At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the architectural function in a dynamic design consultancy.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing multi-disciplinary design & build consultancy.
- Benefits: Performance-related bonus, hybrid working, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence and mentoring within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nationally significant Defence and Government projects.
- Qualifications: Chartered Architect status with experience in complex architectural projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to shape and lead the architectural function within a growing multi-disciplinary design & build consultancy.
We're working with an ambitious and rapidly growing multi-disciplinary consultancy looking to appoint an exceptional
Head of Architecture to establish, lead and develop its architectural capability.
This is a genuine senior leadership opportunity where you'll influence the strategic direction of the business, oversee the delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects and play a key role in shaping the future growth of the organisation.
Applications are welcomed from experienced Chartered Architects currently working as Associate Directors, Principal Architects, Senior Architects, Design Managers or Architecture Leads who are ready to step into a genuine Head of Architecture leadership role.
Opportunities of this nature rarely come to market, particularly within a business delivering nationally significant projects across Defence, Government and Critical National Infrastructure.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Head of Operational Delivery, you'll become the senior architectural authority across the business, leading design excellence whilst ensuring projects are delivered safely, compliantly and to the highest technical standards.
Working alongside Building Surveyors, Civil & Structural Engineers, M&E Engineers, Project Managers and specialist consultants, you'll provide strategic leadership across the full project lifecycle from concept through to completion.
You'll also play an important role in supporting business development, client engagement, framework opportunities and the continued growth of the architectural team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the architectural function across the business.
- Provide strategic design leadership across complex multidisciplinary projects.
- Manage projects through all RIBA Plan of Work stages.
- Establish and maintain design governance, standards and best practice.
- Lead multidisciplinary design teams including architects, engineers, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
- Build trusted relationships with key Defence, Government and commercial clients.
- Provide technical leadership during bids, tenders and client presentations.
- Review and approve architectural designs, technical submissions and specifications.
- Mentor, develop and grow the architectural team.
- Drive innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across the design function.
- Support commercial decision making, resource planning and project delivery.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an exceptional leader who combines technical architectural expertise with strong commercial awareness and outstanding stakeholder management skills.
You’ll ideally possess
- Chartered Architect status (ARB / RIBA).
- Significant experience delivering complex architectural projects within Defence, Government, Critical National Infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.
- Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, planning legislation and construction best practice.
- Experience managing projects through all RIBA stages.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and people management capability.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance technical excellence, programme delivery and client expectations.
- Experience supporting bids, frameworks and business development would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of BIM, digital design methodologies and secure environments would be beneficial.
- What's On Offer
- Performance-related bonus.
- Hybrid working with offices based in Portsmouth.
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing architectural function.
- Exposure to nationally significant Defence, Government and Critical Infrastructure programmes.
- Genuine strategic influence within the senior leadership team.
- Long-term career progression.
Please note
Due to the nature of the projects undertaken, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance, with eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) desirable.
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Head of Architecture - Design Manager in Portsmouth employer: Torchlight Recruitment Solutions
Torchlight Recruitment Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the Construction and Facilities Management sectors. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a supportive hybrid working environment, and the chance to engage with cutting-edge technology and AI tools, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Contact Details:
Torchlight Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture - Design Manager in Portsmouth
✨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 Torchlight Recruitment Solutions 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 Head of Architecture - Design Manager in Portsmouth
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 Torchlight Recruitment Solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Torchlight Recruitment Solutions. 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 Torchlight Recruitment Solutions
✨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 Torchlight Recruitment Solutions.
