At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative power engineering projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join HDR, a vibrant and employee-owned tech company with a startup vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic Glasgow office with strong backing from a global team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions with high-profile clients.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 9+ years in high-voltage design.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Join HDR’s vibrant team and work with high‑profile clients, including leading utilities and global tech giants, on ground‑breaking projects like data centres and low‑carbon power solutions. As an Associate Director, you will be at the forefront of transforming power infrastructure, with the chance to lead, innovate and leave a lasting impact.
Our Glasgow office is our UK power hub and operates like an innovative startup within the framework of HDR's global presence of over 12,000 employees. You’ll be part of a small, rapidly growing team with the opportunity to influence the direction of local operations in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment. While our team in Glasgow is intimate and dynamic, you will have the full backing and support of HDR’s well‑established 600+ employee power team in the US, providing a wealth of resources, expertise and collaboration opportunities to ensure you succeed and thrive in your role.
As part of our 100% employee‑owned organization, you’ll have endless opportunities to excel, grow and achieve your career goals. You will leverage your broad technical expertise to guide multi‑disciplinary teams in developing detailed designs and specifications, taking projects from concept to completion across a diverse range of initiatives.
This role offers you the chance to lead teams, mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers while shaping a growing team of substation specialists. By building strong connections with industry experts and Project Managers, you’ll drive innovative solutions and contribute to delivering outstanding projects, making your mark in a field that’s critical to the future of 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 they meet client expectations, achieve commercial success and uphold company quality standards.
- Act as a senior technical authority for high‑voltage electrical design up to 765 kV, providing expert guidance, oversight and peer review across multiple 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 exceptional service and technical leadership.
- Oversee and influence major bids, proposals and tender strategies, including fee negotiations, scope definition and risk assessment, ensuring 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 clear objectives, mentoring senior staff and ensuring robust succession planning to build future leadership capability.
- Provide governance and assurance for project delivery, ensuring all work complies with relevant legislation, regulations and internal Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, 14001) and Health & Safety procedures.
- Collaborate closely with other Associate Directors and Directors to deliver strategic initiatives, shape company‑wide policy and continuously improve business processes and project outcomes.
- Represent the business externally through professional institutions, industry forums and technical working groups, promoting the company’s expertise and contributing to industry best practice.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Minimum of 9 years’ experience in electrical engineering design, with significant exposure to high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 765 kV.
- Deep understanding of electrical, civil and structural aspects of substation design and broad familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI and other relevant standards.
- Proven 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, frameworks or strategic partnerships.
- Knowledge in Power System Studies software (e.g., DigSILENT, IPSA, ETAP) and capable of providing high‑level guidance to technical teams.
- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire high performance and foster a collaborative culture across teams and disciplines.
Primary Location: United Kingdom – Scotland – Glasgow
Other Locations: United Kingdom – England – London; United Kingdom – England – Manchester
Schedule: Full‑time
Employment Status: Regular
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Associate Director - Power in London employer: HDR, Inc.
At HDR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration that empowers our employee-owners to thrive. Located in the vibrant city of London, our team enjoys a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, while contributing to innovative projects that shape the future of building engineering. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a focus on meaningful impact, HDR is not just a workplace; it's a community where your contributions truly matter.
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We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Power in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Power in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate Director - Power, 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 HDR, Inc. 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 HDR, Inc. 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 HDR, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with HDR, Inc., 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
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✨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.
