Architect and Planning Lead

Job summary

Lead architectural and planning work across property searches, acquisitions, new builds, conversions, and refurbishments, taking projects from feasibility through planning, construction, and handover. Coordinate specialist consultants, support tendering and site delivery, and manage the Draftsperson while developing the organization’s design standards.

Job details

About The Company The Architect and Planning Lead will provide in-house architectural and town-planning leadership across Salutem's growth portfolio, including new services, schools, acquisitions, conversions, extensions and major refurbishments. The role will take opportunities from early site appraisal and feasibility through concept design, planning approval, technical coordination, tender support, construction and handover. Working as part of the Growth Team, the postholder will help Salutem make informed investment decisions by identifying planning, design, compliance and site constraints early, translating operational briefs into inclusive and deliverable schemes, and coordinating the external specialists required for each project. About You About The Role Architect and Planning Lead Salary: £65,000 – £80,000 | Location: Hybrid / Regional, with national travel as required | Contract: Full-time, Permanent About the role As Salutem grows, we're building a new in-house Growth Team to deliver new services, schools, acquisitions and major refurbishments across England and Wales. We're looking for an experienced Architect and Planning Lead to take projects from early site appraisal and feasibility through design, planning approval and construction to handover. You'll help us make well-informed investment decisions and create environments that improve outcomes for the people we support and educate. What You'll Do Lead the architectural and planning input on property searches, acquisitions and early business cases Turn service and education briefs into inclusive, practical designs for new builds, conversions and refurbishments Develop planning strategies and manage applications as the main contact with local planning authorities Coordinate structural, fire, M&E and other specialist consultants, and make sure designs meet Building Regulations and CDM 2015 Support tendering, site inspections, snagging and handover alongside the Quantity Surveyor Manage the Draftsperson and help develop Salutem's design standards Who We're Looking For Registered Architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Strong experience taking projects from feasibility through planning and technical design Detailed knowledge of the English and Welsh planning systems Working knowledge of Building Regulations, fire safety, accessibility and CDM 2015 Confident leading consultants and managing several projects at once Desirable RIBA Chartered Membership, and an RTPI qualification or substantial town-planning expertise Experience in care, supported living, children's services, SEND education or healthcare Experience of Principal Designer duties, BIM/Revit, Modern Methods of Construction or low-carbon design Our Core Values: ➡️Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential. ➡️Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes. ➡️Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support. ➡️Unique: Innovating without compromising quality. ➡️Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect. ➡️Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved. ➡️Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities. Why Choose Us? ✅Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support. ✅ Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support. ✅ Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance. ✅ Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities. Still not convinced? 🌟 Recognised as a Top Employer United Kingdom 2026 by the Top Employers Institute. 🌍 Named among the Top 100 Global Inspiring Workplaces by Inspiring Workplaces. ♿ Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.

What you’ll do

Lead architectural and planning work across property searches, acquisitions, new builds, conversions, and refurbishments, taking projects from feasibility through planning, construction, and handover. Coordinate specialist consultants, support tendering and site delivery, and manage the Draftsperson while developing the organization’s design standards.

Requirements

Applicants must be an ARB-registered Architect with strong experience taking projects from feasibility through planning and technical design, and detailed knowledge of planning systems in England and Wales. They should understand Building Regulations, fire safety, accessibility, and CDM 2015, and be confident leading consultants and managing multiple projects; RIBA membership, planning qualifications, and relevant sector experience are desirable.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Mental Health Resources
• Meditation Apps
• Bereavement Support
• Online General Practitioner Access
• Health Cash Plan
• Cancer Cover
• Menopause Support
• Flexible Pay
• Utility Bill Savings
• Money Helper
• Life Assurance
• Online Workouts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Gym Discounts
• National Trust Activities

Listed skills

• Architectural Design · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Site Inspections · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Architectural Design
• Town Planning
• Feasibility Assessment
• Planning Applications
• Planning Strategy
• Building Regulations
• Fire Safety
• Accessibility
• CDM 2015
• Consultant Coordination
• Project Management
• Tender Support
• Site Inspections
• Design Standards
• Investment Appraisal
• Technical Design

Job areas

• Engineering
• Construction
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Social Services

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