Senior Architect

Permanent
Headquarters/Hybrid
G
£47,916-£57,256
Closing date
23/06/2023, 12:00
All Hours required
Full-Time - 37 Hours

The postholder shall provide support to the SPS Estates Head of Professional and Technical Services - providing direction for and delivering a quality building design advice service on behalf of Estates and Technical Services and progressing initiatives as requested by the SPS Head of Estates and Technical Services.

The postholder shall be responsible for the oversight of the on-going development and operation of the Estates Electronic Document System and the maintenance of the records of the estate.

The postholder shall act as design champion and ensure that a standard suite of suitable design standards are available and kept under review, providing project specific guidance, advice and assistance in the delivery of projects with the aim to ensuring the delivery of high quality outcomes; promotion of quality design in its role in contributing to the aims of the SPS and in ensuring delivery positive outcomes for the users of the SPS buildings and estate; and  co-ordinating business and design improvement initiatives.

The job shall include maintaining contact with UK, other prison and judicial authorities, other governmental groups (Scottish and UK) and advisory organisations.

Responsibilities

Strategy – Inputting into development plans, option and feasibility studies, research and investigations to develop strategic and/or specific responses to Estates business needs.

Resource Management - Overseeing the provision of an internally resourced design service in support of business cases, new developments, initiatives and minor projects. Undertaking the management of any external consultants appointed to provide design or other professional services; directing design commissions in support of projects where appropriate; and overseeing the direct appointment and management of consultants for specific appointments and tasks.

Design Standards – developing and maintaining the set of SPS Estates Design Standards including specialist systems and specifications. Using a continuous improvement process and gathering data from a number of sources and, working with other Estates specialists, maintaining the standards up to date reflecting SPS requirements and best practice; disseminating information as required regarding content and use of standards; and initiating the development of new standards as required.

Project Assistance – Tailoring design standards to meet specific project needs -  Inputting into initial stages of projects at business case and feasibility stages; assisting appointed Project Sponsors and Project Managers throughout design stages, attending design meetings as required; advising on design needs and co-ordination, assessing design outputs and deliverables, assisting in the preparation of tender documentation, tender / proposal evaluation and providing continual assistance through construction and handover stages in regards to design issues.

Resource Management – Developing, maintaining  and operating the Estates electronic records system and providing oversight of technical staff; maintaining accurate records of the existing estate and ensuring inclusion of new and updated records; developing BIM policy, processes, documentation and associated IT systems.

Specialist knowledge – developing a specialist knowledge of the SPS estate for input into FOI’s, investigations and enquiries. Maintaining expert knowledge of Scottish Government strategies and policies relating to the built environment, planning and construction, building standards and related statutory legislation. Developing contacts with other SG or UK governmental organisations including MOJ/NOMS/Home Office, HMPS, NIPS, police and other security or custody related organisations. In addition, Initiating trials of new products and providing investigation reports.

Person Specification

SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.

Qualifications Requirements

Architect Registration Board (ARB) registered Architect.

Essential

Experience Requirements

Design

Comprehensive experience of design, design management and process, specially related to significant infrastructure projects. Demonstrating your ability to negotiate with and positively influence others to achieve desired project outputs and deliverble.

Essential

Strategy

Experience in undertaking, researching and developing strategic and/or specific responses to an estates business needs. 

Essential

Design Standards

Experience of defining and setting technical standards and monitoring performance, progress and delivery, initiating corrective actions and improvements as required.

Desirable

Knowledge Skills Requirements

Resource

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of electronic drawing management and document storage systems, specifically related to Common Data Environments and the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of BIM models.

Desirable

Building and Maintaining Relationships

Evidence of building and maintaining relationships, demonstrating the ability to negotiate, influence and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams.

Essential

Written/Verbal Communication

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate effectively across a range and levels of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing. This includes the ability to prepare detailed written reports, presentations and briefing notes.

Essential

Planning, Implementation and Control

Evidence of your excellent organisational skills, demonstrating your ability to prioritise, forward plan, manage competing demands, evaluate targets and work under pressure to ensure outputs are delivered within organisational budgets and timescales.

Essential

Presentation
Interview
Vacancy Information Booklets:

This opportunity is closed to applications.