Associate Facade

Job Description

List of Responsibilities

The Associate forms part of the engineering team within the global structure of the company and assumes general responsibilities that pro-actively contribute to the growth of Façade engineering and deisgn capabilities across the globe. 

This includes responsibility for all design, engineering, documentation, administration and compliance with project constraints undertaken for Façade and all other disciplines. You may lead, develop, and manage a team of up to 5 direct reports. You may also need to fulfil any legal responsibilities commensurate with your position.

The following is an overview of responsibilities and performance standards required of the Façade Designer:

• Strategic Management
• Financial Management 
• Marketing and Business Development 
• Staff Management, Mentoring and Training 
• Client Management 
• Project Management 
• Consultancy Function 
• Technical Excellence 
• Personal Growth

Strategic Management

The Associate will contribute to short and long-term regional planning and assist in driving forward the strategy that embodies Inhabit’s values, vision, mission and objectives to successfully grow the business including:

• Assist in developing the regional business plan aligned to Inhabit strategic plan to be approved by the Regional Director. Assist in setting regional objectives and in preparing and implementing strategies to achieve the business plan. Ensure staff are well informed and up to date on developments that affect them
• Assist in undertaking regional future workforce planning and projects with an emphasis on growth and innovation.

Financial Management

The Associate shall assist in the proper financial management including:

• Assist in the development and implementation of annual budgets and ensure that adequate internal control mechanisms are in place
• Monitor financial aspects of projects including monthly invoicing to ensure the accuracy and debtor collection
• Follow up with clients on overdue fees for debtors greater than 90 days
• Assist in reviewing and monitoring monthly financial reports
• Assisting in managing business risks by following appropriate risk appraisal procedures prior to signing (and following award of) any consulting commission

Marketing and Business Development

The Associate shall actively participate in the marketing of the practice as a multi-disciplined engineering company and shall achieve agreed targets in all aspects of practice development, including:

• Maximise cross-selling opportunities for Inhabit and prepare project proposals to support profit targets including, where necessary, co-ordination of inputs from other disciplines 
• Conduct presentations of proposals for prospective clients and/or projects
• Raise any challenges in competitive pricing across the region with the Regional Manager and propose solutions
• Build and expand the client base of Inhabit based on both established, prospective and new client relationships that you secure in the region
• Network within the Industry to develop industry intelligence, define and implement strategies to meet any challenges
• Ensure active participation in a broad range of client-focused functions, networking events, conferences, seminars, committees etc. to enhance the professional image of both the Associate and Inhabit

Staff Management, Mentoring and Training

The Associate is responsible for ensuring staff are managed and supported effectively including:

• Encourage and role model respectful, supportive and positive engagement and interactions across disciplines/support functions and all other Inhabit offices to support positive culture and drive engagement
• Identify the deliverables, tasks and activities required for workload throughout all phases of the project to ensure adequate staff resourcing and tools are available to meet project deliverables and expectations
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, mentoring and support and build and oversee staff technical development to maintain standards and to operate efficiently
• Ensure staff are following Inhabit’s quality management system
• Hold regular meetings with the Technical Team to discuss scheduling of work in a planned manner including distribution of workload, resources etc. to meet deliverables
• Assist in setting objectives and standards for the expected performance of staff and encourage regular feedback discussions on project successes and challenges to capture lessons learned
• Assist in conducting regular and effective Performance Reviews in accordance within Inhabits’ review system for your direct reports and provide ongoing/regular feedback to foster work performance improvements and promote professional growth of staff
• Identify training needs of the team to increase their skill level, development and growth
• Identify training opportunities, both internally and externally including seminars, events, conferences, talks, university lectures, factory visits, construction phase training etc., to assist with the development of the team and to address any knowledge and skill gaps. Support staff writing technical notes from these training opportunities and/or project experiences
• Encourage and promote Inhabit online materials, technical notes, technical library
• Communicate regularly and proactively with Senior Management as required to assist the process of managing your work/lifestyle balance and of your team
• Ensure staff adhere to and are familiar with all Health and Safety requirements and safe work practices

Client Management

The Associate shall continually strengthen client loyalty and gain repeat business by ensuring high-quality service and creative (‘Leading Edge’) solutions to clients by way of:

• Communicate with clients to establish their needs and maintain a dialogue throughout the project
• Monitor feedback from clients and develop and implement action plans for continuous improvement
• Identify and implement ways to enhance current service offerings, systems and processes from a client and business perspective to maximise Inhabit’s competitive advantage
• Identify and implement ways to enhance internal systems, processes and procedures to improve client satisfaction
• Be a role model for exceptional favourable record in client response to timeliness, quality of work and high technical standing on projects and manage in conjunction with Project Director/Leader any client complaints
• Continually aim for repeat and new business from all clients in contact with Inhabit

Project Management

The Associate will provide leadership to ensure the efficient and profitable completion of all tasks and projects under their control whilst ensuring the allocation of adequate resources, excellent technical standards and client satisfaction including:

