Senior 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 a Senior 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:

• Managing multiple concurrent HCC SEND projects.
• Delivering compliant designs and documentation.
• Collaborating across multidisciplinary and external partners.
• Managing programme, risk and stakeholder reporting.
• Managing design workshops and stakeholder engagement.
• Mentoring teams, assuring quality and delivery.
• Supporting procurement and tender processes.
• Driving improvement, sustainability and high‑quality outcomes.
• Managing SEND project design and delivery.
• Managing feasibility, planning, tender and construction stages.
• Acting as key contact for HCC stakeholders.
• Providing technical leadership during construction and change.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary inputs and document production.
• Monitoring quality, programme milestones and statutory compliance.
• Championing efficient delivery and continuous improvement.
• Promoting safety, BIM principles and school‑safe delivery.

You’ll need to have:

• You are Part 3 or equivalent qualified and ARB registered (or relevant equivalent), with significant post-qualification experience leading projects from feasibility through delivery.
• You are confident working in an embedded/seconded capacity within a client team and can build lasting relationships across a broad stakeholder group including end users.
• You have strong project leadership and self-sufficient drawing and technical skills, with the ability to prepare planning and tender documentation and to support contract administration/site delivery.
• You are AutoCAD proficient (Revit desirable) and comfortable coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs.
• You will be conversant with relevant building legislation, the building safety act, and other design relevant statutory requirements.
• You will bring an organised, resilient and client-focused approach suited to a fast-paced SEND programme with tight timelines to September 2027. SEND/education experience is desirable.

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.