Associate Director in Newark

Shape the Future of Built Environments

Are you ready for a senior-level opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a real impact? At Tetra Tech RPS, we're looking for an ambitious and experienced Associate Director to join our Architecture team based in Newark, with hybrid working available. This is a fantastic chance to work on diverse, high-profile development projects across sectors including strategic land, logistics, retail, aviation, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and energy. Whether you're actively seeking your next challenge or open to exploring new possibilities, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, lead talented teams, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Associate Director, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering architectural solutions that meet client objectives and exceed expectations. You will lead projects from bid stage through to completion, ensuring that client requirements and deadlines are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality. In this role, you will take ownership of planning, reviewing, and managing projects, while also driving business development initiatives through the preparation of tenders, presentations, and active participation in sector meetings. Building trusted advisor relationships with clients and stakeholders will be central to your success, alongside contributing to strategic business plans and supporting operational goals. You will also mentor and manage team members, fostering a positive culture that promotes collaboration, talent development, and career progression, while providing technical leadership to guide the team in delivering outstanding results.

Your Impact in this Position

You'll be instrumental in driving project success, securing new business, and maintaining our reputation for excellence. Success in this role is measured through leadership, collaboration, and delivery of innovative architectural solutions. With clear pathways for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact, this is a role where your expertise and achievements are actively supported.

Your Toolkit for Success at RPS

At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities - the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. But here's the secret: there's no such thing as the 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we'd love to hear from you.

Technical Expertise

You will bring considerable technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the design and delivery of complex architectural projects, particularly within industrial sectors. This includes a deep understanding of building regulations, planning processes, and compliance standards, as well as the ability to apply innovative design principles that balance functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Your expertise should encompass the full project lifecycle - from concept and feasibility studies through detailed design and construction oversight - ensuring that every solution is practical, commercially viable, and aligned with client objectives. A strong awareness of both local and national markets is essential, enabling you to anticipate trends, respond to regulatory changes, and deliver designs that meet the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in industry-standard design software, BIM methodologies, and digital collaboration tools will be key to driving efficiency and maintaining technical excellence across all projects.

Leadership & Mentoring

As an Associate Director, you will be a visible and influential leader who sets the tone for collaboration and excellence within the team. Your ability to inspire and motivate others will be critical in creating a culture where creativity, accountability, and professional growth thrive. You will lead by example, providing clear direction and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best work. Beyond managing day-to-day operations, you will take an active role in mentoring team members - sharing your technical expertise, guiding them through complex challenges, and supporting their career development through structured feedback and coaching. Your leadership will extend to building team cohesion, promoting knowledge sharing, and ensuring that every member feels valued and supported. By balancing strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, you will help shape a high-performing team that consistently delivers outstanding results while nurturing the next generation of architectural talent.

Strategic Project Leadership

You will demonstrate exceptional ability to lead complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and quality standards. This competency encompasses strategic planning, resource management, and proactive problem-solving to deliver outstanding architectural solutions. Your role will involve balancing operational oversight with hands-on involvement, driving efficiency while maintaining creativity and technical excellence. By fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and building trusted advisor relationships with clients and stakeholders, you will ensure projects are delivered successfully and contribute to the long-term growth and reputation of the business.

Business Development

You will be expected to demonstrate a strong commercial mindset and the ability to identify opportunities that drive growth and strengthen our market position. This means actively seeking new business prospects, nurturing relationships with potential clients, and leveraging your industry knowledge to anticipate emerging trends. You will play a key role in securing new projects by preparing compelling tenders and presentations, attending sector-specific meetings, and representing the business at networking events. Your contribution to strategic growth plans will be vital, as you provide market intelligence, influence business strategies, and help shape the direction of our architectural offering. By combining creativity with commercial acumen, you will ensure that our services remain competitive, innovative, and aligned with client needs.

Communication & Relationship Building

Exceptional communication skills are fundamental to success in this role. You will be adept at articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner, whether in written reports, formal presentations, or client meetings. Building and maintaining strong relationships will be at the heart of your approach - fostering trust and collaboration with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Your ability to listen, understand, and respond to client objectives will ensure that projects run smoothly and expectations are exceeded. Internally, you will contribute to a positive team culture by promoting open dialogue, encouraging knowledge sharing, and supporting colleagues at all levels. Externally, you will represent the business with professionalism and confidence, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted advisor and industry leader.

Mandatory Requirements

• Chartered status of a relevant professional body.
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary.

Beneficial:

• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• Experience in strategic planning and business development.

About Tetra Tech RPS

Tetra Tech RPS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across all areas of our organisation. We recognise that a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives contributes to a more dynamic, innovative, and supportive workplace where every individual is empowered to share their ideas and contribute meaningfully. We are dedicated to building a culture of respect and equity, where people are valued regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity, age, belief system, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role. Flexible and part-time working options are available in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance.