Senior Associate or Associate Director - Vertical Transportation – Site Services

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 vertical transportation, 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.

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.

About The Role

We have a brand‑new opportunity for a Senior Associate or Associate Director to join our Vertical Transportation team, preferably based from our London office, although other locations may be considered. This role will primarily lead a team supporting our site‑based activities (asset management, construction monitoring, witness testing, etc.) but will also involve project design and act as a client‑facing role. We have a proven track record working within the Residential, Science & Research, Commercial, Retail and Further Education sectors with a varied portfolio of projects both in the UK and internationally.

The following projects illustrate the type of buildings and clients we support:

• Plumtree Court
• Major City of London asset management and refurbishment projects
• Super‑prime residential projects in London
• Europeanisation and lift replacement projects
• National lifecycle and asset management contracts

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high‑performing team, overseeing the VT Group site activities, and lead on technical delivery and training within the group.
• Be responsible for dealing successfully with clients and other professionals to foster and maintain good relationships and create future opportunities.
• Host and chair team management meetings.
• Define and agree brief with client, take ownership and consistently deliver profitable large and complex schemes.
• Find new opportunities for business growth and negotiate scope of Hoare Lea services and fee levels.
• Support in developing and leading a high‑performing local team and contribute to staff development.
• Manage and prioritise the workload of the team and effectively delegate, manage and check work undertaken by others.
• Work with the Head of VT to help monitor fee expenditure, resources and work delivered.
• Ensure quality standards and technical accuracy are delivered and manage and mitigate risks to the business.
• Actively contribute to sharing technical knowledge across the firm and be a point of contact for a particular technical expertise.
• Actively involved in succession planning and team/office structure.
• Responsible for managing a team fee turnover of around £1m per annum.

Qualifications

• Industry recognised qualifications, least NVQ4 in lift engineering.
• Detailed practical knowledge of lifts, escalators and moving walks.
• Good IT knowledge.
• Excellent level of understanding of VT Engineering and practical application of codes and standards.
• Experience leading a team, winning work and planning/managing workloads while meeting deadlines and delivering exceptional service.
• Ability to deal with difficult situations in a non‑adversarial manner.
• Strong leadership to support and develop other engineers within the office.
• Experience working in a multi‑disciplinary environment, with excellent communication skills with both internal and external clients, and a team‑based work approach.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Self‑awareness, an open mind, and a spirit of generosity.
• Experience managing client portfolios, meeting KPIs and maximising revenue opportunities.
• Appreciation of client needs, and ability to communicate with architects, property developers, building managers and other team members.
• Team player with a can‑do attitude, willingness to help others and eagerness to learn.
• Autonomous approach with minimal need for supervision.

Previous consultancy experience in some or all of the following areas is required: VT Design & Specification, Surveying & Reporting, Project Management, Commissioning and Validation, Facilities Management.

How To Apply

To apply, simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact aureliacherradi@hoarelea.com. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment teams 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.

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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