Technical Director

Location/s: Madrid, Seville, Barcelona; ES
Recruiter contact: Abhijeet Barpanda

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit 

The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks. Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension. Together with our clients, we’re helping to deliver the energy transition globally. 

Overview of the role

Our division provides Civil expertise across power generation and HV transmission including power plants, HV substation / HVDC Interconnector converter station, and HV cable projects. Due to continued growth, we are looking for a Technical Director with experience of working for our key platinum clients including National Grid and SSE to join our Civil Team. The role will span a diverse portfolio of work and there will be opportunities for advancement within the team.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

The selected candidate will carry out technical assurance and lead design work on power plants, HVAC substation/ HVDC Interconnector converter station, and HV cable projects, fulfilling tasks including: 

• Technical Lead outlining Delivery plan for a coordinated civil design including earthworks, drainage, access roads and geotechnical aspects
• Technical Subject Matter Expert within the team and division
• Technical lead in understanding client standards and challenging the specifications to provide value engineering opportunities
• Front End Engineering Design (FEED) 
• Approval of drawings for use in planning applications and tender packages
• Approval of Detailed Civil/Structural Design
• Support for Senior and Principal Engineers leading Design Coordination across multidisciplinary teams
• Approval of Specifications
• Condition and Structural Assessment of existing structures to determine suitability for reuse
• Supporting Project Management (Programme, budget, resources and quality plan)

Candidate Specification

To apply for this position, you must have the following: 

• Technical Expertise
  • Deep knowledge of civil/structural engineering principles, including load-bearing capacity, material properties, and design codes (British Standards, Eurocodes, NGTS)
  • Ensure technical quality management with clear plans for reviews, checks, and approvals
  • Uphold Mott MacDonald’s PRIDE values in the project’s technical culture
  • Proven track record as a Designer under CDM 2015
  • National Grid and SSE Specifications

• Project Technical lead
  • Lead the Project Team in technical innovation and problem-solving
  • Ensure top-notch technical quality within scope, cost, and time
  • Collaborate with the Project Manager to build and resource the Design Team
  • Oversee technical management, coordinate interfaces, and resolve conflicts
  • Contribute to proposal writing with compelling content and accurate cost estimates
  • Lead Front End Engineering Design activities for structural components
  • Guide detailed designs for civil and structural components

• Design Coordination and Collaboration
  • Excel in coordinating with other disciplines (e.g., architects, building services engineers) to integrate structural designs seamlessly
  • Effective resolution of design conflicts within multidisciplinary teams

• Attention to Detail
  • Proficiency in approval of detailed drawings for planning applications, FEED, and construction level detailed design packages
  • Compliance with relevant standards is crucial
  • Ability to manage and deliver designs in coordination with all relevant disciplines
  • Communication and Leadership
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for conveying technical information, collaborating with team members, and presenting findings
  • Demonstrable leadership qualities, especially when guiding junior engineers or collaborating with stakeholders

Essential Experience:

• Relevant experience in Civil Engineering
• Energy project experience would be advantageous for this role

Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or Construction Management
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, MICE or MIStructE) 

If this resonates, let’s explore how your expertise fits our team.