SME Technical Architect

Balfour Beatty plc; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Free parking & travel allowance

Family-friendly policies

Wellbeing support & flu vaccinations

Job summary

Balfour Beatty VINCI is delivering HS2 infrastructure in the Midlands. The SME Architect will maintain design intent across construction, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders while upholding UK Building Regulations and industry standards.

The role requires Chartered Architect status and extensive experience in major projects, with strong communication and problem-solving skills to support commissioning and handover.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture or related field.
• ARB Chartered Architect status.
• Extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as architectural SME for HS2 project elements.
• Review designs to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Coordinate interfaces between engineering, MEP, civil, and construction teams.
• Support design assurance activities and design approvals.
• Manage architectural issues during construction and installation.
• Review submittals, samples, queries and design changes.
• Conduct site inspections and quality audits to confirm design intent.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, consultants, and client representatives.
• Identify risks and opportunities for value engineering.

Skills

Architectural SME

Stakeholder coordination

Building Regulations knowledge

Team coordination

Education

Degree in Architecture or related built environment

ARB Chartered Architect

Tools

BIM coordination

Autodesk software

Job description

HS2, Britain's new high-speed railway is at peak construction. Balfour Beatty VINCI is HS2's construction partner in the Midlands, responsible for delivering 90km of the route, from Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Handsacre in Staffordshire.

Now is a great time to join us and be part of a diverse team of nearly 9,000 people from over 80 nationalities working together to deliver major assets including bridges, tunnels and viaducts. Whether onsite or office based all colleagues have a key part to play in delivering this critical transport infrastructure project.

Location:

Based in Birmingham - the Central Region runs from the east of Birmingham into the city centre, comprising Sublot Delta, 1B, 4 and 5S. More than 50% of the structures within IPT Area North are located in the Central Region. This region, which covers a complex urban environment, also includes the 3.5 mile twin bore Bromford Tunnel. It also includes Interchange Station, as well as crossing three major highways (A45, M6 and M42).

Role Purpose:

The SME Architect will be responsible for ensuring architectural design intent is maintained throughout construction, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders, and supporting the successful delivery of world-class transport infrastructure. This role combines technical authority, design management, compliance oversight, and site delivery support within one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes.

Key Accountabilities:

• Act as the architectural Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned HS2 project elements.
• Review, interpret and provide guidance on architectural designs, specifications, and technical standards.
• Ensure compliance with HS2 requirements, Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.
• Coordinate architectural interfaces between engineering, MEP, civil, structural and construction teams.
• Support design assurance activities and participate in technical reviews and design approvals.
• Manage and resolve architectural issues arising during construction and installation phases.
• Review contractor submittals, material samples, technical queries and design change requests.
• Conduct site inspections and quality audits to ensure adherence to design intent and project standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, consultants, subcontractors and client representatives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and value engineering initiatives related to architectural works.
• Support BIM coordination and digital design integration activities.
• Contribute to commissioning, handover and operational readiness processes.
• Produce technical reports, presentations and project documentation as required.
• Degree in Architecture or a relevant built environment discipline.
• Chartered Architect status (ARB registered;
• Significant experience in large-scale infrastructure, rail, transportation, aviation, commercial or complex construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning processes, fire safety requirements and accessibility standards.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams within major project environments.
• Excellent understanding of architectural detailing, construction methodologies and material specifications.
• Ability to interpret and review complex technical drawings and documentation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience within Design Management, Technical Assurance or Construction Support functions.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK to be considered.

Why Join Us:

• Flexible working options
• Free parking & travel allowance (where eligible)
• Family-friendly policies
• Wellbeing support & flu vaccinations

About Us

Balfour Beatty VINCI is a joint venture with over 30 years of experience delivering iconic infrastructure, including the Channel Tunnel, Crossrail, and upgrading some of the UK’s busiest motorways. On HS2, we're building everything from viaducts and tunnels to bridges and embankments across the West Midlands.

Diversity & Inclusion

We're proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming people from all backgrounds, abilities and neurodiversities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities.

Flexible Working

We're open to discussing flexible working arrangements to suit your needs, aligned with project requirements.