Principal Architect

Nexus; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Travel benefits across Tyne and Wear

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discount and rewards program

Job summary

Nexus is seeking an exceptional Principal Architect to lead architectural stewardship, development and assurance across the Metro and wider transport network in the North East of England. You will shape station buildings, bus infrastructure and assets, acting as the technical authority for architectural matters across capital projects and operations.

You will work with project teams, contractors and senior stakeholders to set standards, drive safety, accessibility and long-term resilience,

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture or equivalent experience and ARB registration.
• Knowledge of architectural design, including structural, accessibility and planning aspects.
• Experience producing specifications, reports and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for architectural matters across Nexus estate.
• Lead input into capital projects from concept to handover.
• Develop and maintain technical standards and guidance.
• Assess asset condition and lifecycle strategies for stations and buildings.
• Provide specialist advice to project teams and senior leaders.

Skills

Architectural expertise

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Lifecycle management

Regulatory knowledge

BIM/drawings knowledge

Education

Degree in Architecture

ARB registration

Membership of an architectural institution

Tools

BIM-related information

Job description

Job Summary

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time

Advert Start Date: 19/10/2026

Advert End Date: 16/11/2026 09:00

Salary: Circa £62,000

Job Category: Public Transport

Vacancy ID: 303701

Employment Location: Infrastructure Gosforth, Gosforth Industrial Estate, Christon Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1XD

Number of posts: 1

Closing date: 16 Nov

Further Information

Shape the future of public transport infrastructure across the North East

Nexus is making significant investment in its engineering capability, creating a rare opportunity to join and strengthen an already experienced and highly respected team. As we continue to evolve our network and embrace new technologies, we're looking for talented professionals who can bring their expertise, challenge thinking, and help shape the future of our engineering function.

We're looking for an exceptional architectural professional to join Nexus as our Principal Architect, leading the stewardship, development and assurance of architectural assets across the Metro and wider transport network.

As the technical authority for architectural matters, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our stations, buildings and bus infrastructure, providing expert leadership across capital projects, asset renewals, maintenance and operations. This is a unique opportunity to influence infrastructure that serves communities across Tyne and Wear every day, ensuring our assets remain safe, compliant, accessible and fit for purpose long into the future.

Working closely with project teams, engineering specialists, contractors, consultants and senior stakeholders, you'll help deliver some of the region's most important transport infrastructure projects while setting the standards that guide our architectural assets for years to come.

Typical Day

• Act as the technical lead and subject matter expert for architectural matters across the Nexus estate.
• Lead architectural input into major capital projects from concept and design through to construction and handover.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, specifications and guidance to ensure safety, compliance and best practice.
• Assess asset condition and develop lifecycle management strategies for stations, buildings and associated infrastructure.
• Provide specialist advice to project managers, designers, consultants, contractors and senior leaders.
• Lead audits, inspections, investigations and reviews where architectural expertise is required.
• Champion innovation and identify opportunities to improve the performance, sustainability and customer experience of Nexus assets.
• Lead and support specialist engineering resources within the team.

About You

You are an experienced architectural professional who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, leadership and the ability to influence others. You are equally comfortable discussing strategic asset investment decisions as you are reviewing technical details and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

• A degree in Architecture, or equivalent industry experience within a relevant architectural discipline.
• ARB registration.
• Membership of a relevant architectural institution.
• Demonstrable architectural experience.
• Knowledge of architectural design and associated disciplines including structural, accessibility and planning considerations.
• Knowledge of architectural regulations, British Standards and industry guidance.
• Knowledge of engineering and construction standards together with Health and Safety legislation, including CDM.
• Experience producing specifications, standards, reports, procedures and technical documentation.
• Experience assessing asset condition and managing asset lifecycles.
• Working knowledge of architectural software, drawings, specifications and BIM-related information.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical information to a range of audiences.

It would be advantageous if you are a Chartered Architect, or working towards Chartered status, and have experience within the railway, transport or sub-surface environment.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of architectural standards across a complex and diverse transport estate and make a lasting impact on the future of public transport in the North East.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Influence regionally significant transport infrastructure projects.
• Shape the future development of Metro stations, operational buildings and transport facilities.
• Lead architectural decision-making across capital delivery, asset management and operational environments.
• Work alongside highly skilled engineering professionals in a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
• Leave a visible legacy that will benefit customers and communities for generations.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary circa £62k
• You’ll be part of a generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme)
• 28 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays and time off for volunteering too
• Enjoy travelling for free in Tyne and Wear with our enhanced travel benefits for you and your family
• Free or discounted travel with Grand Central, LNER, Lumo, Northern Rail and TransPennine Express
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a health cash plan that will contribute (and dependants if you have them) towards dental costs, optical, and lots more
• Access to our reward app with over 1000 plus high street discounts on groceries, holidays and days out
• We like to grow our own colleagues (not literally of course!), so when you’re ready for the next step in your career, we can help develop you
• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future safety and resilience of public transport across the region.

About Us

At Nexus, we're investing in the future of transport. From station modernisation programmes and infrastructure renewals to delivering improvements that enhance accessibility and customer experience, we're transforming the network for future generations.

Our Engineering team is at the heart of that transformation. If you're looking for a challenging, rewarding and high-profile role where your expertise can genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.