Dezeen Jobs

Be First is hiring an associate director (design lead) to join its team in London.

Perks:

• competitive salary
• 30 days annual leave
• hybrid working and flexible working arrangements
• continuous learning and development opportunities with regular cross departmental working

At Be First, we are committed to being a diverse organisation that is truly representative. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the property sector (e.g. gender, racialised; disabled; LGBTQIA+, under-served communities).

Job description

We are looking for an associate director (design lead) to support our growing consultancy team.

The individual will:

• lead all design team work areas, including design management and technical assurance, site feasibility studies, masterplans and design commentary on planning applications
• ensure quality and sustainability ambitions through public/private partnership delivery
• lead on design coordination, using technical expertise to support, guide and advise colleagues and external stakeholders
• lead on design management processes and align technical reviews to project programmes and internal QA measures
• reducing financial risk during all design stages, including ensuring design changes are captured and assist in project costing and value management
• undertake regular business development activities and collaborate on pitches for new business, ultimately winning new and/ or repeat work
• manage and report on design team finance and resourcing to meet financial targets
• collaborate with Be First teams, public and private partners, external stakeholders, consultants, politicians and contractors to take decisions, providing a single point of contact for relevant design clarifications, technical reviews and recommendations

Person specification

We are looking for an individual with the following skills:

• engaging and driven personality wanting to join a highly successful and ambitious team
• results-orientated and devises strategies that are simple and effective
• ability to cut through the noise and get to the nub of an issue with commercial acumen, to ensure problems are resolved, competing objectives balanced, and projects delivered efficiently
• confident and professional, with excellent communication skills that adapt to different audiences
• proactive self-starter who takes the initiative and can prioritise and show great dexterity adapting to changing requirements
• strong ability to get the best out of people with the ability to inspire and motivate internal and external design teams

Demonstrable experience of:

• leadership and management
• public and private sector working (joint ventures)
• relevant design expertise
• ensuring quality through public-public and public-private partnership delivery

Understands:

• RIBA scheme of works design process and the outputs required
• BIM
• CDM and Building Safety Act regulations
• UK construction best practice
• relevant policy, legislation and guidance
• supply chain opportunities and limitations including cost and viability

In order to apply, please submit the following:

• covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role. (2 pages max)
• CV
• portfolio of selected relevant projects

www.befirst.london