Head of Architecture

We are currently representing a multi-disciplinary Design and Construction Management company based near Watford, Hertfordshire which prides itself in delivering technically complex projects. Key market sectors are Pharmaceutical, Food and Universities with an emphasis on R&D and Manufacturing facilities. They are now embarking on a business expansion plan to grow the UK business and accordingly have an opportunity for an individual to lead their Architecture Department and support the management team. Architectural Section Head Role: Direct and supervise the activities of personnel within the Architectural Section, liaise with the other design disciplines in order to produce all necessary design drawings, specifications, and other relevant documentation to the required standard. The incumbent is responsible for:-

• The Architectural design aspects of the project, including allocation of department resources to deal with the preparation of a coordinated architectural design
• The quality and productivity of the Architectural Section and assists in the selection of new personnel, provides training and guidance
• Staying abreast of current design trends, technologies and continually share this knowledge.

WIDER ROLE WITHIN THE BUSINESS:

The Architectural Section is one of four design disciplines in the Design and Engineering Department. The Architectural Section Head:

• Ensures that completed drawings, specifications and other documents are issued in accordance with the Project Contract Plan delivery dates.
• Participates in the preparation of estimates for design assignments, and monitors hours spent on each project.
• When undertaking construction stages, coordinates with the Construction department to ensure that regular and timely site visits are made in order to monitor progress, quality of the installation and to ensure compliance with design.
• Provides programme advice to the Project Manager when required.
• Takes part in regular design reviews and where necessary holds interim reviews to resolve specific design challenges with other disciplines.
• Identifies and discusses problems and challenges with the Director of Design & Engineering.
• Co-ordinates, exchanges information with other Section Heads, Project Managers, and client's technical representatives.

The incumbent may be required to perform the role of design lead and will involve the following duties:

• Be the main Client contact/interface.
• Co-ordination of the multi-disciplinary design.
• Review and approve the issue of design information to the Client.
• Develop and manage the design/delivery programme with the Client and the internal design team.
• Host and co-ordinate regular internal design review meetings.
• Provide guidance and motivation to the design team to enable them to produce compliant, and where possible innovative designs on time and within budget.
• Ensure that both the Clients brief and the quality of the design achieved are the best possible.
• Lead internal and client facing presentations in conjunction with other team members.
• Manage internal design resources in liaison with other Section Heads.

Support Role with Developing the Business: With direction from the Managing Director support the other Directors with:

• Developing and refining business systems and procedures throughout the business under the guidance of the Managing Director.
• Collaborating with the Design & Engineering, Commercial & Estimating, Project Management & Construction Management directors to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of the requirements.
• Working alongside the Director of Integration to optimise procedures and improve overall efficiency.
• Acting as Design Manager when necessary to ensure timely and accurate project delivery.

This is a fantastic chance to join a very established team as they continue to grow a strong brand and client base. Previous experience of leading architectural divisions in the UK will be essential and having worked in a multi-disciplinary environment would be extremely helpful, as would prior experience of the market sectors listed. We have lots more background info to share so if you are suitable and interested please email your CV/portfolio to us for a confidential conversation. Your expert recruitment consultant is Kieran How, call today on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer