Associate Director/Technical Director - Building Performance & Sustainability (Building Services)

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director/Technical Director – Building Performance & Sustainability, based in our London office. You will provide technical leadership in building performance and sustainability, supporting the delivery of complex, high-profile projects and major frameworks in London and across the UK. You will join our growing Building Performance team, contributing to a connected national network of specialists delivering energy, carbon and wider sustainability outcomes across the built environment.

What you’ll do

• Technical leadership – building performance & sustainability: Lead and assure energy and carbon strategies, performance modelling inputs and evidence-based reporting for complex projects. Provide technical direction on operational energy, operational carbon, embodied carbon and low-carbon design, influencing decisions from early strategy through design delivery. Advise on relevant UK legislation, planning policy and sustainability standards (e.g., BREEAM, WELL, NABERS; LEED where applicable). Set expectations for quality and consistency: review outputs, manage technical risk, and ensure robust assumptions and traceable evidence.
• Project delivery & day‑to‑day coordination: Coordinate day‑to‑day sustainability delivery across multi-disciplinary teams, aligning inputs to programme, design stage and client priorities. Act as the sustainability focal point between client teams, internal specialists and external stakeholders—driving actions, decisions and accountability. Translate client ambitions into practical, deliverable strategies; communicate trade‑offs clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences. Support task planning and resourcing across live projects and bids, resolving clashes and prioritising workload to maintain delivery momentum.
• Client engagement, work winning & market profile: Build trusted‑adviser relationships and represent WSP in client meetings, workshops and design reviews. Lead bids, proposals and major frameworks: shape technical approach, scope, programme, resourcing and value proposition. Identify cross‑selling opportunities and collaborate across WSP disciplines to support account growth and strategic opportunities. Champion innovation and best practice, clearly articulating benefits, outcomes and delivery pathways to clients and colleagues.
• People development, capability & team operations: Actively mentor and upskill consultants, and contribute to senior capability through peer review, coaching and technical challenge. Oversee and support the senior team with day‑to‑day resourcing coordination: short‑term planning, resolving clashes, managing priorities and supporting workload balancing across live projects and bids. Lead inputs to delivery forecasting and financial awareness activities, supporting the team to manage budgets, fees and deliverables effectively. Play a key role in proposal development framework: shaping technical approach, resourcing and programme, and drafting/reviewing content to strengthen bid quality and consistency. Help drive consistent quality and continuous improvement via delivery frameworks, technical standards, training and knowledge sharing.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Proven leadership in delivering sustainability and energy strategy for large/major projects, including complex and mixed‑use developments.
• A technical grounding in building performance, energy strategy, operational carbon, embodied carbon and low‑carbon design principles.
• Client‑facing capability as a trusted technical lead; able to communicate complex technical topics clearly and credibly.
• An understanding of the design and construction process and the implications for sustainable design delivery.
• Experience leading work winning (bids/proposals) with commercial awareness; ability to provide inputs to fees, budgets and delivery forecasting.
• Knowledge of UK planning policy and sustainability requirements relevant to net zero and carbon outcomes.
• Experience with people management responsibilities (e.g., line management and/or mentoring) within a complex consultancy environment.
• Ability to mentor others and contribute to training and capability development.
• Must be able to obtain UK vetting level of Security Check (SC).

Qualifications:

• Degree in engineering, environmental, architectural or sustainability‑related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution; chartered status (or working towards chartership) in a related discipline.

Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have employee resource groups that bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.