Director of Strategic Advisory

WHO ARE WE?

Requisition number: PROJE
005815

London Studio – Portland Design

Location: London/Hybrid working

Job Type: Full-time

Portland is entering a new phase of growth, increasing the depth of its senior advisory capability in response to the rising complexity of client challenges.

We are looking for a Director who brings a distinct perspective, complements the existing leadership team, and operates naturally at executive level. Someone who moves comfortably between client leadership, strategic thinking and commercial growth. This role shapes both client outcomes and business direction. It grows our advisory offer, deepens senior relationships, and converts opportunity into impact.

We are looking for a different perspective.

A people-centred leader who broadens how we think, sharpens how we work and strengthens how we grow, bringing capability that evolves our offer while staying true to Portland's values and culture.

• Significant experience in strategy, advisory, consulting, design or place leadership roles
• Strong commercial instinct with the ability to identify and shape growth opportunities
• Experience operating at executive and board level
• Proven thought leadership and public speaking experience, ideally on a global stage
• Someone who inspires audiences, is at ease on stage and brings energy, clarity and authority.
• Excellent strategic facilitation, communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative leadership style that complements and strengthens the existing leadership team

• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior stakeholders and executive teams
• Drive thinking on complex business, creative, place and organisational challenges
• Shape and convert commercial opportunities from early engagement through to pitch and delivery
• Lead senior client engagements, formulating project strategy and facilitating high-stakes decision-making and transformation
• Represent Portland externally through thought leadership, speaking and industry engagement

• Strengthened Portland's advisory reputation through senior client impact and visible thought leadership
• Deepened relationships across key and emerging client accounts
• Generated and converted commercial opportunities that drive business growth
• Elevated quality of strategic decision-making beyond individual project briefs
• Increased external profile through speaking engagements and thought leadership
• Added new perspectives and capability to the wider leadership team

As part of Perkins&Will, you will be able to receive support, guidance and mentorship from our team who can help develop you as a professional during your time with us. In addition to our wider benefits, and hybrid working scheme, we also have a wonderful array of social clubs and activities for you to get involved in, such as:
Softball, Choir, Product Mixers, Office Socials, Culture Club, and our Mental Health and Wellbeing group.

This role offers excellent opportunities for career development within a global design practice. The role is full-time (37.5 hours per week), operating from 9:00am to 5:30pm, with a competitive salary. We also offer hybrid working, 3 days in the office, and 2 days working from home per week.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly via email for interview. We carefully review every application, please keep an eye out for a status update via the application portal. If your application status on the portal has not been updated within two months of when you applied, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for an interview.

Please note, if you happen to require any further assistance or need us to make any adjustments for you during this process, then please let us know in your application. This way, our team can ensure we put added measures in place to support you during the interview process.

Perkins&Will are an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment.