Project Manager, EMEA - Architecture Studio

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international design firm in Central London is seeking an experienced Project Architect / Project Manager to manage large-scale projects in the Middle East. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, excellent communication skills, and experience in client-facing roles. This position offers opportunities for career development and the chance to work on prestigious international projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex projects through all RIBA stages.
• Experience in client-facing roles, including managing bids, tenders, and critical design reviews.
• Familiarity with project financials, risk management, and delivery metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large-scale high-profile project in the Middle East.
• Oversee project scope, scheduling, budgets, and delivery milestones.
• Serve as the main client liaison, safeguarding design intent.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified Architect (ARB/RIBA) or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The client is an international design practice seeking an experienced Project Architect / Project Manager to join their team. The position will focus primarily on large-scale international projects in the Middle East.

This role is suitable for architects looking to transition away from day-to-day production and drawing, with a stronger emphasis on communication, organisation, project management, coordination, and leadership. It offers the opportunity and career development to work on complex, high-profile international projects while playing a pivotal role in their successful delivery.

The Project Manager works closely with design and technical leads to oversee projects through all phases, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the design intent. This role involves managing client relationships and acting as the primary point of contact throughout the project lifecycle, balancing design excellence with commercial performance.

You will engage across all business functions, from project finance and resource planning to contract administration and team leadership. Strong communication skills, commercial awareness, and confidence in managing client expectations are critical to success. The studio values collaboration and is keen to bring in individuals who thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Success in this role is measured by client satisfaction, project quality, profitability, and team well-being. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic studio working on prestigious projects that push the boundaries of design on an international scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large-scale high-profile project in the Middle East
• Plan and allocate resources effectively to ensure projects are staffed appropriately
• Oversee project scope, scheduling, budgets, and delivery milestones
• Serve as the main client liaison, safeguarding design intent and managing communications
• Collaborate with leadership on business planning, performance measurement, and team development
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Design, Technical, Finance, HR, and external consultants
• Ensure adherence to sustainable design practices and quality management standards

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Architect (ARB/RIBA) or equivalent
• Proven experience managing complex projects through all RIBA stages
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership abilities
• Experience in client-facing roles, including managing bids, tenders, and critical design reviews
• Track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and consultant coordination
• Familiarity with project financials, risk management, and delivery metrics

Occasional travel may be required, particularly to project sites in the Middle East. The office operates a flexible working week, with adaptable start and finish times. For this role, however, it will be necessary to be present and available for client meetings and to provide guidance to the project team. The office is based in Central London.