Senior Architectural Technologist in Blackburn

Vital Energi are at the forefront of the UK’s low carbon energy generating systems of the future. We essentially work in the construction industry, in a rapidly expanding market for Heat and Power Solutions from renewable energy. As a leading turnkey engineering contractor, we design, install, operate and maintain environmentally friendly energy generating systems and networks.

Due to Vital Energi’s continued growth, we require an Senior level / experienced Architectural Technologist based at our Head Office in Blackburn, to work in this exciting and growing sector of the industry.

Reporting to the CSA Lead and Architectural Development Manager, you will lead the technical design of energy centres and renewable energy schemes (Heat Pumps/Solar) from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Delivery: Produce detailed tender and construction drawings, conduct site surveys, and ensure building regulation compliance.
• Technical Leadership: Integrate high-performance energy solutions and coordinate with civil and structural teams.
• Team Management: Mentor and manage Graduate ATs/Technicians, overseeing workload allocation, quality assurance, and project timelines.

Duties include (not limited to the following)

Technical design and project delivery

• Lead the design and development of distributed energy schemes, energy centres, Air Source heat pump external compounds, Solar farm and aspects of retrofits/ modifications to existing structures and client owned assets.
• Lead the development of detailed construction drawings, technical specifications and tender documentation.
• Resolve, monitor where appropriate site queries to progress both design and site development.
• Lead the preparation of technical specifications (NBS)
• Have an awareness of cost implications within design.
• Liaising with external designers, customers and Vital Energi’s in-house project teams and integrate their requirements into the working drawings packages.
• Procure/ produce architectural detailing where non-standard – fire stopping, waterproofing and gas protection as listed examples.
• Compliance with CDM requirements and our in-house design processes.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice with company procedures.

Team leadership and project Co-ordination

• Act as a technical mentor to junior team members. Providing training and quality assurance to work produced.
• Co-ordinate with Architects Engineers, Contractors and 3rd party consultants to ensure seamless project execution.
• Lead client meetings, site inspections and contractor workshops, addressing technical queries raised by individuals.
• Ensure project timelines and budgets are met while maintaining high standard of quality.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control

• Conduct technical reviews to ensure designs meet statutory requirements, building codes and best practice.
• Lead Building Regulation approval, and preparation of applications.
• Lead Planning Application approval and preparation of applications.
• Oversee on site technical problem solving, liaising with construction teams to resolve any issues efficiently.
• Ensure all health and safety standards are integrated into design and construction processes.

The Person

The successful candidates will ideally be qualified at Degree level with a minimum of circa 5 to 7 years’ experience in a design/ design build environment.

• Strong affiliation to the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists whilst holding valid MCIAT accreditation.
• A strong understanding of current Building Regulations.
• A strong understanding of local planning policies.
• A good understanding with knowledge associated with renewable technologies.
• A familiarity of National Design Specifications (NES/NBS).
• Experience in preparing both Planning and Building Regulation applications.
• Experience of liaising with Local Authorities and other Statutory Bodies throughout project durations.
• Experience/ competence of being effective communicators, who are confident and focused, with the ability to manage their time and duties in a professional and effective way.
• Proven ability to lead projects from concept to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in client and stakeholder engagement.
• Be fluent with the RIBA Plan of Work and relevant design standards and stages.
• Have good knowledge of forms of contract used within the construction industry.

The Package

• Company Car
• Contributory Company Pension Scheme
• Non-contributory death-in-service insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional holidays awarded in line with length of service
• Option to purchase/sell additional holidays
• Onsite gym/wellbeing centre at our Blackburn Head Office
• Discounted gym membership across the UK
• EV charging points where possible

Applicants must have the unrestricted and ongoing right to work in the UK for the duration of employment, without the need for sponsorship. Due to the nature of this role, we are unable to support visa sponsorship or employ individuals with time‑limited permission or conditions attached to their right to work in the UK

The company is opposed to all forms of discrimination and will select for employment, training and promotion on the basis of suitability for the job and/ or merit. It is company policy that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of sex, race, colour, age, ethnic or national origins, political affiliations, religious beliefs, marital status, physical disability or is disadvantaged by unjustifiable conditions or requirements.