Outstanding opportunity is available for an entrepreneurial Associate Director level Architect to establish and lead our partnered clients new Leeds City Studio.
This is a career defining opportunity to shape a new business with the full backing of a highly respected UK practice who already have established regional studios in Scotland and the South of England. For the right candidate, a clear pathway to ownership / equity is on offer subject to performance and role deliverables being achieved.
Best known for their work across the Education, Leisure, Justice and Residential sectors, an ambitious Associate Director is required to build on the strong roots already established in the region and shape a new studio that leads the way in Education and Leisure, whilst also broadening into our clients other core sectors, Justice and Residential. Joining at a pivotal moment of growth, as Associate Director you’ll have the autonomy to make your mark, with the support of a respected brand and the resources to succeed.
The role – Associate Director / Studio Lead
- Win work and build a client base across the North of England.
- Lead and mentor a growing local team.
- Deliver high-quality, sustainable projects.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the businesses wider studios
Our client is especially interested in candidates with direct experience and relationships in Leeds or the wider M62 corridor or northern region. Whilst a local candidate with an established network is preferred, a proven candidate from elsewhere will be considered if they can demonstrate a clear strategy for building regional connections quickly.
Associate Director profile, what we are looking for
- An Associate/Associate Director-level Architect with proven work-winning ability.
- Strong leadership and project delivery skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and appetite to build and grow a business.
- Ideally, an existing network in Leeds/North of England/M62 Corridor (or a clear plan to develop one).
- Commitment to sustainability and alignment with our clients core values.
Key Performance Indicators - The Associate Director will be expected to demonstrate
- Work-winning - Securing projects across education, sport, leisure, residential, and commercial sectors.
- Financial Performance - Building sustainable turnover and meetings agreed performance targets
- Client Base - Establishing relationships with key regional clients, frameworks, and authorities.
- Team Growth - Recruiting and retaining a skilled Leeds-based team.
- Integration - Embedding the Leeds studio within the companies proud culture.
- Sustainability - Reflecting their Sustainability Charter in practice and delivery.
Salary & Benefits headlines
- £70,000 per annum + discretionary performance bonus
- 9‑day fortnight
- Pension with employer match up to 5%
- Private Healthcare
- Structured CPD and paid professional memberships
- Generous holiday including Christmas closure and Birthday Day Off
- Clear pathway to equity subject to performance
A detailed role presentation brief is available to prospective candidates once initial interest has been declared, our client are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Interested to learn more? Please reach out to James Jackson at Conrad Consulting for an exploratory conversation in the strictest of confidence. Or, please hit apply and provide your updated CV and sample portfolio, suitable applications will be contacted immediately.