Structural Associate Director

Overview

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. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

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 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 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. Whether you’re optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next‑generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

About You

We are looking for a personable self‑starter with a positive “can do” professional attitude, good working relationships, collaborative cross‑disciplinary skills, ability to work under pressure, manage a varied workload, meet tight deadlines, and maintain the highest level of technical excellence.

About the Role

As an Associate Director you will manage the structures group, ensuring projects use resources efficiently relative to the fee, maximize profitability, maintain technical quality, professionalism, and complete all design activities on schedule. You will monitor and coach staff performance, implement training, QA, Health and Safety, and oversee project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Monitor resources relative to each project monthly allowable fee expenditure, define monthly CAD requirements and two‑weekly engineering workload forecasts.
• Carry out engineering concept design to detailed design, tender and contract on‑site supervision, to completion, ensuring projects are undertaken according to design briefs and that completion deadlines are achieved, via frequent design reviews with engineers.
• Ensure all design projects and reports within the group are technically compliant, consistent quality, and standard. Maintain regular in‑house design reviews and checks.
• Monitor contract staff or third‑party appointments.
• Maintain excellent client relationships and contacts to achieve high satisfaction and repeat business. Manage client expectations and promote a team approach.
• Develop new business opportunities where appropriate and participate in company presentations.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff within group to build coherent high‑performing teams. Set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop staff to optimise their potential.
• Monitor and control project progress, design variations, and project financial budgets.
• Implement management and administration systems (timesheets/expenses etc.), co‑ordinate holiday leave within group.
• Carry out staff Personal Development Plans in accordance with the Personal Development Plans Procedures, report any staff performance problems to Structures Director and agree corrective action. Identify and implement all training/CPD requirements of staff within their group.
• Implement and manage QA systems and procedures on all projects.
• Implement Company Health and Safety. Ensure all designs respond to the CDM regulations.
• Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001 are adhered to.

Requirements

• BEng, MSc, or equivalent qualification in Civil, Structural Engineering or relevant subject.
• Chartered Engineer or ongoing pursuit of chartered status with ICE, IStructE or relevant association.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• 8+ years minimum experience within a design consultancy, designing and managing projects.
• Experience of monitoring contract staff or third‑party appointments desirable.
• Able to undertake computer modelling, organize and direct the production of CAD drawings and correspond effectively with other consultants.
• Experience in the same or similar position desired.
• Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Ability to project a positive and professional attitude at all times.
• Good knowledge and use of appropriate project and design analysis software.

Locations

Primary Location: United Kingdom-England-London

Other Locations: United Kingdom-Scotland-Glasgow, United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Jul 3, 2026

Employment Equity

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.