At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainable mechanical engineering solutions for exciting projects in the built environment.
- Company: Join Hoare Lea, a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a focus on teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on complex design challenges while building lasting client relationships.
- Qualifications: Chartered engineer with strong mechanical design expertise and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About us
Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy offering intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability. We are committed to developing our people and providing an environment where everyone can realise their potential.
Role overview
You will lead high-quality, sustainable mechanical engineering solutions across multiple projects in the built environment, 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 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.
Qualifications and experience
- 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.
Associate Director - Mechanical in Birmingham employer: Ushoare Lea
Hoare Lea is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. Based in Birmingham, our team enjoys a supportive environment where they can lead impactful mechanical engineering projects, build lasting client relationships, and contribute to sustainable solutions for the built environment. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on teamwork, we offer unique opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Mechanical in Birmingham
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Ushoare Lea.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Ushoare Lea love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ushoare Lea and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Mechanical in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Ushoare Lea and the Associate Director - Mechanical role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ushoare Lea
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Ushoare Lea.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Ushoare Lea.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Ushoare Lea, making you a more appealing candidate.
