Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead CAD projects and develop design standards for impactful construction initiatives.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Capital Programmes Division making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of urban spaces while enhancing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND or degree in a construction-related field with CAD expertise.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 14 April 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About the Role
The Capital Programmes Division is looking to recruit an experienced CAD practitioner for its Senior Architectural Design Officer position. The service is responsible for developing and delivering Major and Minor Capital Programmes across the City, with a current programme value of approximately ÂŁ200m pa. Projects include new schools, largeâscale solar PV installations, building demolition, repair, maintenance & refurbishment of heritage buildings, school refurbishments, galleries, leisure, and park buildings.
The role is based in the Design Team within the Capital Programmes Division's Project Management Office (PMO). The Design Team provides technical design and drafting expertise and guidance on a range of construction projects. The role holder will support the Design Manager in delivering a customerâfocused service, managing CAD documentation, and contributing to data capture and builtâasset management.
Responsibilities
- Setting up drawing office standards and developing manuals and instruction books for staff.
- Developing and setting work targets and reviewing progress against these targets.
- Managing other CAD Officers.
- Developing team CAD skills and assisting Design Manager in developing new design services.
- Managing quality initiatives for all design documentation.
- Identifying areas of continuous improvement.
- Taking the lead on key CAD issues and contributing to feasibility work.
- Visiting sites for survey purposes or capturing asset data and attending meetings with clients and third parties at various locations.
Qualifications
- HNC/HND or degreeâlevel qualification in a constructionârelated discipline.
- Extensive knowledge of CAD/ICT applications and their use within the construction industry.
- Comprehensive understanding of the property and construction industry and awareness of the estate's overall impacts.
- Familiarity with the National Building Specification (NBS) and ability to advise on component specification and design detailing queries.
- Excellent communication, problemâsolving, analytical, planning and organising skills to support the team and clients.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance â up to 26 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of service, with the option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
- Enrolment in the UK's largest local government pension scheme with life cover of threeâtimes your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave for family support.
- Access to a range of discounts â shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycleâtoâwork scheme, free flu jabs, eye tests, and more.
- Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
- Commitment to secure, flexible work, fair pay, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
- Up to 3 days proârate paid volunteering leave.
Inclusive Workplace & Support
Dedicated to diversity â we welcome applicants from all ages and backgrounds, especially BAME, disabled, and young people. Interview adjustments available â let us know your needs. Accessible formats â our ReciteMe tool (textâtoâspeech, translation, adjustable text) is available. Disabilityâconfident employer with specialist support networks (Disabled Staff, Neurodiversity Staff, Mental Health Staff).
Acknowledgements & Requirements
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel's minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces (current or veteran)
- Current or former care leavers
- Those with a disability or longâterm condition.
Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship under the council policy. Pre-employment checks will be conducted as per role requirements.
Other Relevant Information
We are committed to providing necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task proves unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.
Senior Architectural Design Officer in Manchester employer: Manchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Manchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Architectural Design Officer in Manchester
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architectural field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those face-to-face interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially those related to capital programmes. Show them youâre not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their work and vision.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience with CAD and how it relates to the role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architectural Design Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Architectural Design Officer role. Highlight your CAD experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Skills: Donât forget to showcase your technical skills, especially in CAD and project management. Weâre keen on seeing how you can contribute to our design team and improve our processes.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. Itâs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester City Council
â¨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your CAD skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used CAD applications effectively, and think about how you can demonstrate your extensive knowledge of these tools in relation to the construction industry.
â¨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Senior Architectural Design Officer position. Think about how your previous experience aligns with managing CAD documentation, setting work targets, and leading a team. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to deliver a customer-focused service.
â¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in past projects and how you resolved them. Highlight your analytical and planning skills, especially in relation to quality initiatives and continuous improvement within design documentation.
â¨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Capital Programmes Division and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.