Programme Directors

We have a brand-new opportunity for a Programme Director to join our MEP team based in our London office. The Programme Director is accountable for the direction and successful delivery of programmes of work within a given Sector or Division (group of Sectors). As a Programme Director you are accountable for demonstrably contributing to the success of the firm through achievement of your AOP aligned goals in areas including business development, programme delivery, technical excellence and people. Programme Director portfolios could comprise single- or multi-disciplinary projects, or a combination of both. As a Programme Director you have the autonomy and accountability to define and deliver the actions, plans and initiatives required to achieve the collective success defined by the AOP.

In doing so enabling you to deliver successful programmes and projects, achieving exceptional client outcomes and financial performance. As part of the senior team, Programme Directors will help shape and deliver the strategy, with direct influence and responsibility for achieving the wider London Business Unit, Sector, Division and firmwide goals.

Role Responsibilities

• Strategy - Aligns focus of activities with the London Business Unit AOP and related initiatives to achieve the Division and Sector commitments. Works collaboratively with Heads of Programme Directors to establish, plan, and implement initiatives that achieve in-year objectives and drive growth. Works with relevant firmwide Sector leadership to inform and implement firmwide plans and initiatives.
• Business Development - Actively drives business development aligned to the AOP commitments for the Division. Achieves business development goals and identifies opportunities to exceed budget targets. Manages client relationships across multiple programmes, fostering long‑term trust. Demonstrates reliability, quality delivery, and value‑driven communication, bringing the best of Hoare Lea to clients. Elevate the profile of the firm with clients, relevant industry stakeholder organisations, government and/or academic institutions. Proactively enhance brand awareness sharing the best of Hoare Lea's thought leadership, project success and technical excellence.
• Programme Leadership - Accountable for the successful leadership and delivery of a portfolio of projects and/or programmes of work. Supports project leaders in achieving the collective project objectives and works with them to enhance their project management skills, bringing the best of Hoare Lea to the delivery of each project. Aligns with and informs the Division's and Sector's approach to effective project delivery. Proactively manages risk and change for each project across the portfolio.
• Governance and Compliance - Accountable for meeting Hoare Lea and Tetra Tech governance and compliance standards (e.g. PEEAC and Policy 100) and any other regulatory and/or compliance requirements for their portfolio of projects/programmes. Works with project leads to achieve best practice across their portfolio.
• Financial and Portfolio Management - Accountable for the financial performance of a portfolio of projects and/or programmes as defined by the AOP for the London Business Unit and firmwide Sector. Oversees financial performance of their portfolio of projects/programmes including AOP linked profit, margin and revenue objectives. Support project leads to achieve the financial performance objectives for each project. Fosters collaboration across project leaders and with the Finance Business Partner to enable sharing and implementation of best practice financial and portfolio management.
• Resource Management - Working with project leaders and operational teams to achieve effective project delivery and execution the London Business Unit and/or firmwide initiatives (i.e. technical excellence, network communities, industry engagement, etc). Oversee the achievement of resource goals in tandem with financial performance goals for each project.
• Technical Excellence - Promotes technical excellence across all of their business development and project delivery activities. Works with project leaders to bring the best of Hoare Lea to each client and project, fostering a mindset of curiosity and problem solving. Focuses on outcomes, champions innovation, skills development and knowledge advancement. Fosters the celebration of successes across their programme portfolio. Contributes to the advancement of technical excellence (i.e. enhancement of current service offerings, introduction of new service offerings, etc.).
• People Leadership - Supports the development of project/programme team members, coaching a growth mindset and empowering them to reach their potential; fosters an inclusive, and supportive work environment. Provides mentoring to support colleagues through their career development.

About you

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Leadership - Role models leadership behaviours that bring to life and enable brand values.
• Communication - Provide inspirational and inclusive leadership and motivates others to perform at their best and encourages open dialogue, hearing and valuing all team voices.
• Motivates and Inspires - Motivate and empower others to perform at their highest standards; leads with resilience, energy, and optimism.
• Client‑centric mindset - Build trust with clients, stakeholders, and teams, ensuring a client‑first approach in all activities.
• Ownership and Accountability - Take accountability for performance and ensures that everyone upholds accountability for achieving all agreed outcomes.
• Collaboration and Inclusivity - Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, fostering a culture of inclusivity. Drives and engenders curiosity and innovation.

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, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave. Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.