Associate-Facade Access Design at VDA – London, England

Overview: The Façade Access Design Associate will be required to combine their technical expertise in designing façade access strategies with business development and marketing activities. For the first 6–12 months, the role will be split evenly between technical project delivery and supporting the commercial growth of the façade access division through client development, CPDs, webinars, and marketing initiatives. After this period, the role will transition to a more balanced blend of client account development and design consultancy.

Accountability and Responsibilities Business Development & Marketing (first 6–12 months: 50% (focus)

• Actively support business growth by identifying and developing new opportunities within and outside D2E’s existing client base across UK and international markets (initially India and Middle East)
• Arrange and attend meetings with new and existing clients, bringing Senior Leadership as required to strengthen relationships and support business growth.
• Build and strengthen client and supplier relationships, representing D2E at industry events and networking opportunities.
• Lead on fee proposals and tender submissions, ensuring competitive and client-focused responses.
• Support the Design Director in sales planning, pipeline tracking, and revenue forecasting.
• Arrange, prepare, and deliver CPD seminars and webinars to existing and potential clients.
• Provide input and ideas to help shape marketing collateral, including social media, brochures, case studies, technical articles and presentations.Design Consultancy (first 6–12 months: 50% focus)
• Act as Lead Façade Access Consultant on assigned projects.
• Interpret and develop client briefs into façade access solutions through the RIBA Plan of Work stages, or AIA Plan of Work stages as appropriate.
• Produce technical outputs including end of stage reports, calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, codes, and standards relating to façade access.
• Use AutoCAD and Revit to deliver project drawings and technical documentation.
• Attend project and design team meetings, liaising with clients, architects, and consultants.
• Support tender and procurement processes for façade access packages, including evaluation and recommendations.
• Present façade access strategies to clients and negotiate with approving bodies where required.
• Prepare project handover documentation for delivery by D2E’s field team.Ongoing Responsibilities (beyond the first year)
• Maintain and grow client accounts, securing repeat business and expanding service offerings.
• Continue to deliver CPDs, webinars, and contribute to marketing initiatives as required.
• Mentor graduate engineers and share expertise within the team.
• Contribute to the continual improvement of D2E’s façade access processes, tools, and strategies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience for the job

• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience in façade access consultancy or engineering.
• Strong knowledge of a range of façade access solutions and their appropriate applications.
• Relevant academic qualifications (HNC/Degree or equivalent).
• Previous client-facing or business development experience desirable.
• Previous experience working in Middle East and/or India desirable.
• Ability to balance multiple projects with business development activities.
• Excellent understanding of codes, standards, and guidance relating to façade access and suspended access equipment in the UK, India and Middle East.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong presentation, communication, and report writing skills.
• Experience supporting projects that deliver 3D models and follow BIM protocols.

Competence and Behaviour

• Living Our D2E Values: Consistently demonstrates and takes pride in D2E’s values of Health & Safety, Ethics, Quality and Sustainability. Acts with integrity and proactively upholds professional and company standards.
• Client Focused: Shows commitment to understanding, meeting, and exceeding client needs through effective relationship building, proactive and consistent communication, approachability, and service excellence.
• Team Player: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve team objectives, sharing knowledge, actively supporting others, and contributing to a positive and inclusive team environment.
• Innovative: Seeks continuous improvement opportunities, applying expertise to enhance processes, improve ways of working, and develop new client solutions.
• Self-Organised: Independently manages time, resources, and tasks to meet deadlines and achieve objectives reliably. Maintains strong attention to detail across all work.
• Thorough & Tenacious: Follows through on plans and commitments, monitoring progress to ensure goals are achieved. Takes ownership, shows resilience, and uses initiative to overcome obstacles.
• Adaptable: Responds positively to change, remaining effective priorities and circumstances shift. Embraces new processes, technologies, and ways of working, identifying opportunities within change.
• Impactful Communicator: Listens actively to draw out perspectives and information from clients and colleagues. Conveys ideas and information clearly, persuasively, and professionally both verbally and in writing

EEO/AA Employer/Veteran/Disabled Statement:  

VDA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. 

VDA is the global leader in vertical transportation consulting and inspection services. We’ve helped clients with their vertical transportation needs since 1980. Our expertise and services impact the design, reliability, lifespan and safety of vertical transportation equipment.