Associate Director - Power Engineering

Company Overview

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, empowering us to bring our authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion both throughout our company and within our communities, consistently asking ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

Join HDR’s vibrant team and work with high‑profile clients—including leading utilities and global tech giants—on ground‑breaking projects such as data centres and low‑carbon power solutions. As an Associate Director, you will be at the forefront of transforming power infrastructure, leading, innovating, and leaving a lasting impact.

Our Glasgow office serves as our UK power hub, operating like an innovative startup within the framework of HDR’s global presence of over 12,000 employees. You’ll be part of a small, rapidly growing team capable of influencing the direction of local operations in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment, while receiving full backing and support from HDR’s well‑established 600+‑employee power team in the US.

You will leverage your broad technical expertise to guide multi‑disciplinary teams in developing detailed designs and specifications, taking projects from concept to completion across diverse initiatives. This role offers the chance to lead teams, mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers, shape a growing team of substation specialists, and drive innovative solutions that deliver outstanding projects.

We are seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Associate Director with a strong background in power engineering and substation design to play a key leadership role in our growing Power & Energy business.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the delivery of complex engineering projects, setting standards for technical excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Define and deliver business plans for your discipline or regional team, including revenue, profitability, and growth targets, ensuring alignment with company strategy.
• Lead the development and delivery of multiple projects and frameworks, from concept to detailed design, ensuring client expectations, commercial success, and quality standards are met.
• Act as a senior technical authority for high‑voltage electrical design up to 765 kV, providing expert guidance, oversight, and peer review across multiple projects and teams.
• Establish and nurture strong, long‑term client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and driving repeat business through exceptional service and leadership.
• Oversee and influence major bids, proposals, and tender strategies, including fee negotiations, scope definition, and risk assessment, ensuring commercially successful outcomes.
• Champion innovation in design and delivery, embedding sustainability, digital engineering, and emerging technologies into project approaches and company standards.
• Drive performance, engagement, and development within your team by setting clear objectives, mentoring senior staff, and ensuring robust succession planning.
• Provide governance and assurance for project delivery, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, and internal Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, 14001) and Health & Safety procedures.
• Collaborate closely with other Associate Directors and Directors to deliver strategic initiatives, shape company‑wide policy, and continuously improve business processes and outcomes.
• Represent the business externally through professional institutions, industry forums, and technical working groups, promoting HDR’s expertise and contributing to industry best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 9 years’ experience in electrical engineering design, with significant exposure to high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 765 kV.
• Deep understanding of electrical, civil, and structural aspects of substation design and familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and other relevant standards.
• Proven record in leading large, multidisciplinary design teams, managing multimillion‑pound…