Salary £51,356 – £55,612 per 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 team, within 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 Council’s priorities and statutory obligations.
Working within a multidisciplinary Design and Construction Service alongside Surveyors, Engineers, Project Managers, QS's 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
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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 you've 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
[email protected]
01772 530412
Job Description & Person Specification
