We are seeking an experienced and motivated Residential Sector Lead to support growth across our regional studios. This is a key role working directly with the Director/Board Sponsor and Regional leads combining specialist sector knowledge, design leadership, project delivery, and work-winning to help expand our residential portfolio throughout the regions.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in refining and shaping HLM’s residential offer across a variety of residential typologies. This role will be based in either our Sheffield, London, or Birmingham Studio.
We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Birmingham, Belfast and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 25 largest practices in the UK this year, other recent accolades include:
* AJ100 List of UK’s Top Architectural Practices 2025
* Best Companies Top 10 Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for 2025
* Shortlisted, AJ100 Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
* Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Social Value Architect of the Year 2025
* Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
* Highly Commended, MMC Awards – Architectural Practice of the Year 2025
Key Responsibilities
Sector Support & Growth
* Support the Director/Board Sponsor in delivering the sector strategy
* Provide leadership and specialist expertise to support work winning across the regional studios
* Contribute to business development activities, bids, and client engagement
* Identify new opportunities and support pipeline development
Design & Technical Leadership
* Lead and contribute to the design of HLM’s residential projects, with a focus on place-making and design excellence
* Apply sector-specific knowledge to develop innovative, practical solutions
* Champion best practice, standardisation, and continuous improvement across projects
* Support the development of high quality designs and technical standards
Project Delivery
* Act as project lead and senior team member on residential projects
* Ensure delivery to programme, budget, and quality expectations
* Coordinate multidisciplinary teams
* Lead stakeholder engagements, public consultations etc
* Share lessons learned and drive efficiencies across the sector
Knowledge Sharing & Innovation
* Promote collaboration across Sectors, disciplines and regions
* Capture and share lessons learned from projects
* Contribute to innovation in design and sustainability
About You
Essential
* Qualified Architect (ARB/RIBA or equivalent)
* Minimum 5+ years’ post-qualification experience
* Proven experience designing and delivering residential projects across a range of tenures
* Strong design and technical capability
* Experience supporting bids, proposals, or client presentations
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable
* Experience working within public sector frameworks
* Experience with HRB’s and gateway approvals
* Experience delivering projects incorporating MMC design principles
You will be joining a team with strong ambitions in the residential sector, where your expertise will directly influence both project outcomes and sector growth. This is a role with real opportunity to make an impact. The role will also require travelling between our studios to support the growth across the business.
We offer a friendly studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy. We are also an Employee Owned Trust, which means our employees have a sense of ownership, a say in our direction and are rewarded for the part they play in our future success.
Diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) is at the core of our business. We advocate equal opportunities, creating an inclusive working environment for all. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different mode please contact our HR team for assistance.
If you think this role could be for you, please send your CV and examples of your work.
Those shortlisted will be contacted.
HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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