Architectural Manager in Winchester

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are recruiting an Architect for a seconded position supporting our strategic partner Hampshire County Council (HCC) property services. Although employed by Mace, you will be embedded within HCC’s in-house multi-disciplinary design team to help develop and deliver a growing portfolio of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) projects across mainstream schools. The role could be provided on a permanent or temporary basis.

The SEND projects are the addition of Resource Provision (typically circa £650k construction value) comprising internal alterations and refurbishment to re-purpose surplus teaching space, together with secure external play areas and pupil drop-off/car parking arrangements. There is a significant programme of works with initial delivery targeted for September 2027 and feasibility work still to commence on a number of known projects.

Note: Candidates should be prepared to work from HCC’s offices (Winchester) typically a minimum of 1 day per week, alongside agile/home working where appropriate. The secondment is expected to run through to September 2027, with potential to roll on to a subsequent programme of works subject to requirements.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Support delivery of multiple HCC SEND projects.
• Manage defined packages or small projects.
• Develop compliant design information.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Support programme, risk and reporting.
• Contribute to meetings and workshops.
• Assist procurement and tender coordination.
• Promote safe, sustainable, high‑quality outcomes.
• Support (and where appropriate lead) design and delivery of HCC SEND projects.
• Contribute across feasibility, planning, tender, construction and handover stages.
• Build strong relationships with HCC, schools, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Support technical delivery during construction and change.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and documentation.
• Manage package outputs, quality and risks.
• Champion safe, compliant, live‑school delivery.
• Promote collaboration, learning and sustainable outcomes.

You’ll need to have:

• You are Part 3 qualified (ARB or CIAT registered).
• You are confident working in an embedded/seconded capacity within a client team and enjoy collaborating with a broad stakeholder group including end users.
• You have good drawing and technical skills and can support the production of planning and tender documentation and the delivery of work on site/through contract administration activities, under the oversight of a senior colleague.
• You are AutoCAD proficient (Revit desirable) and comfortable coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs.
• You have a developing understanding of relevant building legislation and statutory requirements (including building regulations and CDM 2015), and you bring an organised, proactive and client-focused approach suited to a fast-paced SEND programme.
• SEND/education experience is desirable, but not essential if you can demonstrate an interest in this sector and the ability to learn quickly.

Our values:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
• Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.