Associate Director – Energy Infrastructure

Buro Happold

. Build a market-focused Energy Infrastructure service line in Germany, including service development, market positioning, and further development of the service portfolio .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeBerlin • GermanySeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in planning and implementing energy infrastructure projects, particularly in district heating networks and energy centers, while effectively managing client relationships and leading project teams. Proficient in navigating the German planning and permitting environment with strong digital affinity for relevant planning tools.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Energy Infrastructure Project PlanningDistrict Heating Network ImplementationClient Relationship ManagementGerman Planning and Permitting KnowledgeTeam Leadership and Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Energy EngineeringBuilding Services EngineeringMechanical EngineeringProcess EngineeringInfrastructure PlanningHeating Infrastructure PlanningHeat Transition TechnologiesProject ManagementFeasibility StudiesConstruction Planning

Soft Skills

Entrepreneurial MindsetHands-On AttitudeMotivationStrategic ThinkingCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Planning ToolsSimulation ToolsAVA Tools

Industry Keywords

Energy SuppliersMunicipal UtilitiesMunicipalitiesEnergy MarketHOAI Service Phases

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build a market-focused Energy Infrastructure service line in Germany, including service development, market positioning, and further development of the service portfolio
Develop and lead complex projects for the planning of heating and energy infrastructure for municipalities, municipal utilities, and energy suppliers
Manage and provide technical guidance for the planning and implementation of district heating networks, energy centers, large-scale heat pumps, thermal storage systems, and other heat transition solutions
Support projects from feasibility studies and preliminary planning through detailed design, construction planning, tendering, procurement, and implementation
Build and maintain long-term client relationships with energy suppliers, municipal utilities, municipalities, property developers, and other market stakeholders
Acquire new projects and prepare and present proposals
Work closely with German and international experts in Energy, Cities, MEP, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
Establish structures, processes, and teams to support continued business growth

Requirements

What you’ll need

Successfully completed degree in energy engineering, building services engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, infrastructure planning, or a comparable discipline
Several years of professional experience in the planning and implementation of energy infrastructure projects
In-depth experience in the planning and implementation of heating infrastructure projects, particularly district and local heating networks, energy centers, and heat transition technologies
Digital affinity and, ideally, experience with planning, simulation, or AVA tools for energy and infrastructure projects
Good knowledge of the German planning and permitting environment, as well as the relevant HOAI service phases
Proven success in leading complex projects, developing strategic client relationships, and winning and successfully acquiring new projects
Ideally, an established network among energy suppliers, municipal utilities, municipalities, or other stakeholders in the German energy market
Experience in the technical leadership and development of teams
Entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on attitude, and motivation to actively build and further develop the business, client relationships, and organizational structures
Very good German and good English language skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

The opportunity to play a key role in expanding our Energy Infrastructure business in Germany and shape a strategic growth area of Buro Happold over the long term
Entrepreneurial scope with significant personal influence over business development, structures, processes, and the establishment of your own team
Collaboration with an established international Energy team in a unique, interdisciplinary environment featuring challenging projects and access to leading experts and resources worldwide across Energy, MEP, Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Digital Engineering
Attractive compensation package with a performance-related bonus scheme
Flexible full-time or part-time working models
30 days of annual leave
Language courses for employees
Regular team events
Sports activities
Summer party
Christmas party
Music and cultural events, including concerts, film nights, karaoke, and more
Mental well-being program
Individual benefits program focusing on sports, mobility, and retirement planning
Training and development opportunities with a structured career path
Annual development discussions
Flat hierarchies and short communication channels
Opportunity to contribute new ideas
Opportunity to help shape the company from the start of your career (YEF – Young Employee Forum)
Lunch roulette