Project Director

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Role Profile:

As a Project Director focused on client relations and business development, you will play a pivotal role in driving client acquisition, ensuring exceptional client experience, and securing repeat business for Unispace across key markets. Based in London, you will be a strategic leader responsible for cultivating deep relationships with our existing and prospective clients, understanding their evolving needs, and ensuring that Unispace consistently delivers value that exceeds expectations. This role emphasizes strategic client engagement, solution development, and fostering long-term partnerships, rather than day-to-day construction site management. You will act as a primary client advocate, bridging the gap between strategic business objectives and successful project outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Client Relationship Management: Develop and nurture long-term strategic relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for their workplace transformation needs.

• Business Development & Growth: Collaborate closely with the Business Development team to identify and qualify new opportunities, contribute to compelling proposals, and participate in client presentations to win strategic projects.

• Client Experience Ownership: Oversee and enhance the entire client journey, from initial engagement and project scoping through to post-occupancy follow-up, ensuring a seamless, positive, and value-driven experience.

• Project Strategy & Scoping: Lead the initial strategic definition of projects, translating client visions and business objectives into clear project scopes, deliverables, and success metrics, ensuring alignment with Unispace's integrated design and build approach.

• Commercial Acumen & Profitability: Maintain a deep understanding of project and client profitability, contributing to pricing strategies and ensuring that solutions are commercially viable and align with client budgets and Unispace's financial objectives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitate effective collaboration across all internal disciplines (Strategy, Design, Preconstruction, Delivery, Operations) to ensure integrated solutions, efficient project handovers, and consistent client communication.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide leadership and mentorship to cross-functional teams involved in the client experience, fostering a client-centric culture and promoting best practices in relationship management.

• Risk Mitigation & Problem Solving: Proactively identify potential client-related or commercial risks, and develop strategic solutions to mitigate them, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.

• Market Intelligence & Trends: Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and client needs within the commercial real estate and workplace sectors to inform strategic conversations and service offerings.

• Reporting & Performance Analysis: Prepare high-level reports for senior leadership on client relationship health, pipeline development, client satisfaction metrics (e.g., NPS), and contributions to business growth.

Skills & Experiences:

• Extensive proven experience (typically 10+ years) in a senior client-facing role, such as Project Director, Client Relations Director, or Business Development Director, within the commercial real estate, design & build, architecture, or related consulting industries.

• Demonstrated track record of success in building and nurturing strong client relationships and contributing to significant business growth through repeat business and referrals.

• Exceptional understanding of the commercial real estate market, workplace trends, and the design & build methodology from a strategic and client value perspective.

• Superior communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and engage effectively with C-suite executives and diverse client stakeholders.

• Strong commercial acumen and business development capabilities, including experience with proposal development, strategic pitching, and contract discussions.

• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams in a matrixed, global organization.

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate complex client needs into actionable project strategies.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple high-value client engagements concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• A client-oriented mindset with a results-driven approach.

• Proficiency in CRM software and relevant business analytics tools.

What We Offer

In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including a pension, paid holiday leave, and travel opportunities across our global offices. Unispace values its employees and offers extensive rewards and recognition, career development, and a focus on well-being.

While we do support Hybrid and Flexible working where possible, there will be a requirement to travel to client-sites as well as to be in our London Studio (Near Tower Bridge) to collaborate with the team on a regular basis.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:

At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.