At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and business development in a dynamic architectural practice.
- Company: Established architectural firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shareholding opportunities, private healthcare, and professional development support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement with a future MD role.
- Why this job: Join a leadership role that shapes the future of architecture and drives impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Proven business development experience and strong leadership skills in the built environment sector.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 € per year.
An established and growing architectural practice is seeking an experienced Director with strong business development expertise to support the next phase of strategic growth. This is a senior leadership position combining business development, operational oversight, strategic planning, and project leadership. Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and supporting high-quality project delivery across the practice.
The role would suit a commercially focused architectural leader with proven experience winning work, leading teams, and delivering complex projects within the built environment sector specifically; Further Education, Healthcare, Life Science OR Defence.
Key Responsibilities- Identify and secure new business opportunities
- Develop and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders
- Support the delivery of company growth strategies and market expansion initiatives
- Lead and oversee tender submissions, bids, and fee proposals
- Contribute to year-on-year revenue growth targets
- Provide strategic leadership across project and technical teams
- Support studio structure, resourcing, and operational performance
- Oversee project delivery, programme management, and profitability
- Monitor financial performance including fees, invoicing, and debt recovery
- Promote collaboration, continual improvement, and staff wellbeing
- Ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, and the Building Safety Act
- Oversee quality assurance and technical delivery across all RIBA stages
- Support best practice in health & safety, governance, and professional standards
- Mentor and develop staff across the business
- Help build a strong talent pipeline and positive company culture
- Encourage professional development and knowledge sharing
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven track record of generating and securing new business
- Significant leadership experience within an architectural or built environment practice
- Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects
- Strong understanding of UK construction regulations, procurement routes, and contracts
- Ability to influence strategic decision-making and drive performance
- Professional, collaborative, and commercially minded approach (ARB / RIBA membership)
- Experience in one or more: Defence, Further Education, Life Science or Healthcare
- Existing client network within London and the surrounding areas
- Experience leading bids for major projects/frameworks
- Competitive salary: £100,000 - £140,000
- Future MD role for the company
- Shareholding opportunity
- Private healthcare
- Professional membership subscriptions paid
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: Mario Fionda at James Gray Recruitment.
Senior Planning Director in London employer: James Gray Recruitment
Join a dynamic architectural practice in London that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary alongside bonuses and shareholding opportunities. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, this role not only allows you to lead strategic initiatives but also positions you for future leadership within the company, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful impact in the built environment sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your field. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and recent news. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Planning Director. Highlight your business development successes and leadership skills to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in business development and leadership within the architectural sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this Senior Planning Director role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and led teams in previous positions.
Showcase Your Network:If you have an existing client network in London, make sure to mention it! We value connections that can help us grow, so let us know how your relationships can benefit our practice.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Gray Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the architectural landscape, especially in sectors like Defence, Healthcare, and Life Science. Brush up on recent projects you've led and be ready to discuss how you secured new business opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you’ve successfully led multidisciplinary teams or managed complex projects. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can drive performance and foster collaboration.
✨Understand the Financials
Since this role involves monitoring financial performance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of fees, invoicing, and debt recovery. Bring examples of how you’ve contributed to revenue growth in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Practice your communication skills and think about how you can build relationships with clients and stakeholders. Be ready to share strategies you’ve used to maintain these relationships and how they’ve benefited your previous employers.
