Associate Director - Mechanical - (2140)

About us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves. We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9‑day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working. Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

About the role

We have an opportunity for an Associate Director to play a key role in delivering high quality, sustainable mechanical engineering solutions across multiple projects in the built environment. You will join our Mechanical team based in our Birmingham office. We’ve got a history as long as your arm – longer probably as we’re 164 years old and it all started in Birmingham. Today we’re focussed on how we can help our clients by providing leading consultancy on the things that matter to them. We’re looking for people who want to help us shape the future, who love a challenge and want their work to have a real impact on real people in the city they live in. We are a recognised leader in the built environment, shaping some of the most ambitious and technically demanding projects across the residential, hospitality, leisure, commercial, and complex engineering sectors. Our work spans cutting‑edge healthcare and research facilities, high-performance data centres, critical infrastructure and state-of-the‑art manufacturing and technology environments projects that push boundaries and deliver real‑world impact. Driven by a commitment to excellence, we combine innovation, technical expertise, and practical delivery to create solutions that are not only robust and reliable, but forward‑thinking and sustainable. Our teams work at the forefront of the industry, collaborating with leading clients across the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally. Working alongside a range of specialist engineers and consultants, you will be joining a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team who love what they do, and offer a supportive, flexible, and high‑performing work culture.

You will hold a senior leadership role with significant responsibility for the delivery, commercial performance and external reputation of the mechanical discipline. You will lead multiple large‑scale, technically complex projects, drive business development, develop long‑term client relationships and build the external profile of the team and firm. You will lead by example, create an environment that attracts and retains high‑performing people, and identify opportunities to add value beyond project scope to secure future work.

In this key and varied role, you can expect to:

• Build and maintain client and consultant relationships; secure new business and negotiate scope and fees.
• Lead interviews, bid preparation and consultant appointment negotiations.
• Define client briefs and ensure delivery of technically accurate, high‑quality solutions.
• Lead delivery and take ownership of profitable large or technically complex schemes.
• Represent Hoare Lea at project and principal meetings across disciplines.
• Develop, lead and mentor a high‑performing team; manage workload, performance objectives and succession planning.
• Chair team management meetings and monitor team expenditure.
• Manage and mitigate project and business risks; ensure compliance with procurement and contractual requirements.
• Promote HL services and sector development; share technical knowledge firmwide and act as a technical point of contact.
• Contribute to central management, business improvement projects and open communication across the business.

About you

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Chartered engineer (or equivalent professional recognition).
• Strong technical expertise in mechanical design and current regulations.
• Extensive relevant industry experience delivering complex projects to tight timescales.
• Good understanding of other building services disciplines and integrated project teams.
• Proven commercial and client‑development skills; builds lasting professional relationships.
• Demonstrable leadership: motivates teams, manages performance and drives succession planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Organised, IT literate (relevant design/office software).
• Committed to continuous professional development and wider industry engagement.

How to apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact JessicaMartin@hoarelea.com. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices. We aim to provide feedback at each stage of the process.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

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Recruitment agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.