At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects from concept to completion while driving business development.
- Company: Join a dynamic consultancy in Bristol with a focus on innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on diverse projects.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team and shape the future of engineering in Bristol.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while developing client relationships and leading projects.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with 10+ years of project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Purpose
You will be a member of the senior management team within the office and play an intrinsic role in ensuring that your departmental workload grows. You will work closely with the Director to ensure that technical delivery and quality of the engineering design specification and post contract monitoring of all projects is undertaken and be able to confidently represent Harley Haddow to all relevant parties to discuss project development, seeking feedback direct from clients as necessary. You will also work closely with the Director to assess opportunities for projects, Clients, growth and strategic investment.
You will also act as the primary point of contact on key commercially or client sensitive projects and will consult at key stages of the project with other members of the project team and your colleagues to ensure that the engineering requirements are delivered. You shall be part of the senior management team and shall be fully involved in commercial discussions relating to resources, profitability and future projects, leading these discussions with existing and prospective clients. You will be expected to review and highlight opportunities for new work and ensure that existing clients are maintained.
The position demands excellent communication skills; you will be representing Harley Haddow through direct contact with clients and other design team members. You are expected to represent the company at meetings in engineering as well as on all aspects of commercial matters ensuring that fee and contract matters are discussed with the Director and senior management colleagues. You will also be engaged in client development for your office, and the company generally, in a business development and client retention programme. You will be expected to liaise, manage and monitor client relationship and project opportunities. This will include liaison across disciplines and offices in differing geographical locations.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Drive business development, client retention and growth of commercial and workload opportunities, developing new clients and workload streams.
- Engagement with the Bids and Marketing team to ensure continued workload and support the company’s business development programme.
- Oversee the bids process — quality-checking output, assessing go/no-go options and leading commercial input — working closely with the Bids and Marketing team to support the pipeline.
- Lead projects (and support senior colleagues where needed) across all RIBA stages, from concept and strategy (Stage 2–3) through detailed design (Stage 4) to post-contract delivery (Stage 5–7).
- Manage projects, personnel and engineering output to ensure delivery dates and quality criteria are met.
- Provide technical leadership and support to engineers and technicians, and prepare scheme design reports, drawings and detailed design/production information.
- Maintain and grow existing client relationships, seeking feedback to ensure repeat business through excellent delivery.
- Develop and assess new skill bases to strengthen our multi-disciplinary offering, and drive ongoing improvements in quality, efficiency, added-value services and commercial awareness across the team.
- Take ownership of your own and your staff's health and safety in the office, on site, and while travelling, cooperating fully with the company's health and safety policies.
Role Requirements
Qualifications
- Degree qualified and incorporated/chartered status or equivalent, or working toward chartered status.
- Member of appropriate Institution.
Knowledge and Experience
- At least 10 years' total project responsibility and delivery experience.
- Strong record in project management, delivery, quality and time management, with commercial awareness in both contractual and financial aspects of project work.
- People skills, with demonstrable team management, client management and client-facing experience.
- Demonstrate a track record in work winning, business development and client development / retention.
- Self-starter, capable of working on own initiative to solve engineering and management challenges.
- Appropriate IT skills, with proficiency in the standard Office Suite, AutoCAD/REVIT and engineering design/analysis software.
- Hold a valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel to meetings and projects as necessary.
Working in a medium-sized consultancy offers the unique opportunity to be involved in projects of all sizes from start to finish - taking part in concept design, technical development, and seeing your designs come to life through to construction and completion. You'll be joining an industry-leading environment of engineering experts, working across heritage, healthcare, super-prime residential and commercial projects throughout the UK — and helping build something new in Bristol.
Associate Director (Mechanical) employer: Harley Haddow
Harley Haddow is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Manchester, offering a dynamic work environment filled with natural light and modern design. Employees benefit from a strong mentorship programme aimed at achieving Chartership status, alongside opportunities for professional development through lectures and training courses. With a collaborative culture and involvement in diverse projects, this role promises meaningful contributions to structural engineering while fostering personal and career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Mechanical)
✨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 (Mechanical) role you’re after at Harley Haddow.
✨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 Harley Haddow 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 Harley Haddow.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Associate Director (Mechanical) at Harley Haddow, 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 (Mechanical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate Director (Mechanical), 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 Harley Haddow 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 Harley Haddow 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 Harley Haddow
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Harley Haddow, 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 Harley Haddow 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.
