Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (41.0%).
Occupation Type
Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified.
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£74,700
(£38.31 per hour)
Occupation rate applies
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Description
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your
contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Primary Objectives
In the role of MEP Director, you will be required to effectively manage the operations of an MEP team principally based within the London office, whilst liaising closely with the lead directors for Building Structures and Civils Group, Sustainability, and other relevant disciplines and specialisms. You’ll be expected to be a focused, goal-minded individual and a natural connector of people.
In addition to the management of the MEP team on a day-to-day basis you will be required to advise on and manage recruitment needs, training, development and retention needs, together with input and review of project bids and QA/QC processes. In addition, carry out Sales and Business development activities actively to support business growth and to ensure projects are delivered technically correct and on time, whilst maintaining the target profit level. Promote cross selling amongst the disciplines and liaise with other Senior Directors and report directly to the Office Principal with regards all commercial and staffing matters.
Primary Responsibilities
Team Management and Development
Actively manage the MEP team with regards to utilisation, project deployment, training needs, etc. carry out APC reviews for direct reports and provide guidance to the wider team as required.
Manage recruitment and other resource level requirements within the team in conjunction with other senior leadership to accord with current and upcoming project work.
Provide positive and effective management and set an example to other members of the team.
Encourage project team engineers to a high level of performance. And mentoring as required
Promote active collaboration with clients and design teams
Report any performance problems that cannot be resolved locally.
Undertake staff Personal Development Plans and APC activities.
Project Management
Assist the MEP Project Leads (‘HDR Project Manager’) with regards project performance, (Technical, Programme and Commercial) within the MEP team.
You will be required to assist the Project Leads who are ultimately accountable to ensure all disciplines falling under the MEP scope are fully co-ordinated, technically correct, to the required level of quality and commercially managed to ensure the project costs and revenue drive the profit targets for the project.
For larger and complex projects, you may be required to be the Project Lead and HDR Project Manager responsible for successful management and delivery of the project.
Technical Excellence
Support the MEP Technical Directors with regards to continuous monitoring, improvement and consistency of technical design approach. Assist the Technical Directors who are ultimately accountable to ensure that company design standards are maintained and improved where necessary.
Financial Performance Reviews
The majority of FPR’s will be attended and managed by Project Leads, however for more complex or technically challenging projects you may be required to further support the Project Leads to ensure effective delivery of the scheme. This will include assistance with:
Accountable on a monthly basis the Project Job Costing Reports.
Accountable on a monthly basis the reported Profit and Sales Figures.
Provide a quarterly written board report to be presented by others.
Accountable for the Input/Review/Action the following:
Dept/Division - Profit/Loss and Sales
Project Profit/Loss - To date/current month to achieve profit targets
Resourcing - Manage to achieve revenue and profit targets
Sales Ledger Debtors - Resolve All Outstanding
Projected Fee Income - Key Accounts, Next Month and a 12-month Forecast Project Problems - Technical or Invoicing
Costed Admin T
ime - Non-Fee Earning Time
Prospects/Sales - Report of Sales Activities
Sales Management/Business Development
Were requested assist with bids for projects either by producing the resources/fee schedules or other bid documentation or by reviewing and commenting on that provided by others. All bids produced by the MEP team should be reviewed by you in the first instance and should require your approval. Work with the Office Principal, sales, and technical teams to achieve, as a minimum, the annual office sales target.
Project Delivery
Advise the Office Principal with regards to MEP team capacity with regards upcoming and current workload. Where resource in insufficient to meet project needs agree and progress recruitment with Office Principal. The key elements are as noted below:
Manage and control resource across the projects.
In conjunction with Technical Directors ensure technical compliance and quality production of all deliverables for MEP projects.
Sign off all reports and deliverables.
Attend Client meetings/policy meetings.
Ensure all deadlines are met.
Record any changes of scope, which may affect fee basis and advise the Project Leads to act accordingly.
Assist the Project Leads with post contract completion and end of debtor’s reviews with client.
To ensure that all project design responsibilities are effectively undertaken.
Assist Other Directors In Project Delivery As Required.
General Duties
Structure training and succession of the teams to enhance performance and ensure future engineering expertise in Practice.
Support the Team by reviewing and assisting with QM and QC execution.
Support and ensure compliance with company QMS procedures and policies.
Support and ensure compliance with company QMS procedures and policies.
Support the management of the Practice taking on duties as agreed with the Office Principal.
Undertake Project Director duties if required by the business.
Undertake engineering activities on an as needs basis and where appropriate act as Design Team Leader.
Ensure No Claims are made on PI, ensure all Contract documents are checked by the legal team.
Subject to Office Principal agreement - interview and recruit new team members.
Support to other directors in all fields including and not limited to; sales, resource control, problem solving, design advice.
Sign off all direct report’s expenses.
Authorise Holiday requests of direct reports.
Maintain register and carry out technical audits on projects as required.
Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 1401.
Supplementary responsibilities
Strategic Planning – Assist in development of annual strategic planning effort.
Controlling – Assist in monitoring operational metrics for the Region, as required.
Staffing - Assist in prioritisation of strategic hires, identification and recruiting of candidates.
Business Development – Set targets for yourself and your team for net fee booking goals, plan and undertake Business Development activities to achieve that goal, including engaging and encouraging your team to support these, for the BES Group in EMEA primarily, but also for other regions/geographies and other Business Groups where opportunities present themselves. The MEP Director would be expected to spend time on both operational and Business Development activities, typically 50/50% of their time.
Skills & Requirements
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Extensive experience, especially in designing and managing projects, ideally 20 years’ min’ industry experience.
Experience of monitoring contract staff or third-party appointments would be desirable.
Skills in project managing on-going jobs.
Experience in the same or similar position is desired.
Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
The ability to project a positive and professional attitude at all times.
Educational qualifications to a degree level or equivalent are desired.
Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved.
Good knowledge and use of appropriate project and design analysis software.
Personable and a ‘can do’ attitude with resource management experience.
Able to establish rapport and good working relationships within the project team and Clients.
Strong leadership and people management skills and experience.
To be able to work as part as a team and collaboratively and co-operatively.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field
A minimum of 10 years of industry experience
Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for planning and/or engineering services
Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits
Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth
Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector
Ability to work cooperatively with Regional Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers
Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United Kingdom-England-Manchester
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
BusinessClass:
Program Management
Job Posting:
Jan 23, 2026 At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Project Director/Area Market Sector Leader | HDR | Hunt UK Visa Sponsors
