Director (Education team)

  • Penguin Recruitment
  • Stockport, Cheshire
  • 29/01/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Job Title: Architectural Education Director

Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester

About the company:

An award-winning RIBA chartered architectural practice in Greater Manchester is seeking a passionate Education Director to lead and develop its Education Team. Operating from a beautiful Grade II listed building, the practice delivers a wide range of projects across multiple sectors and offers a collaborative, supportive environment for career growth.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary with employer pension contribution, life assurance, and private healthcare
  • Potential future equity share in the business
  • Flexible 4.5-day week, including early finish on Fridays
  • Supportive, friendly culture with strong staff retention
  • Opportunity to influence the education team and wider business at board level
  • Focus on work/life balance and collaborative team working

Ideal Candidate:

  • Substantial post-qualification experience
  • Experience in the Education sector; DfE PSBP and SEN experience preferred
  • Strong leadership, self-motivated, ambitious, and able to manage multiple teams
  • Proven client/stakeholder management and work-winning capability
  • Knowledge of UK procurement, contracts, and professional services
  • Hands-on experience across all RIBA stages: new build, refurbishments, extensions
  • Strong design skills, sustainable design knowledge, and effective communication
  • Experience in community/stakeholder engagement; leading PSBP Client Engagement Meetings a plus
  • Management-level BIM knowledge; understanding of UK legislation and construction technologies
  • InDesign knowledge advantageous

Key Responsibilities/Daily Duties:

  • Lead and develop the Education Team, shaping its future direction
  • Deliver new build and refurbishment projects, including SEN, liaising with Tier 1 and regional contractors
  • Maintain team resources, project programming, and efficiencies
  • Manage client relationships and key stakeholders throughout projects
  • Oversee design, contract administration, and project fees
  • Mentor and support team members in a collaborative environment
  • Contribute to business growth and strategy at board level

This role offers a unique opportunity to join an award-winning, design-led practice with autonomy to shape the Education Team and broader business while delivering high-quality projects.

To apply, please contact KAZ on (phone number removed) OR alternatively, send your updated CV and Portfolio across to (url removed) I hope to hear from you soon!