Architect - Principal or Associate Director - Social Housing HRB

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Capabilities

Architecture and Interiors

Office Setup

Hybrid

Job

#48318

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Shape the future of our cities. Lead landmark projects. Influence how people live, work and thrive.

At Jacobs, our Cities & Places team is transforming the built environment through integrated design, sustainable thinking and technical excellence. From major regeneration programmes and social housing developments to complex public sector and residential schemes, we create places that have a lasting positive impact on communities.

As our project portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking an established and experienced Principal Architect / Associate Director to join our Architecture team in Birmingham.

This is more than a project delivery role. It is an opportunity to take a strategic leadership position within a multidisciplinary business that brings together architects, engineers, urban designers, project managers, surveyors and transport planners to deliver some of the UK's most challenging and rewarding projects.

You will play a key role in shaping high-profile residential, social housing and public sector developments, guiding projects from concept through to completion while influencing design quality, technical excellence and client outcomes.

Working at the forefront of the industry's evolving regulatory landscape, you will help clients navigate the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the delivery of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), ensuring that innovative design solutions are safe, compliant and deliver lasting value.

You will bring a strong blend of technical expertise, design leadership and commercial awareness, with the confidence to lead complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Your experience across residential developments, social housing and Higher-Risk Buildings will enable you to provide trusted guidance to clients, drive high-quality design outcomes and successfully manage stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

As a senior member of the team, you will also play an important role in mentoring and developing architects and designers, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and championing technical excellence across the practice. Alongside project delivery, you will contribute to business growth through client development, strategic opportunities and market engagement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the architectural delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects across all design stages.
• Acting as a senior design lead, driving exceptional architectural outcomes.
• Providing technical leadership across residential, social housing and public sector projects.
• Advising clients on building safety, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Leading projects involving Higher-Risk Buildings and complex stakeholder environments.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Mentoring and inspiring architects and design professionals across the practice.
• Building and strengthening client relationships as a trusted advisor.
• Supporting business growth through bids, frameworks and strategic opportunities.
• Championing BIM, digital delivery and design innovation.
• Driving a culture of collaboration, quality and continuous improvement.

At Jacobs, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape communities and improve lives. You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team where your expertise is valued, your development is supported and your career ambitions can thrive.

If you're looking for an opportunity to influence project outcomes, drive technical excellence and help shape the future of the built environment, we'd love to hear from you.

*** The role is Hybrid 2 days in the office.

• Degree in Architecture and ARB Registered Architect
• RIBA Part 3 qualification (or equivalent recognised professional qualification).
• 10-15 years' post-qualification experience delivering complex architectural projects.
• Strong experience within the residential, social housing and public sector sectors.
• Proven experience delivering…