Architect and Planning Lead

Salutem Care & Education; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Salutem Care & Education is seeking an experienced Architect and Planning Lead to oversee in-house architectural and town-planning leadership for new services, schools, acquisitions, and major refurbishments across England and Wales. You will guide projects from feasibility to handover, ensuring compliant, value-driven designs that support Salutem’s care and education mission.

You will lead planning strategies, liaise with authorities, coordinate specialist consultants, and drive investment

Qualifications

• ARB-registered architect with strong planning and technical design experience.
• Knowledge of English and Welsh planning systems.
• Experience coordinating consultants and managing multiple projects.
• Experience with Building Regulations, fire safety, accessibility and CDM 2015.

Responsibilities

• 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 ensure 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.

Skills

Project leadership

Feasibility analysis

Planning expertise

Construction coordination

Stakeholder management

Education

ARB registration

RTPI qualification

Tools

BIM/Revit

Job description

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 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: Prioritizing 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.