Our client has built an outstanding reputation for designing inspiring, sustainable learning environments across Primary, Secondary, SEND, Further Education and Higher Education sectors. Working closely with the Department for Education, academy trusts, local authorities and higher education institutions, they deliver innovative projects from new-build schools and campus developments through to major refurbishments and estate masterplans.
This role is ideally suited to an experienced Senior, Associate Architect or equivalent Architectural Technologist with strong technical and construction-stage expertise who enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, developing long-term client relationships and mentoring junior staff. You'll take ownership of projects through the critical RIBA Stages 4 & 5, ensuring schemes are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest technical standards.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a practice that genuinely invests in its people, offering clear progression into senior leadership alongside the chance to work on some of the UK's most significant education projects.
Associate Director Overview
Lead the technical delivery of education projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
Manage projects from detailed design through construction and handover
Act as the primary technical contact for clients, consultants and contractors
Develop coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions in line with Department for Education standards
Lead client engagement throughout project delivery, building long-term relationships and supporting repeat business
Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams using Revit and BIM processes
Chair design team, technical and site meetings where required
Manage construction-stage queries, RFIs, technical risks and change control
Ensure projects comply with Building Regulations, CDM requirements and DfE technical guidance
Monitor project programmes, quality, budgets and consultant performance throughout delivery
Mentor junior Architects and Technologists whilst supporting the continued growth of the Leeds studio
Promote sustainable, innovative and technically robust design solutions across a diverse education portfolio
Associate Director Requirements
ARB-registered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist (CIAT)
Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience
Strong experience delivering UK Education projects
Proven experience delivering projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
Excellent technical knowledge and construction-stage delivery experience
Strong understanding of Department for Education (DfE) standards and guidance
Experience working within education frameworks
Strong Revit and BIM coordination skills
Excellent client-facing, leadership and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teams
Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to project delivery
Based within a commutable distance of Leeds
Associate Director / Associate Architect Requirements
Competitive salary: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE (potentially higher for exceptional candidates)
Hybrid & flexible working
Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme
Professional membership support
Pension scheme
Generous annual leave entitlement
Genuine route towards Director level
Collaborative AJ100 practice with an established education team
Opportunity to work on nationally recognised education projects
Additional company benefits to be discussed at interview stageBennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
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Salary description
£50000.00 - £60000.00 per year