The Mechanical Associate Director plays a key leadership role in supporting the vision, values and strategic direction of the business to drive sustainable growth, operational excellence and profitability.
This role is responsible for leading the development, design and coordination of Mechanical engineering services, ensuring projects are delivered in line with Black & White's technical standards, quality expectations and timelines, while managing resources effectively.
Working closely with the Technical Director, the Associate Director provides leadership across technical excellence, team development and business alignment. The role acts as a key liaison between front office and delivery teams, strengthens engineering capability, and builds high-performing teams through effective recruitment, coaching and structured performance management.
As a senior leader, the Associate Director champions Black & White's "One Team" culture, models professionalism and integrity, and ensures consistent performance standards, fair assessments and recognition of top performers.
role responsibilities
TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP & ENGINEERING DELIVERY
* Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary engineering design teams to deliver high-quality Mechanical engineering solutions across diverse building typologies.
* Oversee HVAC system design development in alignment with Front Office requirements, providing technical feedback to optimise performance and constructability.
* Ensure all calculations, schedules and design documentation meet robust industry, legal and Black & White standards — delivering "Right First Time" outcomes.
* Conduct technical reviews of drawings and documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance and consistency with company standards.
* Lead coordination of engineering services across disciplines, ensuring integrated and holistic design solutions (including PHE, Fire Protection and Electrical interfaces).
* Monitor risk, performance and internal controls to maintain quality, programme and cost discipline.
* Identify scope and scheduling changes in line with change control processes, maintaining planning integrity and commercial control.
* Conduct lessons learned reviews to improve productivity and future project delivery.
PROJECT DELIVERY & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT
* Maintain oversight of commercial dashboards, invoicing and financial performance
* Review project status updates and modify schedules or plans as required.
* Ensure manufacturing, construction, installation and operational testing activities meet functional specifications and client requirements.
* Survey, test and report on existing services installations where required.
* Accept responsibility for additional strategic or operational tasks as required.
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
* Represent the Company at technical meetings with clients, consultants and contractor teams.
* Take an active role in sales and marketing initiatives, supporting proposals and winning new work.
* Develop and maintain strong client relationships to support sustainable business growth.
* Promote the Company through participation in industry forums, conferences and trade publications.
PEOPLE, LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION
* Train, mentor and coach engineering staff to build technical capability and succession strength.
* Support and contribute to the Company's Technical Committee in advancing design excellence, innovation and compliance.
* Stay abreast of emerging technologies, software and industry developments, recommending adoption where beneficial.
* Chair and facilitate technical and coordination meetings effectively.
additional role responsibilities (qhse)
All roles include responsibility for health and safety in line with the requirements set out in the Employee Handbook.
* Awareness of H&S policies and procedures and impact on yourself and team
* Ensure all staff members complete mandatory compliance training when required
* Report any accidents, incidents, near misses appropriately
education and training requirement (minimum)
* Bachelor's degree (BSc / BEng / B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
* Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Project Management or related discipline (advantageous).
* Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation (advantageous).
* Membership with a recognised professional body (e.g. CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent) preferred.
experience requirements (minimum)
* Significant experience in Mechanical engineering design and specification across diverse building typologies.
* Proven track record of successfully delivering projects to both technical and commercial objectives.
* Demonstrated experience contributing to business growth, including client development and supporting new work opportunities.
* Experience representing organisations at senior-level client and stakeholder engagements.
* Strong technical expertise in Mechanical systems, with solid understanding of PHE, Fire Protection and Electrical interfaces.
* Sound working knowledge of international codes, standards and health & safety legislation.
* Proficiency in industry-standard design and calculation software (e.g. HAP, Hevacomp, IES, BIM 360 and related tools).
* Experience leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical and commercial challenges, making sound and timely decisions.
* Experience driving continuous improvement in engineering design processes and project delivery standards.
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines effectively.
* Experience identifying and mitigating risks, optimising resources and maintaining programme and cost control.
* Demonstrated ability to take a long-term, strategic view in engineering and commercial decision-making.
* Ability to travel locally and internationally as required to support project and business needs.
Getting Results and Working Together
The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values:
ACCOUNTABILITY > Everyone is accountable.
INTEGRITY > We are straight talking, respectful and fair.
SIMPLICITY > Both in our approach and solutions.
SUPPORTIVE > We are approachable, inclusive and recognise success.
QUALITY > We strive to get it right first time, every time.
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