Architect - A Unique Pathway to Design Management

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural firm in London is seeking a Design Manager to transition from hands-on design into a strategic management role. This position involves managing prestigious projects valued from £50-£200 million, collaborating with renowned teams, ensuring quality and adherence to timelines, and mentoring junior members. The role offers career growth, mentorship, and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Career Growth Opportunities

Mentorship and Professional Development

Flexible Working Arrangements

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of professional experience in architecture or design management.
• Experience on complex projects from RIBA stages 1-5.
• Proven ability in project planning and managing detailed design programmes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage design activities and deliverables.
• Liaise with commercial teams on cost and contract administration.
• Facilitate design meetings and chair high-profile sessions with clients.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Are you an ambitious Architect ready to pivot your career from hands-on design into strategic design management?

Grõ Careers has an exclusive opportunity for experienced architectural professionals seeking a transformative step into design management with a leading, multi-award-winning employer based in central London.

Step into Strategic Leadership

This newly created Design Manager role offers a unique chance to transition from architecture into a leadership and coordination role. From the outset, you’ll play a crucial part in managing and driving the design and construction processes on prestigious UK and international projects, valued at over £50-£200 million.

As a Design Manager, you'll collaborate closely with project directors, renowned architectural teams, and multi-disciplinary consultants. Your role is to ensure design quality, programme adherence, and smooth project progression from inception to completion.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage design activities, tracking deliverables, project milestones, and programme schedules.
• Liaise closely with commercial teams on cost and contract administration.
• Lead the change management process, clearly communicating project scope adjustments with stakeholders and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Facilitate design meetings and workshops, chairing high-profile sessions with clients and consultant teams.
• Oversee the quality assurance process, reviewing consultant outputs, addressing client feedback, and ensuring timely and accurate project reporting.
• Mentor junior team members, providing leadership and sharing insights from your experience.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Approximately 3-7 years of professional UK-based experience in architecture or design management on large-scale projects.
• Proven experience on complex projects from RIBA stages 1-5, including substantial experience coordinating with sub-consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Strong organisational skills, demonstrated through project planning, or creating and managing detailed design programmes and schedules.
• An understanding of contract administration, preferably with experience in JCT, complex engineering, or similar frameworks.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Excel, etc.) is highly desirable, with an ability to quickly adapt to bespoke design management processes.

Why This Role is Exceptional:

• Career Growth: A clear pathway to leadership roles within the company, offering strategic and commercial growth beyond traditional architectural positions.
• Mentorship and Training: Benefit from structured mentoring and professional development, easing your transition into a strategic, management-focused role with an industry-leading design management team.
• High-Profile Projects: Gain immediate involvement in flagship UK and international projects, positioning yourself at the heart of landmark architectural schemes.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a balanced approach with three days in the vibrant central London office and the flexibility to work remotely.

If you're ready to leverage your architectural experience and step into a dynamic role that blends strategic thinking with exceptional design management, we encourage you to apply.

Take the Next Step

Submit your CV today to Reece at Grõ Careers and embark on a rewarding career journey that places you at the forefront of groundbreaking architecture and strategic design management.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest and understanding.