Practice Manager - Architecture job in Chichester, West Sussex - £DOE

Hybrid working, operational leadership role, collaborative architectural practice

Job Summary

Practice Manager Architecture job in Chichester, West Sussex. This role is within an established RIBA Chartered architectural practice delivering projects across the UK. The position supports studio operations, administration, HR coordination and wider business management responsibilities across a collaborative multi-studio environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with Directors, senior leadership and support teams to maintain efficient daily operations. This role offers involvement across operational management, compliance coordination, wellbeing initiatives and wider business support activities. The practice has built a strong reputation for technical delivery, sustainable design and long-term client relationships.

This opportunity suits an organised and proactive professional seeking a broad operational role within the Architecture sector. The role combines office management, HR administration, compliance coordination and studio support responsibilities within a structured and supportive working environment.

About the Company

This opportunity is with an established and respected RIBA Chartered architectural practice with more than 30 years of industry experience. The business operates as a collaborative multi-studio practice with a strong reputation for design quality and technical expertise.

The team delivers projects across multiple sectors throughout the UK while maintaining a supportive and people-focused working environment. The practice places strong emphasis on sustainable design, operational structure and long-term client relationships.

Employees benefit from a collaborative culture where professional development and teamwork are actively encouraged. The business continues to grow while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and studio collaboration.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support Directors and senior leadership teams with daily operational and practice management responsibilities
• Coordinate framework submissions, tender administration, PQQ documentation and key business development deadlines
• Manage compliance processes including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and wider accreditation administration requirements
• Coordinate recruitment administration, onboarding processes, probation reviews and staff appraisal scheduling activities
• Oversee office facilities, supplier relationships, maintenance coordination and wider studio operational requirements
• Maintain confidential records, GDPR procedures and internal business administration documentation accurately
• Support Health and Safety compliance administration, training records and studio maintenance coordination processes
• Assist with project setup procedures including job numbers, project folders and internal system management

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience within a Practice Manager, Office Manager or Studio Manager operational position
• Experience working within architecture, design consultancy or professional services environments would be advantageous
• Strong organisational skills managing multiple responsibilities within fast-paced collaborative working environments effectively
• Confident communication skills supporting senior leadership teams, staff coordination and external supplier relationships
• Good understanding of HR administration, compliance processes and wider operational management procedures
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee records and business administration information
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel for operational administration responsibilities
• Proactive and adaptable approach with strong attention to detail and process management capabilities

Salary & Benefits

• Salary offered at £DOE depending on previous experience and operational management background
• Hybrid working arrangement supporting flexibility and collaborative studio-based working opportunities
• Opportunity to work closely with Directors and wider senior leadership management teams
• Long-term career opportunity within an established and growing architectural practice environment
• Collaborative and supportive studio culture focused on professional development and operational excellence
• Broad and varied operational role with involvement across multiple business management responsibilities

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role is suited to an organised and proactive operational professional seeking a varied position within an architectural practice environment. The opportunity will appeal to individuals balancing administration, HR coordination and studio management responsibilities within a collaborative team culture.

Candidates with previous experience supporting senior leadership teams and managing operational processes will be well suited to the position. The role also suits professionals seeking long-term progression within an established practice offering hybrid working flexibility and broad business involvement.

Individuals thriving within structured but people-focused environments will benefit from the collaborative studio culture and operational diversity offered within this position.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place into a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they’ve successfully completed the probation period. See website for full terms & conditions.

Practice Manager job in – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref: 1340864 )