Associate or Senior Associate Electrical Engineer

About us

Important: the job title “Senior Associate” at Hoare Lea refers to a senior-level position (not an entry-level role); please check the role description for responsibility and seniority.

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

About the role

We have an opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate Electrical Engineer to play a key role in delivering high‑quality, sustainable electrical engineering solutions across multiple projects in the built environment.

Our Oxford office was established to provide a local presence on our projects. We draw on wide-ranging expertise from across the firm—particularly in complex sectors such as science & research and healthcare.

It’s an exciting time to be part of our Oxford team: we’re focused on growth both in the UK and internationally. We combine the stability and opportunity of an established firm with the agility to recognise and develop individuals. As a young, vibrant and innovative office, culture is central to everything we do. We foster a collaborative working environment; support hybrid working and encourage offer the option of a 9‑day fortnight.

Guided by our company vision, we’re committed to improving the balance between people and planet. We design high-performing buildings that respond to the challenges of climate change while creating living and workspaces that meet modern needs.

We are seeking an Associate Electrical Engineer or Senior Associate Electrical Engineer to lead client relationships and deliver technically excellent, commercially sound electrical design across building services projects. This vacancy will suit an experienced Associate who manages project delivery and client engagement, or a Senior Associate who leads larger, multi-disciplines schemes, contributes to business development and helps shape a high‑performing local team.

In this key and varied role, you can expect to:

• Act as primary client contact for projects; define and agree briefs and represent Hoare Lea professionally at project meetings.
• Promote Hoare Lea’s services to create opportunities and support client objectives.
• Lead and coordinate project teams (including specialist groups), prioritise workloads and host/ chair internal project meetings.
• Deliver profitable, high‑quality schemes; monitor project expenditure, report costs and resource needs to line managers/partners.
• Delegate, review and check work from junior staff; contribute to staff development and performance objectives.
• Maintain awareness of consultant appointment conditions, procurement routes and commercial risks; identify and mitigate business risks.
• Contribute to technical knowledge sharing across the firm and ensure technical accuracy and compliance with relevant standards.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants and contractors to support repeat business and growth.

Additional responsibilities for Senior Associate:

• Lead larger scale, multi‑discipline schemes, attend interviews and support bid preparation.
• Support development and leadership of the local team and report regularly senior management.

About you

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Degree in Electrical/Building Services Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered status required for Senior Associate, desirable/working towards for Associate.
• Extensive project & client leadership experience.
• Strong technical competence in electrical building services, working to applicable regulations and design guides.
• Ability to lead integrated design teams, coordinate with other disciplines and deliver technically accurate designs.
• Excellent client‑facing, written and verbal communication skills; able to manage difficult situations.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness: monitor project costs, identify/mitigate risks and contribute to profitable delivery.
• Proven people leadership: motivate, delegate and develop team members — leads projects (Associate) or leads teams and local practice (Senior Associate).
• Highly organised with strong planning skills; able to work under own initiative and deliver to demanding timescales.
• IT literate with proficiency in industry software and BIM workflows.
• Committed to continuous professional development and knowledge‑sharing.

How to apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact jessicamartin@hoarelea.com.

If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices. We aim to provide feedback at each stage of the process.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

Data privacy

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

Recruitment agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

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