Head of Architecture

Salary:

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SNG is seeking a talented Head of Architecture to join our team, based from our Wembley office with flexible hybrid working arrangements. This pivotal role will lead the promotion of best practice across the organisation, working closely with stakeholders to drive consistency and excellence in design, and ultimately delivering high-quality, sustainable outcomes for our communities and the environment. 

To achieve SNG’s vision to create thriving communities, over generations, through the provision of high-quality homes and places, the organisation needs to combine commercial and technical skills with an understanding of architecture, design and placemaking. SNG want not only to be a good practitioner, but the developer and promoter of best practice across the sector. It is against this backdrop that the role of Head of Architecture has been created. 

The role: 

The role will lead on the development of an in-house architecture strategy to deliver high-quality, commercially viable and regulatory-compliant projects across SNG’s portfolio, working closely with the Design Director to enhance design quality across our new build and urban regeneration programmes within three operating regions.  

The post holder will champion, support and promote high-quality design by building in-house design capability, requiring close liaison and proactive engagement with internal and external project teams. 

Key accountabilities include:   

• Shaping and driving SNG’s architectural vision, working alongside the Senior Leadership Group and Design Director to deliver standout housing typologies and masterplans. 

• Be the go-to design expert for Development and Senior Development Managers across all regions. 

• Leading the creation and evolution of high-quality standard house types, setting the benchmark for great design. 

• Owning and delivering master planning studies that directly influence and strengthen our Homes and Place standards. 

• Producing compelling, high-level feasibility studies in collaboration with Built Environment and Regional teams. 

• Building strong, influential relationships across the business, raising the profile and impact of the design team. 

• Taking the lead on consultant scopes, briefs, and appointments—ensuring clarity, quality, and consistency. 

• Inspiring excellence through training, site visits, and place reviews—bringing placemaking and design best practice to life. 

• Championing exceptional standards in architecture, urban design, and placemaking, driving a consistent, high-quality approach across every project. 

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Architects Registration Board (ARB) registered architect with a demonstrable track record of high-quality residential and mixed-use masterplans, working with commercial developers and housing associations.  

• Extensive UK housing design and master planning experience across a range of densities, typologies, and tenures.  

• Advanced Revit skills, including modelling, annotation, coordination, visualisation, management and setup.  

• Extensive experience in RIBA work stages 1-3, with some experience in work stages 4-6.  

• Excellent understanding of UK housing design building regulations.  

• Significant project leadership experience.  

• Clear conceptual design approach and excellent understanding of best practice housing design.  

• Ability to be highly collaborative with multiple internal stakeholders at all levels.

We have some great benefits at SNG, including:

• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)

• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package

• 3 additional wellbeing days and 2 paid volunteering days

• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary

• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay 

• Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover

• Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service

At Sovereign Network Group, we are passionate about inclusion for all and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at SNG. Take a look at our careers site to learn more about us and our values.