Head of Architecture - Design Manager

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.

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.

• 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.

We're looking for an exceptional leader who combines technical architectural expertise with strong commercial awareness and outstanding stakeholder management skills.

• 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.

• 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.

Due to the nature of the projects undertaken, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance, with eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) desirable.