• Provide overall strategy and technical solutions as required for project challenges
• Undertake or assist the project leaders with negotiation of fees and contracts where appropriate to ensure financial targets are achieved
• Manage business risks by following appropriate risk appraisal procedures prior to the signing contracts
• Allocate and manage project personnel to suit programs and project budgets
• Project lead internally with respective team colleagues to allow deliverables to be issued to client
• Coordinate and work with the design team to deliver project deliverables
• Help solve client/project team’s problems by lateral thinking and creating innovative solutions
• Ensure quality outputs and agreed cost/scheduled delivery time frames are met
• Manage projects, site meetings, design workshops and site inspection as required and/or as project planning stipulates
• As Project Leader, monitor and report on team performance against agreed timelines, and fees/budgets
• Oversee the work of Sub Consultants/Contractors and review outputs produced by them
• Ensure project sheets for each project are undertaken for compliance with project and office QA procedures

Consultancy Function

The Associate shall assist in the consultancy functions including:

• Preparation and coordination of expressions of interest, tender submissions and similar consulting proposals
• Maintain a hands-on approach to the provision of design and engineering, and assist in the co-ordination of other disciplines. 
• Contribute and monitor the design and engineering of curtain wall and cladding systems, as well as specialty systems (i.e., structural glass, cables, ETFE etc.)
• Oversee engineering computations and structural façade analysis, advice and reporting
• Meet with architects to develop façade design concepts, detailing, specifications, and engineering feasibility and coordinate with other project consultants such as Builders, Contractors and Sub Contractors to determine best practice façade design outcomes
• Write and review specifications and schedules to inform and respond to site and construction related queries
• Review and comment on sub-contractor’s shop drawings & calculations, BD submission drawings, fabrication drawings & material submission
• Follow the general drawing protocols and cad file system set by Inhabit
• Provide assistance during construction of façade systems including attendance mock-up testing, shop drawing reviews and conduct factory & site inspections

Technical Excellence

The Associate shall assume full responsibility for work quality undertaken and ensure quality is adhered to by performing regular checks of your direct reports work and a senior peer review role on projects, including:

• Ensure project specific technical duties including engineering, design and project lead roles are effectively managed
• Identification of technically complex projects and problems that require high level input
• Undertake provision of concept design, peer review and checking services on projects to assist in maintaining high standards
• Provide technical assistance and grow the team’s capability relating to the weatherproofing and installation of various façade systems
• Assist in developing and growing the BIM capability of the office in conjunction with other team members, aligning Inhabit’s capabilities with market expectations\
• Take necessary action to prevent the occurrence of design documentation and/or quality system non-conformity
• Ensure all project documentation is maintained to a level as required by Inhabits’ QA Manager and QA system
• Endorse and facilitate the quality management system (QMS) and the Business’s commitment to quality
• Conduct all activities in accordance with the quality management system

Personal Attributes:

• Attitude and participation towards project, client, team
• Motivation in role
• Sense of urgency when appropriate
• Confidence in role amongst team and clients
• Desire to achieve high standards, set goals or targets
• Overall commitment to your position
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• How you apply new skills
• Team interaction
• Willingness to help others

Role Capability Profile

Quality & Quantity of Work:

• Assures accuracy, thoroughness and reliability of results
• Meets the workload requirements of the job
• Is proficient in technical skills required for the job
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge required to complete job responsibilities

Decisions:

• Conducts thorough analysis before making decisions
• Makes sound, logical and timely decisions

Planning & Time Management:

• Develops & implements effective action plans
• Meets deadlines as required
• Maintains performance under pressure
• Timesheet efficiency (weekly submission)

Performance Management:

• Achieves own objectives
• Delegates appropriate tasks to appropriate people
• Gives employees adequate information & authority
• Follows up progress on delegated projects
• Provides ongoing feedback and training to employees where relevant

Initiative:

• Displays initiative in the position and does not seek unnecessary clarification or instruction
• Generates and implements worthwhile, practical new ideas and methods
• Responds effectively to changing needs of the workplace

Relationships:

• Interacts appropriately with customers/clients, both internally and externally
• Displays good interpersonal skills
• Uses appropriate style to resolve conflict with people at all levels
• Acts in best interest of the organisation

Communication:

• Listens attentively, demonstrates full understanding
• Oral and written – expresses ideas effectively
• Quality of presentations
• Preparation of internal and external correspondence

Personal Attributes:

• Attitude and participation towards project, client, team
• Motivation in role
• Sense of urgency when appropriate
• Confidence in role amongst team and clients
• Desire to achieve high standards, set goals or targets
• Overall commitment to your position
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• How you apply new skills
• Team interaction
• Willingness to help others

Qualifications

Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Engineering is preferable.

The candidate shall have a minimum of 10 years' experience in a facade role.

Additional Information

Other Requirements

• Correctly use and maintain Personal Protective Equipment provided
• Takes reasonable care for the safety of his/her own health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by their conduct in the workplace
• Seek guidance for all new or modified work procedures to ensure that any hazardous conditions, near misses and injures are reported immediately to Management
• Participate in compliance training and other environment, health and safety activities as required
• Abide by the Code of Conduct; this is a minimum standard of behaviour that must be upheld by all employees
• In addition to the duties set out in this Position Description, you may be expected to perform such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably assigned to you by the Employer

Other Relevant Information

• Travel to various work locations throughout Middle East may be required
• Your duties as set out in this Position Description may from time to time be amended, varied, modified or reassigned by the Employer in accordance with business needs