Senior Principal Designer in Manchester

Senior Principal Designer in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead technical coordination and ensure building safety compliance on complex projects.
  • Company: Muse Architects, a dynamic RIBA Chartered practice based in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-rise and commercial projects while leading a talented team.
  • Qualifications: Senior delivery experience with strong knowledge of Building Regulations and project management skills.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on design integrity and clear communication.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

Muse Architects is a Manchester-based, RIBA Chartered practice delivering complex projects across high-rise, commercial, residential and hotels. We’re delivery-led; we keep design intent intact; we keep compliance tight; and we prefer clear decisions over long emails.

This is a full-time role based in Manchester (hybrid by agreement) for a Senior Project Lead; Senior Project Architect or Senior Architectural Technologist with a Building Regulations Principal Designer / Principal Designer (Building Regulations) capability. You will lead technical coordination and delivery; support building safety compliance on complex and higher-risk buildings (HRBs); maintain clear audit trails and change control; and help projects move on site when the real world turns up. You’ll work closely with clients, consultants and contractors; turning uncertainty into clean next steps (subject to appointment and project scope).

Qualifications

  • Senior delivery experience on complex schemes; ideally high-rise and/or hotels; plus commercial or mixed-use
  • Strong Building Regulations knowledge; confident with building safety duties; HRB/BSR awareness; Gateway inputs and compliance evidence where required
  • Revit confident; able to coordinate models; packages; and information workflows
  • Site-capable; understands buildability; sequencing; RFIs; design change; and how to keep records clean
  • Commercially aware; protects scope; manages change; keeps boundaries professional
  • Clear communicator; calm under pressure; leads like a Senior Associate/Director (ownership; pace; standards)
  • Background can be Architect (ARB) or Architectural Technologist (MCIAT or equivalent); what matters is delivery competence and regulatory rigour

How to apply

Email with; CV; portfolio (PDF or link); expectations (role level; package; notice period; start date); and a short note titled; “How I lead and deliver”.

Senior Principal Designer in Manchester employer: Muse Architects UK

Muse Architects is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Manchester where creativity meets compliance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team to lead complex projects while maintaining a supportive culture that values clear communication and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that our employees can balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
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Contact Detail:

Muse Architects UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Designer in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Senior Principal Designer role that’s not even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, ask for an informal chat or a coffee meeting with potential employers. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and how you can lead and deliver on complex projects.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire, like Muse Architects. Express your interest and share how your experience aligns with their projects and values.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep your portfolio fresh and relevant! Make sure it highlights your best work, especially in high-rise and commercial projects. A strong portfolio can be your ticket to standing out when you apply through our website.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Designer in Manchester

Building Regulations Knowledge
Technical Coordination
Building Safety Compliance
Audit Trail Maintenance
Change Control Management
Client Communication
Consultant Collaboration
Contractor Coordination
Revit Proficiency
Model Coordination
Information Workflow Management
Site Capability
Buildability Understanding
Commercial Awareness
Leadership Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with complex projects, especially in high-rise and hotels. We want to see how your skills align with our delivery-led approach, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Include examples that demonstrate your technical coordination and compliance knowledge. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Craft a Compelling Note: In your short note titled 'How I lead and deliver', be clear and concise. Share specific examples of how you've turned uncertainty into action and maintained compliance. We appreciate straightforward communication, so keep it professional yet personable!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Muse Architects UK

✨Know Your Building Regulations

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building regulations and safety duties. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects, especially in high-rise or complex schemes. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but can also navigate them effectively.

✨Showcase Your Project Delivery Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects from concept to completion. Highlight your experience with technical coordination and how you’ve maintained compliance while keeping design intent intact. This will demonstrate your ability to manage change and keep projects moving forward.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Revit and Coordination

Since Revit is a key tool for this role, be ready to talk about your experience with it. Bring examples of how you've coordinated models and managed information workflows. This will help illustrate your technical capabilities and your understanding of buildability.

✨Communicate Clearly and Calmly

During the interview, practice clear and concise communication. Be calm under pressure and demonstrate your leadership style. Share how you’ve turned uncertainty into actionable steps in previous roles, as this aligns with the company’s preference for clear decisions over lengthy emails.

Senior Principal Designer in Manchester
Muse Architects UK
Location: Manchester

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