MEP Director - Expert Witness Group

The Expert Witness Group is looking to fill a vacancy for an experienced MEP engineer, based in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to join a group of engineers specialising in the field of MEP forensic engineering and expert witness and advisory services. The Group has gained a reputation for independence and excellence in its field, which is second to none.

Members of the Expert Witness group help resolve engineering problems and the resolution of disputes by applying analytical skill, clarity of expression, objective approach, and their extensive experience. The Expert Witness Group offers an excellent opportunity for the growth and development of its members. All our directors form part of the wider Hoare Lea leadership, engaging with and supporting strategically aligned activities and initiatives.

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 committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. 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, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to days of annual leave.

The role involves working in the Expert Witness team, where you will have the opportunity to investigate and analyse engineering problems on a wide variety of cross-sector projects. This opportunity would suit an engineer with demonstrable experience acting as an expert witness, backed up by direct experience working on and leading major MEP projects in the UK and beyond.

Your strong technical background is complemented by an enquiring mind and an ability to objectively analyse engineering systems. You should be able to draw upon your experience to identify and substantiate the impacts of change, both on MEP design and installation work, and have the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical people.

You will be committed to building client relationships and work-winning, including networking and attendance at relevant events as you continue to grow and enhance your reputation as an MEP expert.

What we are looking for:

• MEP Expert Witness experience, as named expert.
• A strong track record of work winning in the Expert Witness market.
• Excellent technical knowledge in MEP Engineering and a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary design process, through all stages through to final installation on site.
• Your CV must give credibility to your views as an MEP expert.
• This is a client-facing role; you must be comfortable and competent interacting with, receiving information from and conveying your opinion to solicitors, barristers, other experts and be prepared to appear in court (or alternatives such as an arbitral hearing) and provide your evidence as oral testimony.
• Be able to communicate complex technical issues to non-technical people in written and verbal formats.
• Be able to think logically and construct a logical, cohesive and justifiable opinion that can withstand scrutiny.
• Fluency in English to the highest standard, where each word should be carefully chosen and subject to scrutiny from lawyers and opposing experts.
• Ability to draft detailed reports for submission in the legal process under pressure of immovable deadlines under minimal supervision.
• Have a sound knowledge of UK and international (particularly BS EN and/or US) industry standards, regulations and guidance, as well as understanding and experience of the requirements of the relevant authority approvals process (e.g. Building Regulations) and its significance to projects.
• Have an enquiring mind and an ability to objectively analyse engineering systems.
• Enthusiasm to learn from others and to share own knowledge and experience.
• Chartered Engineer status as well as other relevant professional memberships or registrations.
• An interest in engaging with expert-witness-specific CPD and ongoing personal development activities.