AFL Build is seeking an experienced construction professional to lead its team in London.
AFL Build is a London-based contractor offering an architect-led design and build service, working across a range of private residential and commercial projects. In collaboration with Architecture for London, an award-winning architecture practice, we deliver beautifully crafted, high-quality buildings that meet the exacting requirements of our clients.
We are seeking an experienced construction professional with a passion for delivering high-quality, design-led residential projects in London. We welcome applications from experienced architects, project managers and candidates from similar related disciplines.
The Head of AFL Build will lead the studio team of five people, ensuring the successful delivery of projects alongside the development and wellbeing of team members. This is a senior leadership position combining strategic project oversight, operational responsibility, and people management. We are looking for someone with strong technical capability, a proven track record in UK private residential construction, and the ability to positively influence team performance and studio culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Delivery:
* Oversee the successful delivery of design-led projects, ensuring quality, coordination, and compliance with budgets and timelines, while providing guidance and escalation support to team members.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders including subcontractors, site teams, and specialist suppliers, ensuring clear communication and effective resolution of project-related issues.
* Ensure robust project governance, including accurate site records and adherence to health and safety requirements.
* Negotiate fees with clients and consultants and oversee financial control of projects, including budgets, costs, and correct application of VAT and CIS, working closely with the Finance Manager and accountant.
People Management:
* Lead, manage, and support the team to maximise performance, engagement, and professional development, including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing coaching and mentoring.
* Oversee all people management and HR processes, including performance reviews, wellbeing, absence and leave management, in line with company policy.
* Allocate and manage team workloads to ensure efficient resource utilisation, monitoring capacity and escalate resourcing issues as necessary.
Business Development:
* Contribute to business development activity by managing client outreach, and representing the company in new business meetings.
* Prepare and review fee proposals and project costings in collaboration with the Project Manager and Cost Consultant, ensuring accuracy, commercial viability, and alignment with company standards.
Studio alignment and culture:
* Act as the key link between the Director and the team, ensuring clear communication of studio priorities and strategic direction.
* Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment, championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Construction or project management professional (preferably professionally registered), or ARB-registered architect, with 5+ years’ post-Part III experience with design-led projects.
* Proven delivery of multiple projects through RIBA Stages 5–7
* Strong leadership experience, including managing, mentoring, and developing teams
* Commercially aware with experience in fee proposals, budgets, resource allocation, and project profitability
* Strong client-facing experience, including relationship management and contributing to business development
* Solid understanding of UK planning, building regulations, and construction delivery (including H&S and sustainability principles)
* Confident communicator and decision-maker with a collaborative, proactive leadership approach
STUDIO CULTURE, BENEFITS AND WELLBEING
AFL Build offers a friendly and collaborative working environment where team members are encouraged and supported to develop and progress.
We provide a range of benefits and activities to support professional growth, health, and wellbeing, including:
* Nest Ethical Fund pension scheme option
* Training and professional development opportunities
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
* Enhanced company sick pay
* CPDs and internal talks
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential counselling, support, and advice
* Fresh fruit provided daily
* Monthly vegetarian team lunch cooked by team members
* Cycling expeditions, lunchtime badminton or table tennis, and summer sports evenings
* Calm, creative, and light-filled studio space with a model workshop
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The salary for this role will be within the range of £65,000 - £80,000, commensurate with experience. The position is full-time and based at our Farringdon studio and sites across London. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
AFL Build is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from groups underrepresented in the built environment.
If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter, CV and portfolio if applicable (PDF only, maximum 25 pages). By applying for this role, you consent to AFL Build processing your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with our privacy policy (https://architectureforlondon.com/news/public-privacy-notice-cookie-policy/).
https://architectureforlondon.com/build/