Associate Architect

Bennett & Game Recruitment LTD; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an experienced Associate Architect or Director to lead delivery across Healthcare, Education, Defence, Heritage and Commercial schemes.

The role blends project leadership with business development, client relations and a pathway toward equity partnership. The role involves overseeing a varied portfolio, from £1m-£2m schemes up to £10m, providing strategic direction and senior input on delivery, coordination and problem solving.

Qualifications

• Qualified Architect with substantial post-Part 3 experience and a strong track record of architectural project delivery.
• Proven experience operating at Associate, Director or equivalent senior leadership level, with readiness for partnership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a varied portfolio across Healthcare, Education, Defence, Heritage and Commercial projects.
• Provide strategic direction, technical oversight and coordination across project teams.
• Develop client relationships and identify opportunities to grow the practice.
• Mentor and develop Architects and Architectural Assistants; support staff progression toward leadership roles.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Strategic direction

Team management

Education

Part 3 Qualified Architect

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Our client is an established, award-winning architectural practice with a strong reputation across Healthcare, Education, Defence, Heritage and Commercial architecture. Following the successful acquisition of several major projects and frameworks, they are looking to strengthen their established team with an experienced architectural leader who can play a key role in the continued growth and development of the practice.

With a significant pipeline of secured work, including major Healthcare and Commercial frameworks, this is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Associate or Director to progress towards equity partnership within a well-established practice. The successful individual will have the opportunity to take on a strategic position, combining project leadership with business development, client relationship management and the development of new opportunities.

The role will involve overseeing a varied portfolio of projects, from Healthcare and Education schemes through to Defence, Commercial refurbishments, new-builds and listed or heritage buildings. Project values typically range from £1m-£2m, with larger schemes extending up to £10m.

You will take a leading role in the delivery of projects, maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and contractors while providing strategic direction and technical oversight to project teams. All projects are Partner-led, with the successful individual taking responsibility for multiple schemes and providing senior-level input on project delivery, coordination, technical matters and problem solving.

The role will combine hands-on project leadership with the wider responsibilities of running and growing an architectural practice. You will oversee project teams, provide technical guidance and support the development of Architects and Architectural Assistants, while maintaining responsibility for project performance, client relationships and the successful delivery of schemes.

Alongside project delivery, you will be instrumental in developing existing client relationships, identifying new business opportunities and strengthening the practice's position across its key sectors. The practice places particular importance on experience with Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) responsibilities. Experience in these areas would be highly advantageous, particularly for candidates with a background in Healthcare, Commercial or Education projects.

The position would suit an established Associate Architect or Director looking to take the next step in their career, or an experienced Architect with a strong track record of leadership, commercial awareness and business development. There is a genuine opportunity to progress towards equity partnership within a few years, depending on the individual's experience, contribution and ambitions.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £65,000-£70,000, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working - typically 3 days in the office / 2 days remote
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Private healthcare.
• Professional memberships paid for.
• Cycle to work and other employee benefits.
• Regular networking and industry events.
• Office trips and team activities.
• Opportunity to lead and influence a growing portfolio of high-quality architectural projects.
• Genuine opportunity to progress towards equity partnership within a few years.
• Equity ownership and profit share upon appointment as an equity Partner.
• Company-funded car upon appointment as an equity Partner.

The opportunity to influence business development, client relationships and the future direction of an established, award-winning practice.

Associate Architect Requirements

• Qualified Architect with substantial post-Part 3 experience and a strong track record of architectural project delivery.
• Proven experience operating at Associate, Director or equivalent senior leadership level, or demonstrable readiness to step into an Associate position with a clear pathway towards partnership.
• Strong experience leading projects from concept through to completion, with excellent technical and design capability.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, lead project teams and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience providing senior technical oversight, coordinating project teams and supporting the development of less experienced Architects and Architectural Assistants.
• Demonstrable business development experience, including identifying opportunities, developing client relationships and contributing to the successful acquisition of new work.
• Experience working within frameworks and managing relationships with key clients would be highly advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to contribute to financial performance, resource planning and the wider strategic direction of the practice.
• Experience working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), with a strong understanding of the associated technical, regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Experience undertaking Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) responsibilities, or a strong understanding of the relevant legislation and requirements.
• Good knowledge in either Revit or AutoCAD.
• Strong communication, negotiation and leadership skills, with the ability to represent the practice confidently at client meetings and industry events.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach, with the ambition to help drive the continued growth and success of the business.

If you're an experienced architectural leader looking for a role that combines project delivery, strategic influence and business development, this is an excellent opportunity to join an established Oxford practice with a strong pipeline of secured work and a genuine pathway towards equity partnership.