Associate Director - Industrial Architecture

Associate Director – Industrial Architecture

RPS Newark‑On‑Trent, England, United Kingdom

Are you ready for a senior‑level opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a real impact? At Tetra Tech RPS, we’re looking for an ambitious and experienced Associate Director to join our Architecture team based in Newark, with hybrid working available. This is a fantastic chance to work on diverse, high‑profile development projects across sectors including strategic land, logistics, retail, aviation, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and energy.

Whether you’re actively seeking your next challenge or open to exploring new possibilities, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, lead talented teams, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

As an Associate Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering architectural solutions that meet client objectives and exceed expectations. You will lead projects from bid stage through to completion, ensuring client requirements and deadlines are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality. In this role, you will take ownership of planning, reviewing, and managing projects, and also drive business development initiatives through the preparation of tenders, presentations, and active participation in sector meetings.

Building trusted advisor relationships with clients and stakeholders will be central to your success, alongside contributing to strategic business plans and supporting operational goals. You will also mentor and manage team members, fostering a positive culture that promotes collaboration, talent development, and career progression, while providing technical leadership.

You’ll be instrumental in driving project success, securing new business, and maintaining our reputation for excellence. Success in this role is measured through leadership, collaboration, and the delivery of innovative architectural solutions. With clear pathways for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact, this is a role where your expertise and achievements are actively supported.

At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities – the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. But here’s the secret: there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we’d love to hear from you.

You will bring considerable technical knowledge and hands‑on experience in the design and delivery of complex architectural projects, particularly within industrial sectors. This includes a deep understanding of building regulations, planning processes, and compliance standards, as well as the ability to apply innovative design principles that balance functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Your expertise should encompass the full project lifecycle – from concept and feasibility studies through detailed design and construction oversight – ensuring that every solution is practical, commercially viable, and aligned with client objectives.

A strong awareness of both local and national markets is essential, enabling you to anticipate trends, respond to regulatory changes, and deliver designs that meet the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in industry‑standard design software, BIM methodologies, and digital collaboration tools will be key to driving efficiency and maintaining technical excellence across all projects.

As an Associate Director, you will be a visible and influential leader who sets the tone for collaboration and excellence within the team. Your ability to inspire and motivate others will be critical in creating a culture where creativity, accountability, and professional growth thrive. You will lead by example, providing clear direction and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best work.

Beyond managing day‑to‑day operations, you will take an active role in mentoring team members—sharing your…