Project Architect (12Month FTC)

The Role

Reporting into the UK Head of Architecture, the Project Architect (12‑Month Fixed Term Contract) will be fully accountable for the architectural design of all allocated property development projects, covering either new sites, existing sites, acquisitions, or refurbishment projects. The role supports the wider Property Development team in establishing a culture of best practice and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for architectural delivery of both new site acquisitions and refurbishment projects from feasibility through design to completion and handover.
• Assess high‑level feasibility of new sites before acquisition and identify optimal refurbishment opportunities across the existing estate.
• Provide appropriate technical evaluation and insight for each site and deliver on the corresponding architectural and design requirements.
• Ensure the approved design adheres to key brand format requirements and standards.
• Supply specialist technical input regarding building control, fire regulations, technical standards, etc. into the design of each site.
• Identify and create all necessary architectural documentation/outputs required to obtain all required or appropriate building approvals and consents.
• Contribute to decision making at key stages in the property development process using governance forums where required.
• Proactive input into the continuous improvement of gym formats and standards.
• Support, recognise and encourage peers to achieve team goals while fostering a positive, constructive environment.
• Represent the Development function internally and be an ambassador for PureGym externally.
• Be recognised as someone who makes a significant contribution across the Development function.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Architect with industry‑recognised certification and credentials.
• Experience in the design and delivery of multi‑site property developments consistently and at scale.
• Ideally have experience working in or with large scale organisations in customer‑facing industries such as leisure, retail or hospitality.
• Highly capable operator who can work autonomously to resolve complex problems and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Proactive, accountable, hands‑on, adaptable and able to react quickly to a fast‑moving, ever‑changing environment.
• Technically competent and solution focused, able to identify, prioritise and elevate issues/opportunities appropriately.
• Excellent communicator, able to convey complex messages simply and engage with senior management.
• Commercially astute, able to evaluate investment decisions considering member brand expectations balanced with required levels of return.
• Member focused, always striving to improve the experience for all members through own area or working across the business.
• Process orientated, able to identify and remove waste through applying lean thinking.
• Able to work cross‑functionally, bringing together all parts of the business to deliver the right outcome for members and PureGym.
• Ideally have a passion for or interest in fitness and leisure.
• Able to travel as required.

Benefits

• Free nationwide gym membership for you + 1.
• Hybrid working.
• A truly flexible working culture.
• Personal private healthcare, including digital GP.
• Life insurance multiplied by four.
• Company pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 1 personal day.
• Option to purchase additional holiday (up to 5 days).
• Great learning & development resources.
• Enhanced maternity pay, paternity and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities Statement

PureGym is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our company mantra is ‘Everybody Welcome’ and we are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring our colleagues reflect the diversity of the nation as well as our millions of gym members we serve.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the advert may be withdrawn at any time. Early application is encouraged.