At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning architectural designs and collaborate with a dynamic team on exciting projects.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your design career with an award-winning team and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Foundation Degree in Architecture or related field and experience with AutoCAD required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Attractive Salary & Benefits
36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)
Newtownabbey
Multiple positions available
Who are we?
At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live. Our leaders care about employees and our employees succeed together and celebrate the success of others. We are interested in your aspirations, interests and skills and we strive to support and inspire you to do well.
A look into the role
Henderson Group Property are award-winning specialists in the acquisition and development of retail outlets and have a proven track record in developing state-of-the-art sites. We are an in-house collective of project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, and technicians and are focused on delivering best in class, sustainable projects. As we continue with our ambitious plans and capital project investments in excess of £35m this year, our team continues to grow.
Working as Architectural/CAD Technician, you will join an award-winning creative team of eight specialists, assisting in the delivery of schemes on and off site, as we continue to expand and invest in our multi million-pound programme of works. This position will be suited to a candidate who wants to establish and develop their Design career within one of Northern Ireland's leading property developers.
As Architectural/CAD Technician, you will:
- Produce accurate architectural drawings (plans, retail layouts, elevations, sections, and details) using AutoCAD to support planning applications, building regulations submissions, and construction documentation.
- Assist in the preparation and coordination of planning applications, including supporting documents, statements, and drawings in line with local authority requirements.
- Work alongside other Team Members to provide sketch designs in support of the preparation of feasibility studies for new build and capital projects including major and minor works.
- Carry out site surveys and visits, gathering accurate data to inform design and drawing work, and monitor construction progress where necessary.
- Ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations, planning policy, and relevant technical standards in all drawing and documentation work.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Architectural/CAD Technician the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- A minimum of a Foundation Degree or higher in Architecture, Architectural Technology or a closely related field (e.g. Construction or Engineering).
- A minimum of 1 years professional experience working within an architectural practice or in house design team.
- Familiarity with Northern Ireland Building Regulations, Northern Ireland planning policies, and the planning application process.
- Demonstrable experience using AutoCAD to produce accurate, high-quality architectural drawings with precise measurements and technical detail.
- Proficiency using MS Office Packages.
- Full, current UK/EU Driving license, with access to own vehicle.
The Attributes you'll need include:
- Excellent communication skills that will allow you to relate to stakeholders and customers.
- Attention to detail: A sharp eye for detail, ensuring the accuracy and quality of your work.
- Sound technical background and the ability to think creatively.
- Problem-Solving: A knack for understanding, solving, and presenting solutions to Design and CAD-related challenges.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Excellent organisational abilities and capacity to manage workload effectively.
- Team Player: Strong teamwork skills, as you'll collaborate with other team members & stakeholders on various projects.
It is Desirable if you had:
- Experience working in a Construction related Design Team.
- Experience using SketchUp or Photoshop to support design.
Are we right for you?
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.
- Ambition: We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First: We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork: We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity: We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward
The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.
Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.
If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer.
*Please note that if you have applied for this position within the last six months your application has already been considered, and we kindly ask that you do not reapply at this time. We encourage you to explore other current opportunities with us that may be of interest.*
*Applicants should note that we reserve the right to apply the desirable criteria if required at shortlisting stage.*
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 26th July 2026.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
Architectural Technician Henderson Property in Newtownabbey employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and community engagement. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements, we empower our Architectural Technicians to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the local landscape. Join us in a dynamic team where your aspirations are valued, and your success is celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architectural Technician Henderson Property in Newtownabbey
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Henderson Group who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Architectural Technician Henderson Property in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Henderson Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Henderson Group. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Henderson Group.
