Architect and Planning Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program

Health & wellbeing benefits

Flexible pay options (Wagestream)

Travel opportunities nationwide

Job summary

Salutem Care & Education is expanding its in-house Growth Team across England and Wales, seeking an experienced Architect and Planning Lead to drive feasibility, planning approvals and construction through handover. You will shape investments and create environments that improve outcomes for the people we support and educate.

The role requires leading design teams, coordinating consultants, ensuring Building Regulations and CDM 2015 compliance, and aligning with acquisitions and major

Qualifications

• ARB registered architect with strong experience from feasibility through planning and technical design.
• Deep knowledge of English and Welsh planning systems.
• Knowledge of Building Regulations, fire safety, accessibility and CDM 2015.
• Ability to lead consultants and manage multiple projects.

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.

Skills

Project leadership

Planning & design

Building Regulations knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

RIBA Chartered Membership

RTPI qualification / town-planning expertise

Job description

Architect and Planning Lead, 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

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

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.

Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 | Location: Hybrid / Regional, with national travel as required | Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 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.