Architectural Lead in Belfast

Architectural Lead in Belfast

Belfast Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sodexo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead architectural projects and develop innovative estate strategies across Northern Ireland.
  • Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values your individuality and impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, mental health support, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of large-scale estates while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, ARB registration, and 7+ years of experience required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Architectural Lead to join our team and play a key role in shaping the future of a large and complex estate across Northern Ireland. Working closely with the Estate Strategy and Planning Manager, you will lead the development of estate strategies, site masterplans, feasibility studies and project blueprints, ensuring projects are delivered in line with strategic objectives, governance requirements and industry best practice. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated architect who enjoys working on diverse, large scale projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.

What you’ll do:

  • Support the development and implementation of the client's Estate Strategy.
  • Lead the preparation of site masterplans, feasibility studies and project dossiers.
  • Manage in house architectural resources, including Architectural Technologists and Graduate staff.
  • Coordinate and manage external Integrated Design Teams.
  • Develop and maintain project blueprints to support the delivery of future capital projects.
  • Provide architectural input into business cases, estate planning and commercial bids.
  • Review and develop design standards and guidance documentation.
  • Manage architectural budgets, design fees, resources and change control.
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams, clients and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Ensure all projects comply with current legislation, regulations and the RIBA Plan of Work.
  • Contribute to the modernisation and decarbonisation of the estate.

What you bring:

Essential

  • Degree and Postgraduate qualification (Diploma or MSc) in Architecture.
  • Current registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
  • A minimum of 7 years' post qualification experience.
  • Working knowledge of Northern Ireland Planning Regulations.
  • Working knowledge of Northern Ireland Building Regulations.
  • Experience in estate strategy, asset planning and site master planning.
  • Experience managing architectural projects through all RIBA work stages.
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Experience managing budgets, resources and project delivery.
  • Proficiency in architectural software such as Revit (preferred), AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2.
  • Full willingness to travel throughout Northern Ireland.

Desirable

  • Chartered Membership of RIBA.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

  • Mental health & wellbeing support
  • Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
  • 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
  • Discounts for you & family
  • Financial tools & retirement plan
  • Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo

Contact Details:

Sodexo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Architectural Lead in Belfast

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 Sodexo 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 Architectural Lead in Belfast

Architectural Design
Estate Strategy Development
Site Masterplanning
Feasibility Studies
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Budget Management

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 Sodexo!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Sodexo. 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 Sodexo

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 Sodexo.