Salary £51,356 – £55,612 per annum (Pay award pending) | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston, County Hall/Hybrid
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Principal Architect to lead our Architectural team within the Building Design Team. This senior leadership role has responsibility for delivering a diverse and high-profile portfolio of projects across the county. You will take ownership of architectural services, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, cost‑effectively, and to the highest quality standards, supporting the Council’s priorities and statutory obligations.
Working within a multidisciplinary Design and Construction Service alongside Surveyors, Engineers, Project Managers, QS's and external partners, you will play a key role in shaping sustainable, innovative, and inclusive environments for the people of Lancashire.
What You Will Do
- Lead and manage the Architectural/Structural Team, motivating and supporting staff to deliver high-quality services
- Oversee the delivery of architectural and structural projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with budgets, timescales, and quality expectations
- Manage workload, resources, and priorities to ensure effective service delivery
- Champion design quality, sustainability, and innovation across all projects
- Provide specialist architectural and technical advice throughout all RIBA stages, including design, construction, and defects
- Lead discussions and decision‑making on complex design and construction issues
- Monitor and manage project costs, budgets, and reporting
- Work collaboratively across internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions
- Challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement and efficiency
- Support senior leadership in delivering the wider objectives of the Property Service
About You
- Professionally qualified and ARB-registered Architect (or equivalent), with substantial post‑qualification experience
- Holder of membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RIBA)
- Significant experience managing architectural teams or multidisciplinary professionals at a senior level
- Strong leadership, organisational, and people management skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
- Capability to make informed decisions, challenge performance, and resolve complex issues effectively
- Proven experience in delivering building design and construction projects
- Understanding of budget management, project delivery, and performance monitoring
Benefits
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Generous holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays
- Staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, offering discounts across UK retailers
- Access to development and career opportunities
