Job Description

Associate Director - Forensic Expert Witness

As our company grows and develops, we are ever expanding our teams. We have a great opportunity for a dedicated Associate Director to join our Advisory Division.


The Associate Director is responsible for assisting the named experts, delivering well researched, well structured, grammatically correct and fully cross-referenced draft reports. This role requires extensive experience in one or more construction disciplines, sound leadership skills and the ability to navigate and interpret complex dispute/project documentation effectively. The Associate Director will ensure projects are delivered within budget, on time, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.


We are looking for a capable, all-rounder who possesses a high degree of competence in most aspects of one or more construction disciplines. Well organised, professional and project manager with considerable experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to integrate and motivate staff.


Capable of running small and medium sized disputes and managing project teams on larger disputes. Confident to liaise directly with clients and solicitors when directed to do so. Competent in the use of NEC, JCT and FIDIC standard forms and experienced in understanding/interpreting complex contract amendments and bespoke forms of contract.


The Associate Director will be required, among other tasks, to:

Leadership & Management:

Liaise, support and manage internal SOCOTEC expertise to support the production of competent project deliverables Nurture relationships from the expertise within the wider SOCOTEC group and provide mentorship, training and guidance to those temporarily seconded into our dispute delivery teams, and professional development opportunities to those who wish to consider developing into the expert witness arena Develop and implement strategies for the preparation cost estimates and the efficient cost and time management of expert witness appointments Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment

Stakeholder Management:

With the local team, your MD and the SOCOTEC Advisory BD team, develop strong relationships with solicitors by attending appropriate local events/seminars and meetings over a coffee or lunch Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders Communicate effectively with all project stakeholders, ensuring clarity and transparency in all interactions Represent the organisation in meetings, presentations and events

Expert Appointment Delivery:

Depending on who is appointed as 'the expert' and the size/complexity of the dispute:

Lead the delivery of the project requirements, liaise with legal counsel as required and, where necessary, give opinion evidence in mediations, adjudications, arbitrations and/or litigation proceedings; or Assist the expert to deliver the project requirements; or Manage the expert team, as directed by the expert, to deliver the project requirements Provide technical expertise to run all types of appointments, using problem solving skills to analyse and mitigate risk Develop and implement effective dispute resolution strategies and processes

Site Investigation:

Attend site when requested, to carry out thorough survey/investigation of areas of construction as directed Prepare investigation Method Statements, if required, or liaise with senior site staff on live sites to align with the existing site procedures/requirements Carry out small opening-up works as necessary and/or arrange for others to undertake opening-up and repair works

Compliance & Risk Management:

Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices Identify and mitigate risks associated with cost and time management Monitor industry trends and developments to ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of best practice

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate construction discipline A minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant employment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role Extensive experience in contract administration within the construction industry Strong knowledge of design procedures, construction mythologies and construction contracts Proven track record of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively

About Advisory


Our experienced team of industry professionals come from diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise. Our modern, open plan working space promotes not only a sharing of skills and knowledge, but also an approachable, friendly and sociable environment.


As well as the chance to soak up the expertise of your fellow employees, the unique, multi-strand nature of the business provides you with the opportunity to vary your workload and venture into areas of the industry you are interested in or may not have previously considered, such as Advisory and Expert Witness work.


What's in it for you?


As well as a competitive salary, we can offer you a wide range of benefits including 25 days holiday with the opportunity to buy more, an electric car scheme, employee recognition schemes, family friendly support, employee benefits and discounts app, employee assistance programmes, and enhanced company pension. SOCOTEC UK are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.


Why SOCOTEC?


Here at SOCOTEC UK, we have over 2,000 colleagues across our divisions delivering world-class services to our customers. We have several business streams that provide an unrivalled range of testing, inspection, and certification and advisory services throughout the UK, and we deliver excellence to our customers by recruiting and retaining the very best industry talent.


At SOCOTEC Advisory, we believe that a driven, inspired and challenged team is the key to success. We promote inclusivity, encourage individuality and have a zero-tolerance policy to discrimination, with the aim that every single member of our team will thrive both in and out of the workplace.


We invest in our people. We push you to grow and we want you to progress. We believe in continued development and the pursuit of ambition. Our open and friendly office space promotes a culture of teamwork and provides the opportunity to ask, listen and learn from those around you. With a young, dynamic and exciting workplace, we are constantly striving, as a team, to develop and succeed.


Think you've got what it takes to add value to our success? We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.