Senior Architectural Design Officer

Job Details

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 14 April 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Capital Programmes Division is looking to recruit an experienced CAD practitioner for its Senior Architectural Design Officer position. The service is responsible for developing and delivering Major and Minor Capital Programmes across the City, with a current programme value of approximately £200m pa. Projects include new schools, large‑scale solar PV installations, building demolition, repair, maintenance & refurbishment of heritage buildings, school refurbishments, galleries, leisure, and park buildings.

The role is based in the Design Team within the Capital Programmes Division's Project Management Office (PMO). The Design Team provides technical design and drafting expertise and guidance on a range of construction projects. The role holder will support the Design Manager in delivering a customer‑focused service, managing CAD documentation, and contributing to data capture and built‑asset management.

• Setting up drawing office standards and developing manuals and instruction books for staff.
• Developing and setting work targets and reviewing progress against these targets.
• Managing other CAD Officers.
• Developing team CAD skills and assisting Design Manager in developing new design services.
• Managing quality initiatives for all design documentation.
• Identifying areas of continuous improvement.
• Taking the lead on key CAD issues and contributing to feasibility work.
• Visiting sites for survey purposes or capturing asset data and attending meetings with clients and third parties at various locations.

• HNC/HND or degree‑level qualification in a construction‑related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of CAD/ICT applications and their use within the construction industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of the property and construction industry and awareness of the estate’s overall impacts.
• Familiarity with the National Building Specification (NBS) and ability to advise on component specification and design detailing queries.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, analytical, planning and organising skills to support the team and clients.

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of service, with the option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave for family support.
• Access to a range of discounts – shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs, eye tests, and more.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
• Commitment to secure, flexible work, fair pay, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days pro‑rate paid volunteering leave.

• Dedicated to diversity – we welcome applicants from all ages and backgrounds, especially BAME, disabled, and young people.
• Interview adjustments available – let us know your needs.
• Accessible formats – our Recite Me tool (text‑to‑speech, translation, adjustable text) is available.
• Disability‑confident employer with specialist support networks (Disabled Staff, Neurodiversity Staff, Mental Health Staff).

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel’s minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces (current or veteran)

• Current or former care leavers

• Those with a disability or long‑term condition.

Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship under the council policy.

Pre‑employment checks will be conducted as per role requirements.

We are committed to providing necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task proves unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.