At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative power engineering projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join HDR, a dynamic and employee-owned company transforming power infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive entrepreneurial environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with a small, vibrant team backed by a global network.
- 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 70000 - 90000 £ 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 employer: HDR
At HDR, we pride ourselves on being a 100-percent employee-owned company that fosters a culture of inclusion and collaboration. Our Glasgow location offers a dynamic work environment where you can engage with experienced engineers, gain hands-on design experience, and access numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the power sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on energy systems while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and authentic self.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Power
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughHDR's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through HDR's website for the full-time Associate Director - Power role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Power
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at HDR. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of HDR.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to HDR.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
