Associate Director

We are seeking an experienced Associate Architect , Associate Technologist or Associate Director to join an award-winning AJ100 architectural practice at their Central, Leeds office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within one of the UK''s most respected Education teams, delivering technically complex projects that have a genuine impact on Schools, Colleges and Universities across the country.

Our client has built an outstanding reputation for designing inspiring, sustainable learning environments across Primary, Secondary, SEND, Further Education and Higher Education sectors. Working closely with the Department for Education, academy trusts, local authorities and higher education institutions, they deliver innovative projects from new-build schools and campus developments through to major refurbishments and estate masterplans.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Senior, Associate Architect or equivalent Architectural Technologist with strong technical and construction-stage expertise who enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, developing long-term client relationships and mentoring junior staff. You''ll take ownership of projects through the critical RIBA Stages 4 & 5, ensuring schemes are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest technical standards.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a practice that genuinely invests in its people, offering clear progression into senior leadership alongside the chance to work on some of the UK''s most significant education projects.

Associate Director Overview

• Lead the technical delivery of education projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
• Manage projects from detailed design through construction and handover
• Act as the primary technical contact for clients, consultants and contractors
• Develop coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions in line with Department for Education standards
• Lead client engagement throughout project delivery, building long-term relationships and supporting repeat business
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams using Revit and BIM processes
• Chair design team, technical and site meetings where required
• Manage construction-stage queries, RFIs, technical risks and change control
• Ensure projects comply with Building Regulations, CDM requirements and DfE technical guidance
• Monitor project programmes, quality, budgets and consultant performance throughout delivery
• Mentor junior Architects and Technologists whilst supporting the continued growth of the Leeds studio
• Promote sustainable, innovative and technically robust design solutions across a diverse education portfolio

Associate Director Requirements

• ARB-registered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist (CIAT)
• Minimum 5 years'' post-qualification experience
• Strong experience delivering UK Education projects
• Proven experience delivering projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
• Excellent technical knowledge and construction-stage delivery experience
• Strong understanding of Department for Education (DfE) standards and guidance
• Experience working within education frameworks
• Strong Revit and BIM coordination skills
• Excellent client-facing, leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teams
• Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to project delivery
• Based within a commutable distance of Leeds

Associate Director / Associate Architect Requirements

• Competitive salary: -55,000 - -65,000 DOE (potentially higher for exceptional candidates)
• Hybrid & flexible working
• Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme
• Professional membership support
• Pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Genuine route towards Director level
• Collaborative AJ100 practice with an established education team
• Opportunity to work on nationally recognised education projects
• Additional company benefits to be discussed at interview stage

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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