At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative architectural projects that shape communities and improve lives.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a forward-thinking firm dedicated to transforming the built environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusion, belonging, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile social housing and public sector developments.
- Qualifications: ARB Registered Architect with 10-15 years of experience in complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Architect - Principal or Associate Director - Social Housing HRB
- Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Capabilities
- Architecture and Interiors
- Office Setup
- Hybrid
- Job ID
- #48318
- Your impact
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Shape the future of our cities. Lead landmark projects. Influence how people live, work and thrive.
At Jacobs, our Cities & Places team is transforming the built environment through integrated design, sustainable thinking and technical excellence.
From major regeneration programmes and social housing developments to complex public sector and residential schemes, we create places that have a lasting positive impact on communities.
As our project portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking an established and experienced Principal Architect / Associate Director to join our Architecture team in Birmingham.
This is more than a project delivery role.
It is an opportunity to take a strategic leadership position within a multidisciplinary business that brings together architects, engineers, urban designers, project managers, surveyors and transport planners to deliver some of the UK's most challenging and rewarding projects.
Why Join Us?
You will play a key role in shaping high-profile residential, social housing and public sector developments, guiding projects from concept through to completion while influencing design quality, technical excellence and client outcomes.
Working at the forefront of the industry's evolving regulatory landscape, you will help clients navigate the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the delivery of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), ensuring that innovative design solutions are safe, compliant and deliver lasting value.
You will bring a strong blend of technical expertise, design leadership and commercial awareness, with the confidence to lead complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
Your experience across residential developments, social housing and Higher-Risk Buildings will enable you to provide trusted guidance to clients, drive high-quality design outcomes and successfully manage stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
As a senior member of the team, you will also play an important role in mentoring and developing architects and designers, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and championing technical excellence across the practice.
Alongside project delivery, you will contribute to business growth through client development, strategic opportunities and market engagement.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the architectural delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects across all design stages.
- Acting as a senior design lead, driving exceptional architectural outcomes.
- Providing technical leadership across residential, social housing and public sector projects.
- Advising clients on building safety, compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Leading projects involving Higher-Risk Buildings and complex stakeholder environments.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
- Mentoring and inspiring architects and design professionals across the practice.
- Building and strengthening client relationships as a trusted advisor.
- Supporting business growth through bids, frameworks and strategic opportunities.
- Championing BIM, digital delivery and design innovation.
- Driving a culture of collaboration, quality and continuous improvement.
At Jacobs, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape communities and improve lives.
You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team where your expertise is valued, your development is supported and your career ambitions can thrive.
If you're looking for an opportunity to influence project outcomes, drive technical excellence and help shape the future of the built environment, we'd love to hear from you.
***The role is Hybrid 2 days in the office.
- Here's what you'll need
- Degree in Architecture and ARB Registered Architect
- RIBA Part 3 qualification (or equivalent recognised professional qualification).
- 10-15 years' post-qualification experience delivering complex architectural projects.
- Strong experience within the residential, social housing and public sector sectors.
- Proven experience delivering projects under the Building Safety Act 2022.
- Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, planning policy and statutory approval processes.
- Experience working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and complex regulatory environments.
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based progression opportunities.
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
- 24 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
- Private medical insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Professional membership support.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Extensive learning and development opportunities.
- Global giving and volunteering programmes.
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally.
Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging.
We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed.
We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential.
You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.
No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
Find out more about life at Jacobs .
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do.
We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative.
We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.
We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here .
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds.
For greater online accessibility please visit https://www. vercida. com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria.
We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery.
We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better.
If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .
Architect - Principal or Associate Director - Social Housing HRB in Birmingham employer: Jacobs Engineering Group
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of safety, integrity, and inclusion. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our flexible working arrangements and extensive benefits, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for growth and development within the dynamic field of Intelligent Transport Systems, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of critical road infrastructure while being part of a supportive and innovative global community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect - Principal or Associate Director - Social Housing HRB in Birmingham
✨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 Jacobs Engineering 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 Architect - Principal or Associate Director - Social Housing HRB in Birmingham
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 Jacobs Engineering Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Jacobs Engineering 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 Jacobs Engineering 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 Jacobs Engineering Group.
