Buro Happold
Associate Director Life Sciences
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Associate Director Life Sciences
Senior Building Services Engineer – Associate/Associate Director
We are looking to appoint an experienced Building Services Engineer at Associate or Associate Director level to support our Science & Technology sector in the UK, based from either London or Cambridge.
The role will involve close collaboration with the UK Sector Leader and affiliated teams to drive Buro Happold’s growth ambitions in the sector.
Working alongside global technical specialists and designers in the industry, this position provides opportunities for significant career growth and meaningful contributions to our flagship industry sectors.
About the Role
As a senior member of the UK Building Services team, you will deliver exceptional technical, commercial, and design leadership on projects across the Science & Technology sector. These will include multidisciplinary engagements in laboratories, cleanrooms, R&D facilities, as well as advanced manufacturing and industrial plants. Recent projects include:
- Europe’s largest vertical commercial life sciences building
- Sir Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub, London
- Jack Copland Centre, Edinburgh
- London Institute of Medical Sciences
Additionally, you will support discipline leadership in areas such as:
- Design excellence & innovation
- Commercial & technical performance
- Fostering a culture of continuous learning & professional development
- Mentoring & growth of junior team members
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Project Director for Science & Technology sector projects, with a focus on the London and South East market.
- Serve as a key external representative of Buro Happold in the UK’s Science & Technology sector.
- Collaborate closely with Business Development and cross-functional teams (e.g., Laboratory Consulting) to support client-facing opportunities and revenue targets.
- Champion the delivery of high-quality, robust, and innovative designs tailored to the sector’s requirements.
- Develop and maintain strategic client relationships, contributing to work-winning targets.
- Align with local and global drivers to advance sustainable, low-carbon, and net-zero building solutions, working closely with senior leadership across the practice.
- Support the London leadership team in retaining and growing an innovative, diverse, and talented team.
- Maintain and enhance excellence in project delivery, commercial management, and technical standards, both locally and within international building services teams.
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Skills & Experience
You will bring:
- Substantial experience in building services engineering, with a proven track record in multidisciplinary project leadership.
- Proven expertise in highly serviced environments, including:
- Laboratories
- Cleanrooms
- Research & Development (R&D) facilities
- Advanced manufacturing or industrial plants
- Ideally, a network of clients and collaborators within the UK Science & Technology sector and industry knowledge.
- Professional registration with a relevant institution (e.g., CIBSE, IMechE).
What We Offer
Work-Life & Flexibility
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Six-week block leave plan
- 3pm finish on the last Friday of each month
- Flexible and inclusive working patterns
Competitive Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Life assurance
- Income protection coverage
- Comprehensive private medical cover
- 10% car allowance (based on salary)
- 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- 15% company pension contribution (in line with UK auto-enrolment)
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Wellbeing & Growth
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Wide range of flexible benefits, including:
- Cycle scheme
- Dental and optical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Given season ticket loans
- Discounted corporate schemes
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Enhanced parenthood leave policies to support career ambitions
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Supplement memberships to professional bodies
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Structured development programme to nurture long-term growth
Wellbeing Support
- Comprehensive employee assistance programme (EAP)
- Regular wellbeing activities and social events
- Mentorship and Young Employees Forum for professional and social engagement
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Buro Happold values individuals’ diverse working approaches, recognising flexibility and work-life balance as essential to personal and professional success. We are committed to welcoming applications from individuals seeking adaptability in their careers at all stages.
Our work is strengthened by diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences—we embrace and celebrate them. We actively strive to address underrepresentation in the built-environment sector, particularly those who may feel marginalised, and seek meaningful contributions from every background.
If you require adjustments to the application or interview process, please get in touch with recruitment@burohappold.com. We would be happy to discuss any tailored support to ensure an inclusive hiring process.
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