Director for Life Sciences

Architecture

Apr 8

architecture practice, London
SALARY: £90,000 - £110,000 per year

JOB SUMMARY:

A well-established, multidisciplinary architecture and design studio is seeking to appoint a Director of Life Sciences or Science & Technology to lead and grow this sector within their London-based practice.

The studio currently comprises over 100 architects and designers and is headquartered in Central London, with multiple offices across the UK and Europe. They are known for their diverse portfolio, which spans masterplanning, residential, commercial workplace, and hospitality projects.

This newly created role will be responsible for building and leading a Science & Technology sector within the studio. You will be tasked with developing the sector’s strategy, cultivating client relationships, and acquiring new projects. In addition, you will build and lead a dedicated team within the practice, acting as a visible figurehead for the sector and representing the studio externally in business development and industry engagement. The role also includes full P&L responsibility for the sector, with direct reporting to the board.

This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious Associate Director or Director with a strong network in the Life Sciences / S&T space, who is looking to break through the glass ceiling and gain greater autonomy in how they work. It’s a rare chance to shape and lead a new division within a respected, design-led studio and carve your name into the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Shape and lead a new team within an established, employee-owned studio
Build a clear sector offering and narrative, and confidently take it to market
Inspire design thinking that is both creative and strategic
Own your own P&L, driving business development and profitability
Collaborate with the wider leadership and marketing teams to ensure alignment across communications and strategy
Contribute to marketing content, social media, newsletters, and branding material
Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, with a focus on professional growth, delegation, and collaboration
Experience & Skills:
A minimum of 15+ years’ experience in life scinese, or scheins and tecchialogy
Ideally already at Director level, or a strong Associate Director ready to step up
Proven track record of winning work and maintaining a strong client network
Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities and commercial awareness, including figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated
Experience managing a P&L and contributing to broader business planning
Confident in pitching and presenting to clients and stakeholders at all levels
Excellent communication and reporting skills
Strategic and innovative mindset with the ability to contribute to overall design direction and delivery
Additional:
4 days in the office, 1 day remote
Strong design culture and benefits package