ABOUT US
IDEA Design Hub CIC (IDEA) is a UK-based social enterprise, originally founded in Hong Kong in 2009 and now expanding in London since 2021. We use design thinking, creativity, and empathy to inspire children through architectural design and experiential learning.
Our programmes have reached children across the UK, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Nepal, and India, and in 2015 our work was recognised by UN Volunteers for contributing to the Millennium Development Goals.
In 2025, IDEA was awarded the Microsoft Change X funding award to refurbish a sensory garden for SEND children at a primary school in West London. More recently, we were selected to deliver the Holiday, Activities and Food Programme (HAF) funded by the Department for Education, Bromley, Kingston, Redbridge, Hounslow, Kingston, Southwark Councils supporting children and families through creative learning.
OUR VISION
We believe every child should have the opportunity to explore creativity, problem-solving, and human-centred design in a supportive environment.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Since 2009, IDEA has been running creative, hands-on learning programmes across the world, including:
- Little Architect Club
- Little Product Designer / Fashion Designer Club
- STEM Maker Club
- Comic & Manga Club
- Digital Art and Video Game Club
- School Building Project
- Outdoor Learning Space Design
- Public Furniture Design & Build Event
- Creative Training Workshop
OUR PARTNERS (London)
- Shepherds Bush Library, Hammersmith
- Greenside Primary School, Hammersmith
- Holy Cross RC Primary School, Fulham
- Kenmont Primary School, Hammersmith
- Old Oak Primary School, Hammersmith
- St John XXIII Catholic Primary School, Hammersmith
- St John the Baptist Junior School, Kingston upon Thames
- St. Agatha‘s Catholic Primary School, Kingston upon Thames
- St Mary's RC Primary School, Hammersmith
- The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Hammersmith
- Park Walk Primary School
- Eden Primary School
- Darrel Primary and Nursery School
- East Acton Primary School
- West London Free Primary School
- Kensington Primary Academy
OUR PARTNERS (International)
- Ying Wa College (Hong Kong)
- Caritas Wong Tai Sin Centre (Hong Kong)
- Youth Outreach (Hong Kong)
- Cambodian Children’s Advocacy Foundation (Cambodia)
- Future Village (Nepal)
- Kalki Welfare Society (India)
- Allam’s Creative (India)
OUR TEAM’S EXPERTISE
- Architectural Design & 3D Printing
- Creative & Experiential Learning
- Design Thinking
- Human-Centred Design
- Elderly-Friendly Design
THE ROLE: MANAGER (PROGRAMME & OPERATIONS)
We are seeking a dynamic, people-focused, and results-driven Manager to join our growing team. This role blends programme design (leading in-schools and after-school programmes, liaising with schools, and supporting art and design teachers) and business development.
The ideal candidate will have strong relationship-building skills, a passion for education and creativity, and the ability to drive both growth and delivery in a fast-paced, start-up social enterprise environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities through research, networking, and outreach.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, parents’ groups, and community partners.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends, competitor activities, and opportunities for growth.
- Collaborate with marketing to promote our programmes and social mission.
- Prepare and deliver engaging presentations to prospective clients and partners.
- Negotiate and secure contracts and agreements.
- Manage after-school programmes, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality delivery.
- Liaise with partner schools and oversee art and design teaching staff.
- Maintain accurate records using Salesforce and provide regular reporting to management.
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in programme design, operation management and business development
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build trust quickly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and target-driven.
- Ability to balance strategic growth with day-to-day operational management.
- Flexible, resourceful, and comfortable working in a start-up social enterprise environment.
- (Desirable) Experience in art, design, education, or creative learning sectors.
REQUIREMENTS
- Degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Professional, well-organised, and confident in client-facing roles.
- Intuitive and empathetic approach to understanding client and community needs.
- Enthusiasm for creativity, design thinking, and social impact.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Opportunity to shape and grow a creative social enterprise with international reach.
- A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven team.
- Professional development opportunities in both business and creative education.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on children, schools, and communities.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £26,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Business development: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
