About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our dynamic team as an Associate Director (Branded Environments) specialising in Wayfinding, Placemaking, and Visual Identity. The successful candidate will lead and inspire their team with a strong focus on creative and technical leadership, project management, and fostering innovation. This role requires autonomy, minimal supervision, and active support for junior colleagues to ensure high-quality design standards are met, projects are delivered on time and on budget, and business development strategies are successfully executed.
To find out more about our Benoy Branded Environments (formerly known as Holmes Wood) team and their work, please read here.
Responsibilities:
As an Associate Director (Branded Environments), you will:
Project Management:
- Manage the team across projects, ensuring design and technical excellence.
- Plan, coordinate, and manage project processes, maintaining involvement throughout.
- Lead project meetings and client presentations, acting as the primary client contact.
- Create and maintain the master project program, collaborating with the Senior Associate/Director.
Leadership:
- Role model company values and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Provide guidance, training, and timely feedback to junior talent for their development.
- Initiate or participate in studio activities, lead brainstorming sessions, and manage conflicts.
- Demonstrate creative output by actively designing in live projects.
Client Relationships:
- Act as the primary contact for client interaction, maintaining strong client relationships.
- Engage with colleagues to support new business development through various channels.
- Assist in the preparation of fee bids and undertake fee proposals and negotiations.
Budget Control:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of cost control, fee charging, and project finance.
- Liaise with new project clients on contractual setup, invoicing schedule, etc.
- Analyse resource utilization and project data, identifying and overseeing necessary changes.
- Assess short- and long-term resource needs to meet project requirements and pipeline.
What we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you should have:
- Proven experience in design for the built environment, specializing in Wayfinding, Placemaking, and Visual Identity.
- Highly organized with a strong track record in project management and client liaison.
- Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
- Proven leadership skills in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Design obsessive with awareness of industry best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office.
- Design Management/Project Management qualification desirable but not essential.
- Experience managing all stages of the project design process and supporting business operations activity.
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Agile working with the option of three days in the studio and two working from home
- Opportunities to learn and grow within a fast-paced, global company
- A fun, inclusive and collaborative studio environment with an active calendar of social activities