Senior Project Lead / Senior Architect

Swann Edwards Architecture Ltd; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Swann Edwards Architecture Ltd is seeking a Senior Project Lead who will oversee architectural projects from inception to completion. The role includes managing client relationships, leading teams, and ensuring high-quality design and technical documentation. Candidates should possess a RIBA Part 3 qualification, with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience and proven abilities in project management and leadership.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Minimum 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private healthcare

Non-contractual bonus scheme

Long service awards

Staggered start/finish times

Relaxed and supportive team culture

Fully equipped kitchen and communal lunch provision

Regular social events

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-qualification UK experience.
• Proven experience leading projects across all RIBA stages.
• Strong knowledge of UK Planning Policy and Building Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage architectural projects from feasibility through to delivery.
• Prepare and present fee proposals and tender documentation.
• Mentor and support junior staff and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Design

Project Management

Technical Delivery

Education

RIBA Part 3 qualification or CIAT accreditation

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft 365

Revit/3D modelling

Job description

About the Role

As a Senior Project Lead, you’ll take responsibility from initial consultation to completion, delivering on the client’s brief across all RIBA stages. Our vision is to simplify the process of creating buildings for our clients and you will be central to delivering this. You’ll play a leading role in shaping our projects and our practice—managing client relationships, leading teams, and growing the business through networking, fee proposals, and winning new projects.

This role is suited to someone who is not only confident in design, project management, and technical delivery, but also enjoys leadership, mentoring, and actively contributing to practice development.

Project Work

You’ll be working across a wide range of sectors including:

• Residential developments (private clients, housing associations, and speculative developers)
• Commercial and industrial projects
• Community buildings and educational facilities
• Passivhaus and low energy buildings

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage architectural projects from feasibility through to delivery
• Prepare and present fee proposals and tender documentation
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Mentor and support junior staff and technicians
• Represent the practice at networking events, forums, and meetings
• Produce and review high-quality design and technical documentation
• Undertake the Principal Designer role under CDM 2015 and Building Regs 2022
• Contribute to strategic business development within the Built Environment Collective

What We’re Looking For

• RIBA Part 3 qualified or CIAT accredited (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification UK experience
• Proven experience leading projects across all RIBA stages
• Strong knowledge of UK Planning Policy and Building Regulations
• Confident communicator and team leader
• Skilled in AutoCAD and Microsoft 365 (Revit/3D modelling desirable)
• Clean UK driving licence

Why Join Us?

We offer a progressive, people-centred workplace that values wellbeing, creativity, and professional development.

• Flexible hybrid working
• Minimum 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Non-contractual bonus scheme
• Long service awards
• Staggered start/finish times
• Relaxed and supportive team culture
• Fully equipped kitchen and communal lunch provision
• Regular social events

About Us

Swann Edwards Architecture delivers high-quality, sustainable designs with a personal touch. As part of the Built Environment Collective, we collaborate with industry professionals across architecture, planning, ecology, surveying, and more. Learn more about us at www.swannedwards.co.uk and www.be-collective.co.uk.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and Portfolio (max 10MB) to: [e-mail]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.