Senior Architectural Technologist

Vital Energi; Darwen; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vital Energi is seeking a Senior Architectural Technologist to lead the technical design of energy centres and renewable energy schemes from concept to completion. Based at our Blackburn head office, the role reports to the CSA Lead and Architectural Development Manager.

You will deliver detailed drawings, coordinate with civil/structural teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with Building Regulations and CDM processes while managing project timelines and budgets.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Architectural Technology (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5–7 years in a design/design-build environment.
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations and planning policies.
• Familiarity with NES/NBS and contract forms used in construction.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver detailed tender and construction drawings; conduct site surveys and ensure building regulation compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and integrate high-performance energy solutions with internal teams.
• Mentor and manage Graduate ATs/Technicians and oversee workload and timelines.
• Lead the design of energy centres and distributed energy schemes from concept to completion.

Skills

MCIAT accreditation

Building Regulations

Renewable energy

Project leadership

Education

Degree in Architectural Technology

Tools

SketchUp

REVIT

Job description

Senior Architectural Technologist

Vital Energi are at the forefront of the UK's low carbon energy generating systems of the future. We essentially work in the construction industry, in a rapidly expanding market for Heat and Power Solutions from renewable energy. As a leading turnkey engineering contractor, we design, install, operate and maintain environmentally friendly energy generating systems and networks.

Due to Vital Energi's continued growth, we require an Senior level / experienced Architectural Technologist based at our Head Office in Blackburn, to work in this exciting and growing sector of the industry.

Reporting to the CSA Lead and Architectural Development Manager, you will lead the technical design of energy centres and renewable energy schemes (Heat Pumps/Solar) from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Delivery: Produce detailed tender and construction drawings, conduct site surveys, and ensure building regulation compliance.
• Technical Leadership: Integrate high-performance energy solutions and coordinate with civil and structural teams.
• Team Management: Mentor and manage Graduate ATs/Technicians, overseeing workload allocation, quality assurance, and project timelines.

Technical design and project delivery

• Lead the design and development of distributed energy schemes, energy centres, Air Source heat pump external compounds, Solar farm and aspects of retrofits/ modifications to existing structures and client owned assets.
• Lead the development of detailed construction drawings, technical specifications and tender documentation.
• Resolve, monitor where appropriate site queries to progress both design and site development.
• Lead the preparation of technical specifications (NBS)
• Have an awareness of cost implications within design.
• Liaising with external designers, customers and Vital Energi’s in-house project teams and integrate their requirements into the working drawings packages.
• Procure/ produce architectural detailing where non-standard – fire stopping, waterproofing and gas protection as listed examples.
• Compliance with CDM requirements and our in in-house design processes.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice with company procedures.

Team leadership and project Co-ordination

• Act as a technical mentor to junior team members. Providing training and quality assurance to work produced.
• Co-ordinate with Architects Engineers, Contractors and 3rd party consultants to ensure seamless project execution.
• Lead client meetings, site inspections and contractor workshops, addressing technical queries raised by individuals.
• Ensure project timelines and budgets are met while maintaining high standard of quality.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control

• Conduct technical reviews to ensure designs meet statutory requirements, building codes and best practice
• Lead Building Regulation approval, and preparation of applications
• Lead Planning Application approval and preparation of applications
• Oversee on site technical problem solving, liaising with construction teams to resolve any issues efficiently.
• Ensure all healthy and safety standard are integrated into design and construction processes.

The Person

The successful candidates will ideally be qualified at Degree level with a minimum of circa 5 to 7 years' experience in a design/ design build environment.

Attributes essential for the role

• Strong affiliation to the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists whilst holding valid MCIAT accreditation.
• A strong understanding of current Building Regulations.
• A strong understanding of local planning policies
• A good understanding with knowledge associated with renewable technologies.
• A familiarity of National Design Specifications (NES/NBS)
• Experience in preparing both Planning and Building Regulation applications
• Experience of liaising with Local Authorities and other Statutory Bodies throughout project durations.
• Experience/ competence of being effective communicators, who are confident and focused, with the ability to manage their time and duties in a professional and effective way.
• Proven ability to lead projects from concept to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in client and stake holder engagement.
• Be fluent with the RIBA Plan of Work and relevant design standards and stages.
• Have good knowledge of forms of contract used within the construction industry.

Attributes advantageous, though not essential to the role as training and/or support will be provided

• Experience working on highly sustainable or net zero carbon projects
• Experience in the use of 3D drafting software (Sketch Up & REVIT)
• Experience in the design and build sector
• Competent knowledge of steel and/or concrete structures
• Competent knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical services
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and their application in building design

The successful candidate will join a small team of construction professionals and will work on a variety of projects that may all be running concurrently. The role would suit a dynamic, recently qualified and experienced Architectural Technologist who wishes to broaden their skill range in an exciting and fast-moving sector of the construction industry.

The company is opposed to all forms of discrimination and will select for employment, training and promotion on the basis of suitability for the job and/ or merit. It is company policy that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of sex, race, colour, age, ethnic or national origins, political affiliations, religious beliefs, marital status, physical disability or is disadvantaged by unjustifiable conditions or requirements.

Applicants must have the unrestricted and ongoing right to work in the UK for the duration of employment, without the need for sponsorship. Due to the nature of this role, we are unable to support visa sponsorship or employ individuals with time-limited permission or conditions attached to their right to work in the UK.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Vital Energi Utilities Ltd is not accepting unsolicited CVs from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. CVs submitted to any Vital Energi Utilities Ltd employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Vital Energi Utilities Ltd. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you