Associate Director / Regional Director

Associate Director / Regional Director – MEP Building Services Consultant

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Reporting to: Managing Director

About the Company

Our Client are a leading independent Building Services (MEP) Design Consultancy delivering innovative, sustainable and commercially focused engineering solutions throughout the UK.

Thier experienced team provides Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and BIM design services from concept through to project completion, working across all RIBA stages for National Contractors, Developers, End Users and Public Sector Clients.

With an impressive portfolio of projects valued at up to £150 million, they have established a reputation for delivering technically robust, practical and commercially driven engineering solutions across a range of sectors including Education, High-Rise Residential, Commercial, Healthcare, Stadia and Mixed-Use developments.

As part of thier continued growth strategy, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical-biased Associate Director / Regional Director to lead our Leeds office and become a key member of our senior leadership team.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness, enjoys building long-term client relationships, has a proven track record of winning work and possesses extensive experience within the Education sector.

The Opportunity

Working closely alongside the Managing Director, you will have overall responsibility for the operational leadership, commercial performance and continued growth of the Leeds office.

You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, develop existing client relationships, secure new business opportunities and ensure the successful delivery of projects to the highest technical and commercial standards.

This is far more than a technical role.they are looking for someone who is passionate about developing people, growing a business and helping shape the future direction of the consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Lead the day-to-day management and performance of the Leeds office.

Provide leadership across Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and BIM teams.

Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on programme and to the highest quality standards.

Drive operational efficiency, resource planning and project performance.

Support recruitment, succession planning and staff development.

Promote collaboration across all offices.

Foster a positive, high-performing and accountable team culture.

Client Relationship Management

Build, develop and maintain long-term relationships with key clients.

Act as the senior client representative on major projects.

Attend client meetings, design workshops and strategic reviews.

Deliver exceptional client service to maximise repeat business.

Represent the business professionally within the industry.

Business Development & Work Winning

Working in conjunction with the Managing Director, you will play a leading role in growing the business by:

Identifying and securing new project opportunities.

Developing strategic client relationships.

Preparing and negotiating fee proposals.

Leading bid submissions and interview presentations.

Growing existing client accounts.

Developing new markets and sectors.

Supporting the delivery of the company's long-term business strategy.

Education Sector Leadership

A key requirement of this role is significant experience within the Education sector.

Applicants should demonstrate a successful track record delivering Mechanical Building Services Consultancy projects including:

Department for Education (DfE) Schools

Primary and Secondary Schools

Colleges

Universities

Further Education Establishments

Decarbonisation Programmes

New Build Schools

Major Refurbishment Projects

Public Sector Frameworks

Existing client relationships within the Education sector would be highly advantageous.

Technical Leadership

Whilst this is a leadership position, candidates must possess an excellent technical understanding of Mechanical Building Services design.

Responsibilities include

Providing technical direction across multidisciplinary projects.

Leading design reviews and quality assurance.

Supporting project teams in delivering innovative engineering solutions.

Ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, British Standards, CIBSE guidance and industry best practice.

Promoting sustainable, low-carbon and energy-efficient design solutions.

Championing BIM and digital engineering throughout project delivery.

Commercial Management

Monitor project profitability and financial performance.

Review fees, resources and programme performance.

Support contract negotiations.

Identify and manage commercial risks.

Maximise project profitability.

Assist with debt management and fee recovery.

Contribute towards annual business planning and growth targets.

Leadership & People Development

Inspire, motivate and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Mentor Associate, Senior and Graduate Engineers.

Support professional development and Chartership.

Recruit and retain high-performing individuals.

Promote collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Lead by example through professionalism, integrity and accountability.

Candidate Profile

Essential

Degree qualified in Mechanical Building Services Engineering or equivalent.

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards Chartership.

Minimum 10 years' experience within a UK Building Services (MEP) Design Consultancy.

Strong Mechanical Building Services design background.

Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Extensive client-facing experience.

Demonstrable work-winning and business development success.

Significant Education sector experience.

Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.

Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

Previous experience leading a regional office.

Existing client network within the Education sector.

Knowledge of ISO 19650 and BIM delivery.

Experience delivering Net Zero Carbon and sustainable building solutions.

Membership of CIBSE or another relevant professional institution.

Typical Project Portfolio

Projects typically range from concept through to completion across all RIBA stages, including:

• RIBA Stage 0–2 – Strategic Definition, Brief Development and Concept Design
• RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination and Tender Documentation
• RIBA Stage 4 – Technical and Detailed Design
• RIBA Stage 5 – Construction Support, Site Inspections and Technical Assistance
• RIBA Stage 6 – Handover, As-Built Information and Project Close-Out

Our sectors include:

Education

High-Rise Residential

Commercial Offices

Mixed-Use Developments

Healthcare

Stadia and Leisure

Industrial

Student Accommodation

Working closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, you will have genuine autonomy to shape the Leeds office, develop people, strengthen client relationships and drive sustainable business growth.

This role offers excellent long-term career prospects for an individual looking to make a significant impact within a respected and expanding consultancy.

Remuneration & Benefits

They offer an excellent package designed to attract exceptional talent.

Competitive salary of up to £120,000 per annum (dependent upon experience)

Performance-related annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Enhanced private pension

Professional membership fees paid

Continuous professional development and leadership training

Flexible working arrangements

Company laptop and mobile phone

Annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Opportunity to play a key role in the strategic growth of a leading independent Building Services Consultancy.

If you are an experienced Mechanical Building Services professional with the ambition to lead, grow a successful regional office and help shape the future of an ambitious consultancy, we would be delighted to hear from you.