Technical Manager – Architecture | Data, Defence & Energy Specialist Contractor 💼 £80,000 – £90,000 + Car Allowance & Excellent Benefits Package 📍 Corsham, Wiltshire (SN13) 🏗️ Data Centres | Defence | Energy | Mission Critical | Design & Build | Main Contractor Walker & Sloan are working with an outstanding specialist construction contractor to recruit an experienced Technical Manager – Architecture to lead the technical management of architectural design across their projects, based from their Wiltshire office. Our client is a highly respected general contractor with over forty years of specialist experience across the Data, Defence and Energy sectors. A comprehensive design, construction and engineering provider, they deliver everything from site acquisition and architecture through to refurbishment and client occupancy, on projects where there are no simple solutions, only specialist needs. Delivering multi-million-pound projects across the UK, the business is built on long-term partnerships with key clients and a reputation for achieving the highest quality outcomes while maintaining financial commitments. For an experienced architectural technical lead looking to own design assurance on some of the UK’s most technically demanding projects, this represents an exceptional opportunity. The Opportunity As Technical Manager – Architecture, you’ll be the discipline lead for architectural design, ensuring design solutions are safe, compliant, buildable and aligned with client, programme, cost and quality requirements. Reporting to the Head of Technical, you’ll provide architectural expertise from pre-construction through design, construction and handover, managing technical risk and coordinating internal and external design stakeholders. You’ll have genuine authority to determine architectural technical approaches, challenge designs and specifications, require additional assurance where information falls short, and recommend design changes and value-engineering options. Importantly, this isn’t simply a design review position. You’ll be a key technical decision-maker, shaping how projects are designed, procured and built, and setting the standard for architectural quality across the business. The Role You’ll provide technical leadership for architectural design and its interfaces, reviewing and challenging design information, specifications and technical submissions, resolving complex technical issues and maintaining design intent throughout delivery. At pre-construction, you’ll review employer’s requirements, tender information and design proposals, identify scope gaps, risks and value-engineering opportunities, and support the technical content of bids, contractor’s proposals and consultant appointments. You’ll lead design reviews, technical assurance and safety-in-design activity, ensuring designs comply with Building Regulations, planning requirements, CDM, project specifications and company standards, and maintaining oversight of design change, RFIs, technical queries and concessions. During construction, you’ll support site teams through installation, inspection and handover, carrying out site reviews and technical inspections, resolving design-related issues affecting quality, buildability, programme or cost, and supporting design acceptance, as-built information and O&M documentation. Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and the procurement and commercial teams, you’ll make sure technical decisions take full account of programme, cost, risk and contractual requirements, and support scopes, technical reviews and tender assessments. You’ll also mentor project and technical team members, capture and share lessons learned, and help drive improvements in technical governance, quality assurance, digital tools and design processes. About You You’ll be an experienced Architectural Technical Manager, Design Manager, Senior Architectural Technologist or Architect with significant experience managing architectural design within construction or engineering projects, ideally for a main contractor or design-and-build business. You’ll combine strong technical knowledge of architectural design, building materials and systems with a practical understanding of how projects are built, and the confidence to challenge consultants and subcontractors. Experience within Data Centres, Mission Critical, Defence, Energy, Industrial or other technically complex construction environments would be particularly advantageous. You’ll ideally demonstrate: * Significant experience managing architectural design from pre-construction through construction and handover * Strong knowledge of Building Regulations, planning requirements and architectural statutory approvals * Experience reviewing consultant and subcontractor designs and technical submissions * Strong architectural detailing, material specification and construction package experience * Experience applying relevant legislation, standards and design-and-build contract requirements * A track record of identifying technical risk, scope gaps and value-engineering opportunities * Experience providing technical guidance and coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders A degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture, Architectural Technology or a related discipline is required, with MCIAT, ARB registration or other relevant professional membership desirable. A CSCS card and SMSTS, along with knowledge of CDM 2015, safety in design, the Building Safety Act and BIM/CDE environments, would be advantageous. Data centre or defence experience would be highly beneficial, although strong architectural technical leads from other technically complex construction sectors are strongly encouraged to apply. Above all, we’re looking for someone who combines deep architectural technical knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to own design assurance on complex projects. What’s on Offer? * £80,000 – £90,000 basic salary * Car allowance (where eligible) * Competitive pension scheme * BUPA Healthcare & Cash Plan * Electric vehicle scheme * Cycle to Work scheme * Eyecare vouchers * 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and your birthday off * Discipline lead for architecture on technically demanding data, defence and energy projects * Genuine technical authority and influence from pre-construction through to handover * Opportunity to mentor project and technical team members * Long-term career progression within a highly respected, growing specialist contractor Interested? If you’re an experienced architectural technical lead looking for a senior role in Wiltshire, this represents an outstanding opportunity to join a growing specialist contractor delivering some of the UK’s most technically demanding construction projects. You’ll have the chance to own architectural design assurance, work alongside an experienced technical and delivery team and play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of every project the business delivers. Apply today or contact Walker & Sloan for a confidential discussion. ⚡ Confidential enquiries and early applications are strongly encouraged
Technical Manager in Corsham employer: Walker & Sloan
Join a well-established national construction business in Cardiff, where you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality residential developments. With a strong emphasis on career progression and job security, this role offers competitive benefits including a salary of up to £70,000, a car allowance, and a robust pension plan. Experience a collaborative work culture that values innovation and sustainability while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Corsham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Walker & Sloan, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Technical Manager at Walker & Sloan.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker & Sloan
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
