to the management of the MEP team on a day-to-day basis, you will be required to advise on and manage recruitment needs, training, development and retention needs, together with input and review of project bids and QA/QC processes. Additionally, carry out Sales and Business development activities actively to support business growth and to ensure projects are delivered technically correct and on time, whilst maintaining the target profit level. Promote cross-selling amongst the disciplines and liaise with other Senior Directors and report directly to the Office Principal regarding all commercial and staffing matters.

Actively manage the MEP team with regards to utilisation, project deployment, training needs, etc. Carry out APC reviews for direct reports and provide guidance to the wider team as required. Manage recruitment and other resource level requirements within the team in conjunction with other senior leadership to accord with current and upcoming project work. Provide positive and effective management and set an example to other members of the team. Encourage project team engineers to a high level of performance and mentoring as required. Promote active collaboration with clients and design teams. Report any performance problems that cannot be resolved locally. Undertake staff Personal Development Plans and APC activities.

Assist the MEP Project Leads (‘HDR Project Manager’) with regards project performance (Technical, Programme and Commercial) within the MEP team. Assure all disciplines falling under the MEP scope are fully coordinated, technically correct, to the required level of quality and commercially managed to ensure the project costs and revenue drive the profit targets for the project. For larger and complex projects, you may be required to be the Project Lead and HDR Project Manager responsible for successful management and delivery of the project.

Support the MEP Technical Directors with regards to continuous monitoring, improvement and consistency of technical design approach. Assist the Technical Directors who are ultimately accountable to ensure that company design standards are maintained and improved where necessary.

Accountable on a monthly basis for the Project Job Costing Reports. Accountable on a monthly basis for the reported Profit and Sales Figures. Provide a quarterly written board report to be presented by others.

Assist with bids for projects either by producing the resources/fee schedules or other bid documentation or by reviewing and commenting on that provided by others. All bids produced by the MEP team should be reviewed by you in the first instance and should require your approval. Work with the Office Principal, sales, and technical teams to achieve, as a minimum, the annual office sales target.

Manage and control resource across the projects. In conjunction with Technical Directors ensure technical compliance and quality production of all deliverables for MEP projects. Sign off all reports and deliverables. Attend client meetings/policy meetings. Ensure all deadlines are met. Record any changes of scope, which may affect fee basis and advise the Project Leads to act accordingly. Assist the Project Leads with post contract completion and end of debtor’s reviews with client. To ensure that all project design responsibilities are effectively undertaken. Assist other Directors in Project Delivery as required.

Structure training and succession of the teams to enhance performance and ensure future engineering expertise in Practice. Support the Team by reviewing and assisting with QM and QC execution. Support and ensure compliance with company QMS procedures and policies. Support the management of the Practice taking on duties as agreed with the Office Principal. Undertake Project Director duties if required by the business. Undertake engineering activities on an as-needs basis and where appropriate act as Design Team Leader. Ensure No Claims are made on PI, ensure all Contract documents are checked by the legal team. Subject to Office Principal agreement - interview and recruit new team members. Support to other directors in all fields including and not limited to sales, resource control, problem solving, design advice. Sign off all direct report’s expenses. Authorise Holiday requests of direct reports. Maintain register and carry out technical audits on projects as required. Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001.

Strategic Planning – Assist in development of annual strategic planning effort. Controlling – Assist in monitoring operational metrics for the Region, as required. Staffing – Assist in prioritisation of strategic hires, identification and recruiting of candidates. Business Development – Set targets for yourself and your team for net fee booking goals, plan and undertake Business Development activities to achieve that goal, including engaging and encouraging your team to support these, for the BES Group in EMEA primarily, but also for other regions/geographies and other Business Groups where opportunities present themselves. The MEP Director would be expected to spend time on both operational and Business Development activities, typically 50/50% of their time.

Excellent presentation and communication skills. Extensive experience, especially in designing and managing projects, ideally 20 years’ min’ industry experience. Experience of monitoring contract staff or third-party appointments would be desirable. Skills in project managing ongoing jobs. Experience in the same or similar position is desired. Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. The ability to project a positive and professional attitude at all times. Educational qualifications to a degree level or equivalent are desired. Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved. Good knowledge and use of appropriate project and design analysis software. Personable and a ‘can do’ attitude with resource management experience. Able to establish rapport and good working relationships within the project team and Clients. Strong leadership and people management skills and experience. To be able to work as part of a team and collaboratively and cooperatively.

Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of industry experience. Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for planning and/or engineering services. Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits. Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth. Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector. Ability to work cooperatively with Regional Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers. Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Program Management

Job Posting: Jan 23, 2026

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. We're always looking for great talent to join our global teams.