Architecture Leader

We are looking for someone ambitious who wants to make their mark in architecture, building a strong practice that is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. This individual should be passionate about design, eager to tackle complex challenges, and committed to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and excellence.

Arup in Ireland established an Architecture team in 2020 to service our Science, Industry and Technology (SI&T) clients. Working as part of the existing 115 strong European Architecture network, the Irish team has grown rapidly and secured several significant commissions. We are now seeking an experienced Architecture Practice Leader, to work directly with the current Architecture discipline lead and work collaboratively with the wider Architectural disciplines of Master planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.

The Architecture Practice Leader is Associate Director Level or a Director level appointment and candidates should have 15-20 years relevant experience, with a proven track record of winning and delivering large projects. We are seeking someone who understands the dynamic of successfully managing clients, teams, and projects across a diverse spectrum of business areas

We take a holistic approach to our projects through architecture that focuses on people, their experiences, and their environment. Customer and context understanding, sustainability and regenerative design play a key role in our projects. As the Architecture Practice Leader for Ireland, you will work with the European Architecture leadership team to develop and drive our culture and lead challenging national and international projects. You will be client facing, working with our most trusted clients to deliver projects from conception through to handover in Ireland and across Europe.

You will be based in Cork with a remit for growth and will work with the existing Architectural Associate and Discipline Leader, to guide the current team of 10 architects and technologists, who are supported on current projects through our European Architecture network by a similar headcount. You will also work collaboratively with our Master planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture teams who collectively in Ireland, are similar in size to the Architecture team.

Current projects are strongly focused on the Science, Industry and Technology sector but we have an ambition for growth and for Architecture to support a much wider portfolio of clients, in areas such as Transport, Aviation and Energy. You will be responsible for the technical delivery, quality and commercial success of projects including compliance with project budgets and programmes. A leader with the proven ability to build, direct and support a high performing team of architects in the winning and delivery of projects.

This role offers you the opportunity to

• Lead and develop the Irish architecture team.
• Be client facing and lead multi-disciplinary projects.
• Prepare bids and feasibility studies.
• Maintain existing clients and develop new business relationships.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Architecture in Arup.
• Participate in process and contract design.
• Work with our business leaders in the Science Industry and Technology (SI&T) and the Cities Planning and Design sectors to win new work in Ireland and Europe.
• Be assigned projects of a complex nature, requiring skills in architecture, economics, business operations, marketing, etc., which may be team or individual oriented, and may have a far-reaching impact on the company.

Requirements

• 15 to 20 years of professional experience as an architect and business, practice or large team leader.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and proven mentorship skills in developing junior team members.
• Established reputation as an expert in the relevant field of expertise. In part can be evidenced by: consistent profitability on projects, consistent client retention, proven ability to develop new clients, strong ties and connections in the market or demonstrated ability to do so.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and presentations.
• Ability to successfully manage change.
• A history of delivering science, industry and technology projects would be favourable, as would experience with healthcare and transport infrastructure projects.
• Experience in the data centre sector an advantage.
• Experience or interest in Digital processes and software and developing knowledge of AI.
• Fiscal management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and resource planning.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, foresight, and decision-making skills.

What to expect at Arup:

• A multicultural and informal working environment where you can develop professionally by being part of a team who enjoy what they do.
• We believe that flexible arrangements, such as hybrid working, create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people.
• Opportunities for short or long assignments at Arup’s offices and projects anywhere in the world.
• Employees are eligible for the Global Profit Share scheme, which is dependent on the firm’s financial performance.
• Competitive performance-based salary growth.
• A strong corporate culture committed to its values: quality of work, holistic approach, humane organization, straight and honourable dealings, social usefulness and reasonable prosperity.
• Continuous training and professional development that will allow you to adapt to the growing needs of our clients as we embrace digital transformation.

Join us in shaping a better world.

Our goal is to shape a better world, finding solutions for some of the world’s most complex problems. From climate action to social value, we consider the most expansive impacts of our work. Our drive to build a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future shapes our culture and has made us leaders in sustainable development. The successful candidate will join our multi-disciplinary design teams focusing on technical excellence and innovative solutions that create a better future for people, places, and the planet.

'A better way'- Sustainability and Social Equity

At Arup, we strive to bring environmental sustainability and social equity together. We put sustainability at the heart of our projects and invest in research and development that helps tackle issues such as climate change and poverty. We have made a commitment to reach net zero by 2030 and to contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, creating shared value for our clients and our communities while safeguarding our planet. Read our net zero carbon plan here. Read our net zero carbon plan here.

A career at Arup gives you the chance to have a positive impact on the world. For us, corporate responsibility is not just a policy; it’s a way of working.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment for talented people of any background based on merit, fairness and respect. At Arup, you’ll be a welcomed member of the team with opportunities to participate in social, cultural and educational events with the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador) or with your colleagues by joining staff networks such as those for women, culture or the LGBTQ+ community.

Recruitment Agencies We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Thank you

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