Principal Architect | Building Design Team

Salaryper annum (Pay award pending) Permanent Full Time 37 hours per week Preston County Hall/Hybrid

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Principal Architect to lead our Architectural teamwithin the Building Design Team.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for delivering a diverse and high-profile portfolio of projects across the county. You will take ownership of architectural services ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently cost-effectively and to the highest quality standards supporting the Councils priorities and statutory obligations.

Working within a multidisciplinary Design and Construction Service alongside Surveyors Engineers Project Managers QSs and external partners you will play a key role in shaping sustainable innovative and inclusive environments for the people of Lancashire.

What You Will Do

In this role you will:

• Lead and manage the Architectural/Structural Team motivating and supporting staff to deliver high-quality services
• Oversee the delivery of architectural and structural projects and programmes ensuring alignment with budgets timescales and quality expectations
• Manage workload resources and priorities to ensure effective service delivery
• Champion design quality sustainability and innovation across all projects
• Provide specialist architectural and technical advice throughout all RIBA stages including design construction and defects
• Lead discussions and decision-making on complex design and construction issues
• Monitor and manage project costs budgets and reporting
• Work collaboratively across internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions
• Challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement and efficiency
• Support senior leadership in delivering the wider objectives of the Property Service

About You

We are looking for a proactive and decisive leader who:

• Is a professionally qualified and ARB-registered Architect (or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience
• Holds membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RIBA)
• Has significant experience managing architectural teams or multidisciplinary professionals at a senior level
• Demonstrates strong leadership organisational and people management skills
• Has excellent communication negotiation and stakeholder management abilities
• Can make informed decisions challenge performance and resolve complex issues effectively
• Has proven experience in delivering building design and construction projects
• Understands budget management project delivery and performance monitoring

Closing Date: 19/07/2026 Interview Date: w/c 03/08/2026

Why join us

By joining Lancashire County Council you can shape the career path that is right for you with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications coaching and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career youve always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise we offer a generous benefits package which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Important Application Information

Please upload a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) explaining how you meet the criteria for this role with direct reference to the Job Description and Person Specification. Applications without a supporting statement cannot be shortlisted. A CV alone is not sufficient.

You will be required to provide a car for business use with appropriate insurance. Applicants who cannot drive due to a disability will be considered.

Interviews will take place in person. The successful candidate will be expected to attend sites throughout Lancashire and work from our Preston office as required. This role does not offer fully remote working.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

How to Apply

Apply direct or for an informal confidential discussion about the role please contact:

Lindsey Coane Building Design Manager

Job Description & Person Specification