Pankaj Mehta

I’m Pankaj Mehta, and I’d like to share my story with you—one that I believe makes me uniquely suited for a role either in Facilities Management, Customer Service/ Administration or Education.

My journey began 35 years ago in New Delhi, India, where I started as a carpenter in my family-run business. I learned hands-on woodworking by observing my father and our skilled workshop team. Driven by a desire to earn their approval, I focused intently on every item I crafted, striving for perfection and developing a sharp eye for detail. With entrepreneurial energy, I helped grow the business into a high-end furniture and interior design firm, collaborating closely with architects, interior designers, contractors, and engineers. This experience deepened my understanding of form, structure, and the soul of design.

After nineteen years, I transitioned into education, earning a CELTA qualification from Cambridge University and completing the Principles of Language Testing course at Roehampton University, London. I spent over a decade with the British Council in Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, and Oman, serving as a Teacher, Examiner, Content Developer, and Training & Sales Manager. These roles strengthened my skills in public engagement, customer service, mentoring, presentation, and negotiation.

I took on a new challenge at the British Embassy (FCDO) as Projects Manager. Upon successful completion of key initiatives, I was appointed Corporate Services and Facilities Manager. I led strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, managed maintenance across diplomatic residences, and coordinated both planned and reactive works. I was also the lead for the annual Post Compliance Audit (PCA), overseeing 194 regulatory checks per site, and was appointed Health & Safety Coordinator after completing two IOSH qualifications. This role gave me invaluable insight into how organisations and physical spaces operate from the inside out.

Having worked across continents and sectors—from design and education to diplomacy and operations—I bring a wealth of experience in relationship-building, service delivery, and cross-functional leadership. With a proven track record across residential and mixed-use environments, I am a commercially astute, client-facing leader ready to shape the next chapter of your Manchester studio.

I bring the gravitas and experience of a Director-level professional who thrives on leading projects from day one, building strong client relationships, and mentoring dynamic teams. I understand the full project lifecycle—from feasibility and fee proposals to delivery and business development—and I’m confident navigating a fast-paced studio with clarity and purpose. Known for my collaborative, grounded approach, I’m ready to bring energy, vision, and commercial insight to help grow your practice and lead with autonomy.

With over 35 years of international experience across furniture design, education, and operations management, I bring a unique blend of creative craftsmanship, strategic leadership, and cross-sector expertise.

I began my career as a carpenter and designer in my family’s furniture business, mastering hands-on woodworking and helping grow the company into a high-end furniture and interior design firm. After nearly two decades, I transitioned into education and training, working with the British Council across Asia and Africa in roles spanning teaching, examining, content development, and sales management.

Later, as Projects and Corporate Services Manager at the British Embassy (FCDO), I led maintenance, compliance, and health & safety operations across diplomatic estates, managing stakeholders and ensuring operational excellence.

Across all roles, I’ve built a reputation as a client-facing, commercially astute leader who combines design sensibility with organisational insight. I’m passionate about building relationships, mentoring teams, and delivering projects with precision, creativity, and integrity.

• CELTA – Cambridge University 

• Principles of Language Testing – Roehampton University, London

• IOSH UK – Managing Safely

• IOSH UK – Fire Safety for Managers

• CARDINUS –Effective Risk Assessment

• Fire Coordinator – First Responder Course, Muscat

• Intercultural Fluency Trainer Accreditation – British Council