Associate Director - Mechanical Design

Job Title: Associate Director Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Bristol (Hybrid working can be negotiated)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience + bonuses + car allowance
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Director – Mechanical Design to join an established and highly regarded building services consultancy. This is a senior leadership position offering genuine influence over project delivery, team development, and strategic growth, alongside hands-on involvement in technically complex and high-profile projects across a diverse range of sectors.

This role combines technical leadership with business and people management responsibilities, making it ideal for an experienced professional ready to step into a broader, more strategic position. You will lead mechanical design delivery across projects while also contributing to client relationships, commercial performance, and the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and strategic leadership for the mechanical discipline within the business
• Lead the mechanical design of building services schemes from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction (RIBA Stages 1–6)
• Act as a key client contact, building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships
• Support and contribute to business development, including fee proposals, bids, and networking opportunities
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring quality, programme, and commercial objectives are met
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting team growth and succession planning
• Produce and review detailed design drawings and models using AutoCAD and Revit (BIM) Oversee or undertake thermal modelling and energy analysis using IES, HAP, and TAF
• Ensure all designs comply with UK Building Regulations and CIBSE guidance
• Champion sustainable and low carbon design strategies, supporting net zero ambitions
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including architects, structural engineers, and contractors

Sectors

Commercial & Offices | Residential | Healthcare & Primary Care | Education | Sports & Leisure | Hotels & Hospitality | Retail | Industrial | Public Sector | Aviation | MoD

Requirements

• Significant UK-based experience in building services mechanical design within a consultancy environment
• Proven experience in a senior or leadership capacity, with responsibility for project delivery and/or team management
• Strong technical expertise in HVAC, heating, ventilation, and public health systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for design and BIM coordination
• Experience with thermal modelling tools such as IES, HAP, or TAF
• Demonstrable experience managing projects across RIBA Stages 1–6
• Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations and CIBSE guidance
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and report-writing skills
• Degree or HNC/HND in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary - depending on experience + bonuses + car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Hybrid working can be negotiated
• Varied and technically stimulating project portfolio across multiple sectors