Architect and Planning Lead

Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Salutem Care and Education is seeking an experienced Architect and Planning Lead to provide in-house architectural and town-planning leadership across its growth portfolio, from feasibility through handover. The role is hybrid/ regional with national travel and a full-time, permanent contract.

You will lead planning strategies, coordinate consultants, ensure Building Regulations and CDM 2015 compliance, and translate service briefs into deliverable schemes.

Qualifications

• Registered Architect with ARB
• Experience taking projects from feasibility through planning and technical design
• 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 architectural and planning input on property searches and acquisitions
• Turn service and education briefs into inclusive, practical designs
• Develop planning strategies and manage applications with planning authorities
• Coordinate consultants and ensure regulatory compliance
• Support tendering, site inspections, and handover with the QS
• Help develop Salutem's design standards

Skills

Project leadership

Planning coordination

Building Regulations knowledge

CDM 2015 knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

ARB registered Architect

RTPI qualification (desirable)

Tools

BIM/Revit

Modern methods of construction

Low-carbon design

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: 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.

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.