Global Design Manager

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 126 premium private schools in 28 countries spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices. The Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio. In 2023, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK's top 10 highest-value private companies.

ROLE SUMMARY:

As we continue to expand through new school developments, acquisitions, and campus enhancement projects, we are seeking an experienced Global Design Manager (Architecture) to help shape exceptional learning environments across our international portfolio.

This is a unique opportunity to influence projects from concept through completion, working on new-build campuses, school expansions, refurbishments, and strategic development initiatives across multiple countries.

Reporting to the Global Development Team, the Global Design Manager (Architecture) will be responsible for leading and managing the design process across a portfolio of international school development projects.

The successful candidate will combine strong architectural expertise with proven design management experience, ensuring projects achieve the highest standards of design quality, functionality, operational effectiveness, and commercial performance.

This role requires an individual who can provide strategic design leadership while effectively managing stakeholders, consultants, and project teams across multiple global projects.

Position requires travel circa 20%

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design Leadership

- Lead global school campus, expansion, and refurbishment projects.

- Champion design excellence aligned with Inspired's vision and standards.

- Drive innovative, sustainable learning environments.

Design Management & Governance

- Manage projects from feasibility to completion, overseeing approvals and delivery.

- Ensure strong design governance, compliance, and risk management.

- Balance design quality with budget and programme requirements.

Consultant Management

- Manage architects, engineers, designers, and specialist consultants.

- Coordinate teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Stakeholder Management

- Act as the key design representative across internal and external stakeholders.

- Present recommendations and drive decision-making.

Global Portfolio Development

- Support masterplanning, acquisitions, and feasibility studies.

- Contribute to global development projects and international design reviews.

- Maintain consistent design standards across the portfolio.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential Requirements

- Degree in Architecture or a related discipline, with professional architectural qualification (RIBA Part III or equivalent).

- Significant experience in architecture, design management, or project delivery, ideally in a Design Manager, Design Lead, or similar role.

- Proven track record delivering complex projects from feasibility through to completion.

- Experience managing multiple projects, external consultants, and multidisciplinary design teams.

- Strong understanding of design governance, quality assurance, and project delivery principles.

- Experience working on international projects and within educational, institutional, campus, or large-scale developments.

Key Skills

- Design management, governance, and project oversight.

- Consultant management and stakeholder engagement.

- Strategic planning, decision-making, and risk management.

- Strong programme, budget, and commercial awareness.

- Excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills.

- Ability to work effectively across international teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM:

Please download and complete our Inspired Application Form and submit alongside your CV.

Inspired Academic Teaching Application Form
Inspired Non-Teaching Application Form

Visit our careers site for more information; https://jobs.inspirededu.com