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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Life Sciences sector, developing strategy and client relationships.
- Company: Join a multidisciplinary architecture studio known for its diverse and innovative projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with 4 days in the office and 1 day remote.
- Why this job: Shape a new division in a respected studio and make a significant industry impact.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in life sciences or technology, ideally at Director level or strong Associate Director.
- Other info: Be part of a strong design culture with a comprehensive benefits package.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A well-established, multidisciplinary architecture and design studio is seeking to appoint a Director of Life Sciences or Science & Technology to lead and grow this sector within their London-based practice. The studio currently comprises over 100 architects and designers and is headquartered in Central London, with multiple offices across the UK and Europe. They are known for their diverse portfolio, which spans masterplanning, residential, commercial workplace, and hospitality projects.
This newly created role will be responsible for building and leading a Science & Technology sector within the studio. You will be tasked with developing the sector’s strategy, cultivating client relationships, and acquiring new projects. In addition, you will build and lead a dedicated team within the practice, acting as a visible figurehead for the sector and representing the studio externally in business development and industry engagement. The role also includes full P&L responsibility for the sector, with direct reporting to the board.
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious Associate Director or Director with a strong network in the Life Sciences / S&T space, who is looking to break through the glass ceiling and gain greater autonomy in how they work. It’s a rare chance to shape and lead a new division within a respected, design-led studio and carve your name into the industry.
Key Responsibilities- Shape and lead a new team within an established, employee-owned studio
- Build a clear sector offering and narrative, and confidently take it to market
- Inspire design thinking that is both creative and strategic
- Own your own P&L, driving business development and profitability
- Collaborate with the wider leadership and marketing teams to ensure alignment across communications and strategy
- Contribute to marketing content, social media, newsletters, and branding material
- Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, with a focus on professional growth, delegation, and collaboration
- A minimum of 15+ years’ experience in life sciences, or science and technology
- Ideally already at Director level, or a strong Associate Director ready to step up
- Proven track record of winning work and maintaining a strong client network
- Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities and commercial awareness, including figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated
- Experience managing a P&L and contributing to broader business planning
- Confident in pitching and presenting to clients and stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
- Strategic and innovative mindset with the ability to contribute to overall design direction and delivery
- 4 days in the office, 1 day remote
- Strong design culture and benefits package
Director for Life Sciences - architecture practice employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director for Life Sciences - architecture practice
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the Life Sciences and Science & Technology sectors. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet potential clients and collaborators. Building relationships in these circles can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about innovative design thinking and strategic planning. Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn or industry forums to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the studio's existing projects and their approach to design. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your conversations and proposals to align with their vision, demonstrating your commitment and understanding of their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your P&L management experience in detail. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven profitability and business development in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the responsibilities of the Director position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director for Life Sciences - architecture practice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in life sciences and technology. Focus on relevant projects you've led, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to manage a P&L and develop client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the sector. Discuss your vision for leading the Science & Technology division and how your background aligns with the studio's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully built and led teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring approach and how you inspire design thinking within your team.
Demonstrate Business Acumen: Include specific figures related to your previous roles, such as project values and revenue generated. This will showcase your commercial awareness and ability to drive profitability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director of Life Sciences, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, developed strategies, and driven business growth in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the Life Sciences and Science & Technology sectors. Be ready to discuss how these insights can inform your approach to building and leading the new team within the studio.
✨Prepare for P&L Discussions
Since this role involves full P&L responsibility, be prepared to discuss your experience managing budgets and driving profitability. Bring concrete examples of how you've contributed to financial success in past projects.
✨Engage with Business Development Strategies
Think about how you would approach client relationships and project acquisition. Be ready to share your ideas on cultivating a strong client network and how you plan to take the sector's offering to market effectively.
