Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the future of education design?
Can you inspire teams, win work, and deliver standout architecture across complex school projects?
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to head up the education division within a respected architectural consultancy, driving sector growth while influencing the long-term direction of the wider practice. You’ll join an established team with the autonomy to steer strategy, nurture key client relationships, and oversee delivery of new-build and refurbishment school schemes, including SEN environments.
We would also welcome applications from those working in healthcare, public sector estates, commercial development, residential regeneration or civic architecture.
This role would suit candidates working as Architectural Director, Associate Director, Senior Architect, Education Sector Lead, Design Director, Studio Lead, Project Director, Technical Director, Associate Architect or Framework Lead.
Your duties and responsibilities will be:
• Leading the education design offer, coordinating internal teams and external consultants across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Overseeing resource planning, programme management and workflow efficiency within the education group.
• Acting as the primary contact for clients and stakeholders, nurturing long-term partnerships and ensuring projects align with their priorities.
• Supporting business development activities, preparing persuasive bid submissions and contributing to sector growth.
• Guiding project delivery processes, including procurement strategy and professional services oversight within a design-and-build context.
You will have the following qualifications and experience:
• At least a decade of post-qualification experience, ideally including significant involvement in school design programmes.
• Strong understanding of DfE-led frameworks, with SEN project exposure advantageous but not essential.
• Comprehensive experience across all RIBA stages, with confident contract administration, fee development and responsibility matrix preparation.
• Excellent design capability, with knowledge of sustainable approaches, BIM workflows, statutory requirements and modern construction technologies.
• Clear, engaging communication skills, including presentations, report writing and facilitating community or stakeholder consultations; InDesign proficiency would be beneficial.
Get in touch now
If you're seeking a new opportunity and think you have the skills and experience we are looking for, then apply now or contact.
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business