Workplace Sector Lead | Associate Director / Director

MADE Careers is working with a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice to appoint an Associate Director / Director to help lead its UK Workplace sector from the Birmingham studio. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a key growth sector within an internationally recognised practice.

Working closely with the Studio Lead and wider UK leadership team, you'll play a central role in shaping the future of the Workplace portfolio, driving client relationships, winning new work and building a team around you. Based in Birmingham, you'll have the autonomy to grow both the sector and the regional studio, combining the entrepreneurial feel of a growing office with the backing, reputation and opportunities of a global practice.

The role will suit someone who enjoys developing markets, leading clients and building teams, and who is excited by the opportunity to establish themselves as a recognised leader within the Workplace sector.

The Role

This is a genuine sector leadership opportunity, offering the chance to shape the future of the practice's Workplace portfolio while helping drive the continued growth of the Birmingham studio. The ideal candidate will bring strong workplace experience, whether gained through workplace architecture or workplace fit out projects, alongside a solid understanding of whole building design and delivery.

The practice is looking for a well rounded architectural leader who can confidently advise clients across the full project lifecycle, combining sector expertise with the ability to lead complex architectural projects from concept through to completion. Alongside project leadership, you'll play an active role in developing client relationships, winning new work and building a team around you, helping establish Birmingham as a key hub for the Workplace sector within the wider UK practice.

Responsibilities

• Help lead and grow the Workplace or interior fit out sector from the Birmingham studio
• Lead the design and delivery of workplace and commercial projects
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, consultants and industry partners
• Contribute to business development and strategic work winning activity
• Mentor, recruit and develop a growing team
• Work collaboratively with sector leaders across the wider UK practice
• Champion design quality and project excellence
• Represent the practice across the Birmingham and Midlands professional community

Requirements

• Associate Director, Director or experienced Associate ready to step into a broader leadership role
• Strong experience delivering workplace architecture projects
• Experience leading whole building architectural projects from concept through to completion
• Workplace fit-out or interiors experience would be highly advantageous, but is not essential
• Proven experience leading client relationships and supporting work-winning activity
• Commercially aware with a passion for developing new opportunities
• Well connected within the Birmingham and Midlands market, or motivated to establish a strong regional network
• Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills
• Ambition to help grow both a sector and a regional studio

Benefits

• Join a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice
• Opportunity to lead and develop a key UK sector
• Play a significant role in the continued growth of the Birmingham studio
• Employee owned business with a collaborative culture
• Clear long term progression opportunities within an established global practice
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangement

Why This Role

This role offers the opportunity to take a genuine leadership position within an established global practice, helping shape the future of its Workplace sector while playing a key role in the continued growth of the Birmingham studio. For someone who enjoys combining design leadership, client development and team building, it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact at both a regional and national level.