At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Cambridge office, develop client relationships, and oversee exciting architectural projects.
- Company: Renowned architectural practice with a diverse project portfolio and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, profit share, hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a friendly team environment await you.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious firm and make a real impact in architecture while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in architecture, significant experience, and strong client relationship skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced leader in architecture, to take up a key role in the Cambridge office of a highly respected, world-renowned architectural practice.
The Company
Our client is an established architectural practice with multiple offices across the UK. Their project portfolio is diverse and includes civic buildings, hotels, residential schemes, commercial projects and public projects. They are often trusted with some of the most prestigious projects in the UK and internationally due to their ability to understand the context of a building within its local surroundings. They work on projects across all work-stages and have a large portfolio of high-profile, built projects. In addition to working on exceptional projects, the company has a real focus on staff wellbeing. They have several measures in place such as flexible start/finish times, 2 days working from home per week and many family-friendly policies.
The Role
Your role would involve working closely with the board to assist in the smooth running of the Cambridge office/practice. Your role would involve work winning, as well as being a client-facing Partner in the studio. Work winning is likely to come from the development of relationships with their existing clients, rather than them requiring someone to join with an existing black book of contacts. The practice already has a strong pipeline of work and a highly established client base. The business development aspect of the role would involve building relationships with existing clients, taking a brief from a client and turning it into a job, as well as attending conferences/meet-ups and being the face of the practice meeting new potential clients etc. The Director/Partner role is varied, and we can provide more detail about the role if required but the core part of this role is being a leader and senior figure in the Cambridge office.
Requirements
- A degree in architecture (or similar) and significant experience working in a UK-based architectural practice.
- Experience of working at an Associate Director, Director or Partner level role previously.
- Client facing and able to develop good relationships with both new and existing clients.
- Experience across a range of UK-based projects.
- Any experience leading a team on projects with a challenge e.g. in contextually sensitive areas, listed buildings, elements of conservation or any aspects that make a project challenging would be beneficial.
- Approachable and an excellent people manager.
- Prior experience of running a small-medium sized team or practice.
- Ambitious, intelligent and an all-round friendly person will feel right at home in this practice.
There is an excellent salary on offer in addition to profit share and an extensive list of benefits including hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, medical insurance and much more. Candidates with notice periods up to 3 months will be considered.
To apply, email your CV/portfolio to Ryan - r.gorman@lofthousegroup.com including the job reference 'Cambridge Director - 42012' in the subject of the email.
Director / Partner employer: Lofthouse Group
Join a highly respected architectural practice in Cambridge, where your leadership will shape prestigious projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to thrive in a collaborative environment that values both innovation and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Partner
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and meet people! Attend industry events, conferences, and local meet-ups. Building relationships with potential clients and other professionals can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Your Face
Don’t just hide behind emails. Be the face of your practice by engaging with clients in person. This personal touch can make a huge difference in winning work and establishing trust.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and connect with industry leaders. Share insights about architecture and design trends to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director/Partner role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your ability to manage client relationships.
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 role. Share your passion for architecture and design, and how your vision aligns with our practice's values and goals.
Showcase Your Portfolio:Include a portfolio that not only displays your best work but also demonstrates your ability to handle diverse projects. Make sure to explain your role in each project and how you overcame challenges, especially in contextually sensitive areas.
Follow Application Instructions:When applying, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Email your CV and portfolio to Ryan, including the job reference 'Cambridge Director - 42012' in the subject line. This shows us that you pay attention to detail and can follow through on tasks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lofthouse Group
✨Know Your Projects
Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work, especially in civic buildings and conservation projects. This shows you’re genuinely interested and understand their context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your approach to managing people and fostering a collaborative environment, as this role requires strong leadership and people management skills.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves client-facing responsibilities, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and maintain relationships. Share specific instances where you’ve developed client connections or turned briefs into successful projects.
✨Be Ready for Business Development Talk
Brush up on your business development strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach winning new work and nurturing existing client relationships. This is key for the role, so have a few ideas ready to share!
