Associate Director, Wayfinding and Design

Agency Bell; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned international design firm is seeking an Associate Director to lead their Branded Environments team. The role involves managing diverse global projects, mentoring junior staff, and fostering client relationships. Candidates should have significant experience in design for the built environment, excellent project management skills, and a passion for high-quality design. This hybrid role requires three days on-site in London and offers a competitive salary with benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design for the built environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the team for outstanding design delivery.
• Manage projects ensuring quality, deadlines, and budgets.
• Build strong client relationships.

Skills

Project management

Client liaison

Excellent communication skills

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Education

Project/design management qualifications

Tools

Revit

Signagent

Job description

Title: Associate Director, Wayfinding and Design
Job Type: Perm
Job Hours: Full time
Location: Hybrid (3 days in London studio, Mon and Wed fixed)
Salary range: £50k – £65k d.o.e. plus benefits

The Speed read: Ready to step into a leadership role where your design insight and strategic thinking can truly shape outcomes? A renowned international firm specialising in Wayfinding, Architecture, and Interior Design are looking for an Associate Director to lead and inspire their Branded Environments team. You’ll help steer high-impact projects, guide emerging talent, and play a key role in the evolution of a collaborative, future-focused practice.

The Facts:

As Associate Director, you’ll be the creative and technical powerhouse leading projects from concept to completion. These projects are global and super diverse ranging from mixed use developments, education, cross cultural, hospitality, retail, commercial and residential. You’ll manage your team like a pro, support junior colleagues to reach their potential, and play a key role in business development. Autonomy is yours to own, with minimal oversight - perfect for a self-starter who’s organised, personable, and obsessed with quality design. Expect to split your time between hands-on project work, leadership duties, and helping grow our business.

You’ll Be:

• Leading and inspiring your team to deliver outstanding design and technical excellence
• Managing projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are nailed every time
• Acting as a key client contact, building strong relationships and driving repeat business
• Supporting junior colleagues with coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Pitching in on business development and fee negotiations like a seasoned pro
• Keeping a sharp eye on budgets, resources, and project workflows
• Contributing creatively by actively designing on live projects -because you love what you do!

You’ll Have:

• Proven experience across design for the built environment at various scales and sectors
• A strong knack for project management and client liaison with impeccable organisation skills
• Leadership chops and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• The confidence to work independently and the flexibility to adapt under pressure
• A genuine love and respect for excellent typography and beautiful design systems
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal, plus a knack for presenting ideas clearly
• Solid Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office skills (your digital toolkit)
• Experience using Signagent is a plus
• A good understanding of Revit and overseeing designs within this tool
• Bonus points if you have project/design management qualifications
• A passion for design, industry best practices, and a track record of delivering quality work on time

Please attach CV and Portfolio/Link to website (for design roles)

Note: Applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK.