Associate Director – Design and Construction Safety

Associate Director – Design and Construction Safety

Arcadis Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving the quality of life. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

As an Associate Director within our Safety Consulting business, you will be a key leader growing our Design & Construction safety team’s market position, supporting clients to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act, CDM 2015 and related regulations. This role is integral to driving our business expansion and deepening client relationships across a wide range of sectors. You will be part of an award‑winning UK business dedicated to supporting clients in the design, construction and operation of safe buildings.

This role requires a visionary with deep expertise in safety through the whole building lifecycle, an understanding of market dynamics, and a proven track record in client management and development. You will lead strategic initiatives to secure and grow key client accounts, ensuring alignment with our long‑term business objectives.

• Lead new opportunities to drive the Safety Consulting growth strategy, including engaging directly with clients to develop new work streams and pricing opportunities in line with our company governance framework.
• Assure technical quality in delivery of the Principal Designer roles under both CDM 2015 and Building Safety Act 2022.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for client acquisition and retention, ensuring sustainable business growth.
• Collaborate with senior management to align departmental objectives with overall company strategy.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key clients across multiple sectors such as residential, healthcare and commercial property.
• Guide clients through the technical decision‑making process and provide alternative solutions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for major clients, ensuring exceptional Safety Consulting service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Experience of working within a large, multi‑disciplinary design organisation (preferred).
• Analyse market trends and sector‑specific opportunities to position the company as a leader in the industry.
• Lead the development of high‑quality winning bids and oversee the pursuit of high‑value projects.
• Support the development and execution of a market strategy/business plan in collaboration with Global Arcadis Solution & Sector Leads.
• Set and monitor performance targets, ensuring accountability and achievement of financial objectives.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and reports to support strategic decision‑making.
• Track and present key account performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.

• Design related Degree in an Engineering or Architectural discipline or suitable alternative qualification in the construction industry.
• Chartered status preferred – MICE, MIMechE, RIBA or suitable alternative qualification.
• NVQ Level 3 or higher in Building Safety (NEBOSH, CABE etc.)
• Current membership of an appropriate professional body.
• Minimum 7‑10 years practical experience of delivering safety consulting at a senior level.
• Chartered status of IOSH & APS preferred with construction background.
• Design and review experience of solutions in the sector.
• Demonstrated success in managing and developing client relationships and delivering design and building safety projects.
• Proven ability to drive business growth through strategic planning and execution.
• Strong market understanding of environmental and engineering consultancy Design & Construction Safety services.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in multi‑disciplinary coordination and leadership of projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and functions to achieve business objectives.

We can only…