Senior Associate

Overview of the Role

As a Senior Associate, you will be responsible for the consistent and timely delivery of complex design projects as well as driving forward both technical and commercial contributions to our business. Your responsibilities extend beyond project-specific tasks, including supporting the directors in the delivery of specific companywide initiatives in line with the company’s business plan aimed at technical, commercial and process improvements. This may include leading focus or working groups with specific objectives for the business.

Your specific and significant experience will be used to develop long term client relationships and develop new business through these relationships. You should keep abreast of market trends and look for future developing work streams.

You should be capable of strategic, creative and analytical thinking to solve problems both in terms of project and non-project items. You should seek out skills in others to support this. You will help the team develop efficiencies in the way we deliver work as well as staying at the forefront of the industry technically. You will be responsible for developing your career through the continuous assessment your own ability and we encourage and support your professional growth through comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and initiatives aimed at furthering your career development.

You will ensure that the QA process for all technical deliverables is followed on all projects you are overseeing, and you will chair design reviews within the team. You will be also responsible for the approval of key deliverables.

Senior Associates maintain responsibility for their projects while collaborating with other senior colleagues to enhance technical skills and capabilities across the entire team. Beyond individual project responsibilities, you actively contribute to team performance by working closely with colleagues to establish learning pathways. Taking the lead on career development plans, you become a role model for other engineers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. You will disseminate knowledge throughout the team and bring extensive and varied experience to the role. You will be supportive of others career development, assisting them in meeting their objectives, holding reviews with engineers and providing feedback to support their development.

Demonstrating enhanced self-awareness, you excel in language use and consistency, aligning with the senior leadership message. Exceptional communication skills are a must, as you are expected to build and maintain client relationships through the successful delivery of projects, showcasing the inherent value of DFC’s services.

Join us in an exciting journey where your contributions are valued, and you have the chance to make a meaningful impact within our dynamic and innovative organisation.

We look forward to welcoming candidates who share in our passion for excellence and are eager to contribute to our collaborative and forward-thinking team.

Suitability

To thrive in this role, you should:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) field, or an equivalent qualification.
• Be able to demonstrate an ability to converse technically in English with precision and clarity.
• Recognise the value of office presence to foster a collaborative environment for team growth. DFC value a balanced approach that allows our team members the flexibility to thrive in the vibrant atmosphere of our office and in the comfort of their own home when needed.
• Bring a wealth of experience, with a background in an engineering consulting role, preferably within a fire engineering environment. You will be responsible for supporting other engineers on their career path.
• Possess advanced knowledge of the UK construction industry, an understanding of the project procurement processes, strong commercial awareness, business development skills and a track record of developing teams and engineers.
• Hold Chartered Engineer status through the Engineering Council with a relevant UK institution or possess an equivalent international qualification.
• Exhibit substantial experience in effectively managing the time, deliverables and training of other graduate engineers, engineers, senior engineers and associates in a fire engineering capacity.
• Exhibit the ability to oversee a significant number of projects simultaneously, both as a project leader and in a support capacity, actively participating in all aspects of the project management process and have a track record of successful delivery.
• Be an expect in specific technical or support areas. Identify a specific area of technical expertise and lead the company’s initiatives in this specialised field.
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, mentorship, and role model attributes that inspire and guide team members towards success.
• Have a desire to lead or support business wide initiatives aimed at technical, commercial and process improvements.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Our Senior Associate salary shall be based on qualifications, relevant experience and strength of candidate.
• Holiday Entitlement: 30 days paid annual leave per year (pro-rated for part time employees). Additionally, you will be entitled to the public bank holiday days set for England and Wales each year, pro-rated for part time employees.
• Bi-Annual Commercial Bonus Payment: Reflective of DFC’s commercial performance, paid in December and June, is based on a percentage of gross salary earned during the qualifying period.
• Flexible Working: DFC value a balanced approach that allows our team members the flexibility to thrive in the vibrant atmosphere of our office and in the comfort of their own home when needed.
• Employee Assistance Programme: DFC offers an Employee Assistance Programme which includes wellbeing and mental health support with a 24/7 confidential helpline with calls answered by experienced in-house counsellors, legal and financial experts.
• Company Pension: DFC offers a company pension scheme, providing a 150% match of employee contribution up to a maximum of 7.5% of your annual gross salary.
• Flexible Benefits: DFC offer several salary-sacrifice benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme and the option to purchase personal computer equipment.
• IT Equipment: On your start date, you will be provided with a company laptop and mobile phone as part of your IT equipment package.
• Professional Membership: DFC supports your professional development by reimbursing the annual cost of membership to two relevant professional institutions.
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme: DFC employees have the option to make savings on the cost of their commute by purchasing a season ticket. The commuting loan is interest free for employees.