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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and planning of innovative spaces for an inspiring academic environment.
- Company: Dynamic higher education institution in South West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape future learning spaces.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student and staff experiences through strategic space design.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in space planning and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team focused on sustainability and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Director of Space & Design to lead the planning, design, and stewardship of our physical estate in support of academic excellence, research ambition, and an outstanding student and staff experience. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping how space is conceived, designed, and used across a complex and evolving higher education campus. You will ensure that our learning, research, and social environments are functional, sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with institutional strategy. Working closely with academic leaders, estates colleagues, and external partners, you will bring together long-term space planning, high-quality design, and evidence-based decision-making to support the future of the institution.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic planning and design of academic, research, and non-academic space across the estate.
- Develop and deliver a long-term space strategy aligned with institutional priorities, growth plans, and pedagogic innovation.
- Provide leadership on design quality, ensuring all projects reflect best practice in functionality, inclusivity, sustainability, and placemaking.
- Oversee space utilisation analysis, standards, and governance to ensure efficient and effective use of the estate.
- Act as a senior advisor to executive leadership on space, design, and campus development matters.
- Collaborate with academic faculties, professional services, and student stakeholders to understand evolving space needs.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team covering space planning, design management, and analytics.
- Champion sustainability, accessibility, and wellbeing within all aspects of space and design.
- Oversee engagement with architects, designers, consultants, and external partners to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Significant senior-level experience in space planning, design, or estates strategy within multiple buildings with multiple uses.
- Strong understanding of the higher education or similarly complex institutional environment.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver estate or space strategies.
- Experience leading and inspiring professional teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Desirable:
- Background in architecture, urban design, space planning, or estates management.
- Experience of campus masterplanning or large-scale capital programmes.
- Knowledge of space utilisation analytics and learning space design.
- Commitment to sustainability and inclusive design principles.
Director of Space & Design in City of London employer: AJ Group Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
AJ Group Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Space & Design in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Space & Design role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects in space planning and design. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate how you've successfully led similar initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to institutions you admire and express your interest in contributing to their space and design strategies. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a dedicated section for roles like the Director of Space & Design. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Space & Design in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in space planning and design. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for academic excellence and sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your background in higher education or similar environments. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of campus development and can navigate them effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group Services Ltd
✨Know Your Space
Familiarise yourself with the institution's current space and design strategies. Understand their approach to sustainability, inclusivity, and functionality. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight specific examples where you've inspired and led teams to achieve successful outcomes in space planning or design projects. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a senior role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, from academic leaders to students. Be ready to share strategies for understanding their evolving needs and how you would incorporate their feedback into your space planning initiatives.
✨Bring Evidence-Based Insights
Prepare to discuss how you use data and analytics in decision-making. Share examples of how you've applied space utilisation analysis in past roles to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will show your commitment to evidence-based strategies in shaping the campus environment.
