Architect and Planning Lead

Architect and Planning Lead

Full-Time 65000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead architectural and planning projects from concept to construction, ensuring inclusive designs.
  • Company: Salutem, a growing company focused on impactful services and environments.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for national travel.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic Growth Team with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education and services while making a real difference in communities.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in architecture and planning with strong project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Architect and Planning Lead will provide in-house architectural and town-planning leadership across Salutem's growth portfolio, including new services, schools, acquisitions, conversions, extensions and major refurbishments. The role will take opportunities from early site appraisal and feasibility through concept design, planning approval, technical coordination, tender support, construction and handover.

Working as part of the Growth Team, the postholder will help Salutem make informed investment decisions by identifying planning, design, compliance and site constraints early, translating operational briefs into inclusive and deliverable schemes, and coordinating the external specialists required for each project.

Salary: £65,000 – £80,000 | Location: Hybrid / Regional, with national travel as required | Contract: Full-time, Permanent

As Salutem grows, we're building a new in-house Growth Team to deliver new services, schools, acquisitions and major refurbishments across England and Wales. We're looking for an experienced Architect and Planning Lead to take projects from early site appraisal and feasibility through design, planning approval and construction to handover. You'll help us make well‑informed investment decisions and create environments that improve outcomes for the people we support and educate.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the architectural and planning input on property searches, acquisitions and early business cases.
  • Turn service and education briefs into inclusive, practical designs for new builds, conversions and refurbishments.
  • Develop planning strategies and manage applications as the main contact with local planning authorities.
  • Coordinate structural, fire, M&E and other specialist inputs.

Architect and Planning Lead employer: Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal

At Salutem Care and Education, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Team Leader, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a strong emphasis on employee well-being, and a culture that prioritises compassion and innovation. With access to comprehensive support resources and recognition as a Top Employer in the UK, you will be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

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Contact Details:

Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Architect and Planning Lead

✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

✨Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

✨Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

✨Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Architect and Planning Lead

Architectural Design
Town Planning
Site Appraisal
Feasibility Studies
Planning Approval
Technical Coordination
Tender Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal

✨Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

✨Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal.