Associate Director

We are seeking an experienced Associate Architect , Associate Technologist or Associate Director to join an award-winning AJ100 architectural practice at their Central, Leeds office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within one of the UK's most respected Education teams, delivering technically complex projects that have a genuine impact on Schools, Colleges and Universities across the country. 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 & 5Manage projects from detailed design through construction and handoverAct as the primary technical contact for clients, consultants and contractorsDevelop coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions in line with Department for Education standardsLead client engagement throughout project delivery, building long-term relationships and supporting repeat businessCoordinate multidisciplinary design teams using Revit and BIM processesChair design team, technical and site meetings where requiredManage construction-stage queries, RFIs, technical risks and change controlEnsure projects comply with Building Regulations, CDM requirements and DfE technical guidanceMonitor project programmes, quality, budgets and consultant performance throughout deliveryMentor junior Architects and Technologists whilst supporting the continued growth of the Leeds studioPromote 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 experienceStrong experience delivering UK Education projectsProven experience delivering projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5Excellent technical knowledge and construction-stage delivery experienceStrong understanding of Department for Education (DfE) standards and guidanceExperience working within education frameworksStrong Revit and BIM coordination skillsExcellent client-facing, leadership and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teamsCommercial awareness with a proactive approach to project deliveryBased 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 workingContinued Professional Development (CPD) programmeProfessional membership supportPension schemeGenerous annual leave entitlementGenuine route towards Director levelCollaborative AJ100 practice with an established education teamOpportunity to work on nationally recognised education projectsAdditional 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. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.