Principal Architect

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day. For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

SYSTRA are immediately hiring for a Principal Architect, based in our York, Leeds or Manchester offices. Following the successful award of multiple landmark international projects, this is an exciting time to join SYSTRA’s Architecture Team as we continue to develop and raise our profile in the UK & Ireland and across our global business regions. With a focus on delivering in the Transport Sector; passenger stations, rail depots and associated infrastructure the RIBA Chartered Practice within SYSTRA benefits from being an integral discipline to this world leading multi-disciplinary transport design consultancy.

Missions/Main Duties

• The Principal Architect will play a pivotal role in the leadership of design projects in this successful team and be expected to fulfil the following duties:
• Provide strong, pro-active project leadership.
• Responsible and accountable for the production of designs and all associated deliverables (drawings, reports, schedules and calculations).
• Take responsibility for allocated tasks and coordinate supporting staff as required.
• Direct and manage in-house architectural designers / technicians, other design disciplines and Architectural Partners to both client and business requirements.
• Liaise with both architecture and wider multi-discipline colleagues to produce organised, collaborative built-environment design solutions.
• Manage design input from Architectural partners and Sub-contractors/consultants.
• Responsible for taking projects from conception to completion and will cover preparation of feasibility studies, development of outline designs, detailed design and site support.
• Assist in managing resources to achieve the agreed targets regarding the effective delivery of projects to current engineering and safety standards, within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Provide technical assistance to site-based personnel.
• Review tender opportunities with view to bidding, preparation of deliverables, cost estimates, programme and multi-disciplinary collaboration requirements.

Profile/Skills

• Chartered Architect (ARB & RIBA Registered) with significant subsequent experience and an excellent understanding of the creative design process throughout the RIBA work stages.
• Proven experience in production of design deliverables for complex Infrastructure projects, ideally in Transportation.
• Detailed understanding of BIM modelling principals as an Experienced / Accredited user in Autodesk Revit as a minimum.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop / InDesign to produce quality graphical presentations.
• Excellent report and case study writing skills.
• Expected to have general skills in Microsoft Office suite of software packages.
• Robust knowledge of design and construction principles and standards.
• Pro-active solution orientated approach.
• Be able to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Motivated team player who works well under pressure and engages with colleagues.

Desirable Skills & Experience (not essential)

• Knowledge and experience of working on international design projects, particularly the Middle East.
• Experience in the use of Bentley software (AECOsim).
• Experience of using common data environments (CDE) for Design Consultant/Contractor/Client file sharing.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email: where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria. As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.