At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex design projects and ensure operational excellence across the EMEA region.
- Company: Join Populous, a leading design firm focused on creating spaces where people gather.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and access to exclusive events at Populous venues.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while shaping the future of design management.
- Qualifications: Experience in project portfolio management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Populous
For more than 40 years, Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.
Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.
This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena.
As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences, our EMEA Practice is looking for a Project Manager based in our Putney studio.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive, commercially aware, and data-driven Project Manager to oversee a regional portfolio of complex design and delivery projects across the EMEA Practice, with a particular focus on the Middle East portfolio. This role sits at the centre of regional project performance and strategic delivery, partnering closely with senior leadership to drive operational excellence, informed decision-making, and successful project outcomes across some of the industry’s most high-profile and technically complex projects within the Middle East region.
The role has a strong emphasis on portfolio governance, financial performance, resource planning, analytics, and leadership reporting, supporting the successful delivery of projects across multiple disciplines, clients, and geographies throughout the ME portfolio. You will lead and support pursuit and project start-up processes, oversee governance and compliance requirements, manage financial and operational performance, and help drive consistency in project delivery standards across the portfolio.
Using platforms such as Power BI and Deltek, you will develop meaningful reporting dashboards, generate actionable insights, and translate complex project data into clear narratives for leadership teams, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities. This is an opportunity to play a key role within a growing EMEA practice, contributing to the successful delivery and governance of globally recognised projects across the Middle East while helping shape the future of project performance and operational excellence within Populous.
Key responsibilities include:
- Portfolio & Project Governance: Manage the pursuit portfolio, tracking opportunities and facilitating smooth project wins through to start. Ensure governance structures are in place, including contracts, billing, compliance, and contractual documentation. Oversee project initiation, governance checkpoints, and project close outs.
- Performance & Financial Oversight: Monitor project performance across programme, schedule and cost. Track labour across all service lines, direct and reimbursable expenses, supply chain costs and sub-consultant spend. Lead invoicing processes and actively monitor aged receivables to support financial health. Maintain and analyse resource plans to support efficient and sustainable project delivery.
- Reporting & Analytics: Use Power BI and Deltek to develop dashboards, track performance and generate actionable insights. Translate data into clear narratives for senior leadership, highlighting risks, trends and opportunities. Deliver regular portfolio performance reports to support strategic decision making.
- Quality & Compliance: Conduct internal audits and support compliance with ISO 9001 and other organisational business standards. Drive continuous improvement in project management practices and quality controls.
- Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with project teams, design leads, consultants, clients, and operational stakeholders. Act as a reliable point of contact for senior leadership on portfolio performance and risks.
Key requirements include:
- Proven experience in project portfolio management within complex, multidisciplinary environments.
- Strong data and insight driven mindset, adept at using analytical platforms such as Power BI and Deltek.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project governance, contracts, billing, financial monitoring, and reporting.
- Experience managing pursuit processes and the transition into project execution.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality standards and audit practices.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to present performance insights to executive leadership.
- Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across functions and regions.
- Analytical and detail oriented.
- Strategic thinker with excellent organisational skills.
- Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills.
- Proactive problem solver focused on delivering results.
You will thrive in this role if you are:
- Commercially aware and analytically minded.
- Confident operating across multiple stakeholders and regions.
- Comfortable communicating with senior leadership teams.
- Passionate about improving project performance and delivery standards.
- Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused.
About the Studio
Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.
Why Join the Team?
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues.
- Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
How to Apply
Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you’re ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click “Apply” to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.
Want to learn more about us?
Find us here: Populous
Project Manager - Design Management Group in London employer: Populous
Populous offers an inspiring work environment in the heart of London, where creativity thrives within a passionate team dedicated to hospitality and concept innovation. Employees benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, access to professional development opportunities, and perks like gym membership discounts, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Design Management Group in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Populous who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Design Management Group in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Populous!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Populous. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Populous.
