Job reference
181678_1769617111
Company Name
Salary
£55000 - £70000 per annum + Company Benefits
Location
Stockport
Industry sector
Building, Construction
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
28/01/2026
Closing date
18/02/2026
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.