Project Director

Architecture Social; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A top UK design practice is seeking a Senior Associate / Project Director to lead high-profile aviation projects in the Middle East. Located in Central London, this role offers a hybrid working model with a competitive salary of £60,000 to £70,000. Ideal candidates should have 10 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in Revit. This position emphasizes design excellence, strategic input, and professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Eyecare vouchers

20 days annual leave

CPD sessions

Cycle-to-work scheme

Discretionary profit-sharing

Qualifications

• 10 years post-qualification experience with leadership and client-facing roles.
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale aviation projects.
• Strong design, technical, and project management expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams from concept to completion.
• Oversee project programmes, budgets, and deliverables.
• Guide internal design reviews and ensure project quality.

Skills

Project / Program Management

Cold Calling

Construction Estimating

Construction Experience

Restoration

Restoration Industry Experience

Project Management

Microsoft Project

Team Management

Auto Estimating

Financial Management

Contracts

Tools

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Job description

Senior Associate / Project Director Lead Aviation Projects in the Middle East for a Top UK Design Practice

Central London Hybrid Working (2 days in-office) Salary :

A prestigious UK architecture practice renowned for its innovative and sustainable design solutions across sectors including aviation, education, rail, hospitality, healthcare, leisure and retail is seeking a Senior Associate / Project Director to join its London studio. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and shape high‑profile aviation projects across the Middle East within a forward‑thinking collaborative environment that values both creativity and technical excellence.

Role Overview

This full‑time permanent position offers a senior leadership role encompassing design direction, project leadership and client relationship management. Based in a vibrant Central London studio the position operates under a flexible hybrid working policy requiring a minimum of two office days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead the development of creative, technically sound design solutions that meet ambitious client briefs and international aviation standards.
• Oversee the integration of structural, MEP and specialist design elements into cohesive deliverable project strategies.
• Guide internal design reviews and ensure the delivery of high‑quality presentation and project materials.
• Stay at the forefront of design innovation, international codes and emerging trends within aviation architecture.

Project Direction

• Lead project teams across all RIBA Plan of Work stages (07) from concept to completion ensuring alignment with project goals and regional requirements.
• Oversee the management of project programmes, budgets, resources and deliverables including drawings, schedules and technical documentation.
• Represent the practice in key meetings, stakeholder engagements and presentations, particularly with clients and consultants in the Middle East.

Technical & Strategic Input

• Provide senior oversight on documentation, risk mitigation and compliance with international and regional regulations.
• Champion BIM / CAD protocols and ensure best practices are maintained across project teams.
• Support strategic growth within the aviation sector and contribute to broader business development goals.

Professional Leadership

• Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level team members.
• Actively engage in CPD and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Play a central role in the practice's leadership strategy and quality assurance processes.

Requirements

• Proven track record delivering large‑scale aviation projects ideally in the Middle East region.
• 10 years post‑qualification experience including team leadership and client‑facing roles.
• Strong design, technical and project management expertise with an impressive portfolio of relevant work.
• Proficiency in Revit and other industry‑standard software (SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign).
• Excellent leadership, communication and coordination skills.
• Deep understanding of international building codes and aviation‑related design standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of experience and seniority.
• Comprehensive package including private medical insurance, eyecare vouchers, 10 paid sick days annually and a 5‑% employer pension contribution within 90 days of joining.
• Flexible hybrid working (minimum 2 office days/week) and up to 10 remote working days per year.
• Generous leave : 20 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and additional days between Christmas and New Year.
• Leadership and growth opportunities within a highly respected studio working on landmark international projects.
• CPD sessions, Revit training, LinkedIn Learning and senior professional development support.
• Wellness and lifestyle perks: cycle‑to‑work scheme, fresh fruit in the office, group life insurance and discretionary profit‑sharing.
• A supportive inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.

Required Experience : Director

Key Skills

• Project / Program Management
• Cold Calling
• Construction Estimating
• Construction Experience
• Restoration
• Restoration Industry Experience
• Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Team Management
• Auto Estimating
• Financial Management
• Contracts

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 60000 - 70000