Principal - Education Sector Lead + Business Development
Bespoke Careers Melbourne VIC 3000
Key points we found
- Lead and grow the education sector within the practice
- Drive business development and client engagement across the sector
- Provide strategic leadership across projects and sector teams
An established and well-regarded architectural practice is seeking a Principal – Education Sector Lead to join its senior leadership team. With a strong reputation across multiple sectors including mixed use, seniors living, commercial and education, the studio has built a diverse and respected portfolio over many years. Education has long been a core strength of the practice, and the business is now looking to appoint a senior leader to reinvigorate and expand this sector, building on an already established client base and reputation. This role will sit alongside an experienced and collaborative leadership group, playing a key part in shaping the future growth and direction of the practice. This is a strategic and outward-facing leadership position, combining sector leadership with project oversight. The role is business development focused (approximately 60% +), requiring a strong network and the ability to cultivate long-term relationships across the education sector. You will work closely with both government and independent education clients, identifying opportunities and guiding projects from early engagement through to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the education sector within the broader practice
- Drive business development and client engagement across the sector
- Work and develop strong relationships with VSBA, independent schools, tertiary institutions and primary education clients
- Build on an existing client base while identifying new opportunities
- Providing strategic leadership across projects and sector teams
- Mentoring and guiding emerging architects and project leaders
- Contribute to practice-wide strategy, operations and growth initiatives
- Represent the studio externally and further strengthen its market presence
Skills & Experience
- Registered Architect (ideally) with 15+yrs professional experience
- Strong track record delivering significant education projects across Victoria
- Demonstrate strong and meaningful relationships within the VSBA, independent and tertiary education sectors as a well-connected architectural leader within the space.
- Proven capability in business development and client leadership
- Confidence leading teams and mentoring emerging talent
- Strategic thinking and an interest in shaping the future direction of a practice
- Bring both commercial acumen and design leadership, with the ability to identify opportunities, win work and guide teams to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Benefits & Culture
- Opportunity to be a figurehead in the education sector within this multi-sector practice
- Succession planning opportunities
- Join a collaborative leadership group and a strong project pipeline
- Offering the chance to influence both the direction of the sector and the broader growth of the studio
- Collaborative and supportive team environment with opportunities to mentor emerging staff
- Flexible working arrangement with one day WFH available
Consultant
Jenna Harrold
Principal - Strategic Appointments
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-harrold-494b2289/
Reference number: 72270
Profession:ArchitectureSenior Architect,
Principal,
Associate Principal
Strategic AppointmentsSenior Architect,
Principal,
Associate Principal
Company: Bespoke Careers
Date posted: 16th Mar, 2026
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