At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Oxford office, manage projects, and build client relationships.
- Company: Join a prestigious architectural practice with a diverse project portfolio across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote work options, generous holidays, and medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture focused on staff wellbeing and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in architecture and significant experience in a senior role required.
- Other info: Candidates with long notice periods are welcome to apply.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Director / Partner | Architecture and Design | Oxford
An exciting opportunity for an experienced leader in architecture, to take up a key role in the Oxford office of a highly respected, world-renowned architectural practice.
The Company
Our client are a large established architectural practice with multiple offices across the UK. Their project portfolio is diverse and includes civic buildings, education, hotels, residential schemes, commercial projects and public projects.
They are 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 it\’s local surroundings.
They work on project across all work-stages and have a large portfolio of high-profile, built projects.
In addition to working on exceptional projects, the company have 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 main board and Oxford Leadership to assist in the smooth running of the Oxford office / practice. Your role would involve work winning, being a client facing Partner in the studio as well as project leadership. 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, leading on bids, 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 Oxford Studio.
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.
- Project leadership experience across a range of UK-based projects.
- Approachable and a team player.
- 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 long notice periods will still be considered for this role, as it is a strategic hire. Apply on LinkedIn or email r.gorman@lofthousegroup.com with job reference \’Oxford Director\’ in the subject of the email.
Director / Partner | Architecture and Design | Oxford employer: Lofthouse Group
Contact Detail:
Lofthouse Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Partner | Architecture and Design | Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the architecture community in Oxford. Attend local architecture events, conferences, and meet-ups to connect with potential clients and industry peers. Building these relationships can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about current architectural trends and challenges. Being knowledgeable and vocal about industry topics can position you as a thought leader, making you more attractive to the hiring practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and values of the architectural practice you're applying to. Understanding their portfolio and ethos will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to client relationship management. Since the role involves work winning through existing clients, having a clear strategy on how to nurture and expand these relationships will be crucial during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Partner | Architecture and Design | Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in architecture, particularly any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your project leadership and client-facing skills, as these are crucial for the Director/Partner position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of the company's values and projects. Mention how your experience aligns with their focus on staff wellbeing and client relationships.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects you have led or contributed to, especially those that align with the types of work the company undertakes. Highlight your role in developing client relationships and winning work.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in architecture and design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lofthouse Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director or Partner, your leadership abilities will be under scrutiny. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and projects in the past, highlighting your approach to fostering collaboration and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Management
Since the role involves building relationships with existing clients, be ready to discuss your experience in client management. Share specific instances where you’ve developed strong client relationships and how that has benefited your previous projects.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the architectural practice thoroughly. Understand their project portfolio and values, especially their focus on staff wellbeing and community impact. This knowledge will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Prepare for Work Winning Strategies
The role requires work winning through relationship development. Think about strategies you’ve used in the past to secure new projects and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these strategies in this new role.