MADE Careers
Associate Director / Director | South West Studio Lead
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
If you've ever wanted the opportunity to build and lead a studio, rather than simply join one, this could be the role you've been waiting for.
With a significant pipeline of work already secured across the South West, the practice is looking to appoint an ambitious Associate Director or Director who wants to play a genuine leadership role in building the business, growing a team and developing long-term client relationships across the region.
Bristol is the preferred location, although candidates based across the wider South West, including Bath and Cardiff, will also be considered.
The Role
This is a genuine studio leadership opportunity.
Working closely with the senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of the practice's South West presence, helping establish and grow a thriving regional studio backed by the reputation, resources and support of an established national practice.
With over £1 million of secured work already in the region, you'll have the opportunity to lead projects, develop client relationships, win new work and build a team around you, helping shape both the future of the studio and your own role within the business.
Healthcare and residential experience would be particularly valuable given the current project pipeline, although the practice is open to exceptional candidates from other sectors who can demonstrate strong client relationships, commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Lead the establishment and growth of the South West studio
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships across the region
- Lead the delivery of projects across a range of sectors
- Contribute to business development and work winning activity
- Build, mentor and grow a regional team
- Represent the practice across the South West market
- Work closely with the senior leadership team on the long term growth strategy for the region
- Champion high quality design, collaboration and excellent client service
Requirements
- Associate, Associate Director or Director ready for a significant leadership opportunity
- Strong background within a respected UK architecture practice
- Proven experience leading projects and managing client relationships
- Commercially aware with experience supporting business development and work-winning
- Existing network across the South West would be highly advantageous, although the ambition to build one is equally important
- Healthcare or residential experience would be advantageous, although exceptional candidates from other sectors will also be considered
- Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine desire to help build and grow a business
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits
- Opportunity to establish and lead a new regional studio
- Significant pipeline of secured work across the South West
- Genuine autonomy to shape a team and regional business
- Direct access to senior leadership and influence over the studio's long-term growth
- Clear progression with the opportunity to shape your own career
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
- Hybrid and flexible working
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in establishing a new regional studio, with the freedom to shape its growth from the very beginning.
Backed by a strong pipeline of work and an established national practice, you'll have the opportunity to build a team, develop client relationships and help create a long term presence across the South West.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills