Job Description
Company: Wernick Buildings, part of The Wernick Group
About the Company:
Wernick Buildings, a division of The Wernick Group, is the UK's largest and longest-standing national provider of permanent and temporary modular buildings and site accommodation. Established in 1934, The Wernick Group remains a family-run and owned company.
Over the last five years, the company has more than doubled its profits, attributing its success to the quality and dedication of its workforce. The Wernick Group prides itself on a team full of enthusiasm, vision, friendliness, and a real can-do spirit.
Position Summary:
The R&D Technician – Architectural Lead is responsible for assisting the product research, product development and innovation throughout the business. You will be responsible for creating and developing new building systems to meet both consumer needs and changes in building regulations.
As R&D Technician – Architectural Lead you will be responsible for contributing to the planning, execution and monitoring of testing products, and redefining any existing products or building systems to meet the industry needs. You will work closely with the R&D Manager to ensure the development and delivery of innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions, as well as overseeing quality control processes and regulatory compliance. You will also be responsible for assisting with the creation of the technical library to accomplish a more streamlined design system throughout the Technical department.
About The Role
Key Responsibilities:
* R&D Design & Development: Develop designs for new building systems / product and refine and review existing, ensuring they comply with building regulations, meet required certifications for building regulation approval, align with the organisation's design standards and sustain value engineering.
* Software and Machinery Development: Development and implementation of new and existing software packages to streamline processes and save time and avoid error where possible. This includes training Technical team members on new software (Strucsoft Framing, Revit etc), commissioning and implementation of new machinery (Howick machine etc), fire testing and certification of wall constructions.
* Research & Testing: To test and implement new materials, technologies, procedures and develop, construct, test and evaluate prototypes. Writing technical U-value report based on test findings.
* Revit Design: To assist with the creation and maintenance of Revit family library and standard detail catalogue incorporating all BIM requirements, industry standards and best practices.
* R&D Review: Review, evaluate and provide feedback on the work of colleagues. This includes reviewing their designs, documents, and other deliverables to ensure quality, accuracy and adherence to company’s standards, clients brief and regulatory requirements.
* R&D Co-ordination: Collaborate with all technical department to ensure that the team is fully aligned with decision-making.
* R&D Documentation: Assist in the creation of design guides and SOP’s for all the technical department for software use, drawing application and successful build.
* Building Regulations: Ensure that design proposals comply with building regulations and other industry standards. Develop building control documentation, submit and coordinate applications, and facilitate approvals with building control authorities.
* Building Information Modelling (BIM): Participate in projects requiring the use of BIM software and processes. Facilitate collaboration and co-ordination between design disciplines using BIM technologies, improving project efficiency and reducing errors.
* BREEAM Implementation: Ensure adherence to BREEAM standards throughout the design process, promoting sustainable design practices, and maximising environmental performance in projects.
* Quality Assurance: Adhere to established quality procedures and standards to ensure the delivery of high-quality architectural designs. Conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with industry best practices.
* Personal Development: Establish and follow personal development plan to ensure alignment with industry standards and company goals. Stay up to date with requirements and changing industry standards through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
* Hours of Working: Work outside normal working hours of business if required to meet agreed deadlines.
Essential Requirements:
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field;
* Strong knowledge of architectural design principles, RIBA Plan of Work, building regulations, and construction practices;
* Proficiency in BIM software, processes and related technologies;
* Excellent 3D and 2D technical drawings skills.
* Familiarity with BREEAM standards, processes and sustainability best practices;
* Excellent leadership and team management skills;
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
* Excellent presenting skills;
* Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines;
* Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy;
* Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and financial implications;
* Lead architectural design solutions and development of product lines and systems.
Authorities:
* Accountable for project delivery within established brief and deadlines, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and client requirements.
* Accountable for ensuring compliance with building regulations, industry standards, and organisational guidelines, promoting quality and consistency in design outputs.
* Accountable for ensuring all design outputs meet the organisation's standards and comply with relevant regulations and codes.
* Operation and maintenance of the U-value testing equipment & module.
* Technical report writing for design development.
* Ensuring accuracy and efficiency of LGS framing production.
What you will get in return:
* Competitive salary and bonus scheme
* Generous holiday allowance (rising with service)
* Option to buy extra holidays
* Option to sell or carry over up to 5 days holiday
* Christmas Shutdown
* Early finish Friday
* Cycle to work scheme
* Group pension
* Annual Salary review – takes place each January
* Life Assurance 2 x annual salary
* Personal Accident Insurance
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programme
* Training and progression opportunities
* Family run and well established, secure company (trading over 90 years)
* Open door policy
* Employee Referral scheme
* Benefits scheme (discounted retailers scheme)
* Corporate Eyecare Scheme through Specsavers
* Message the MD/CEO/Staff Satisfaction Survey
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We thank you in advance for your interest in this role and our company. If you require any reasonable adjustments for your interview, please advise our recruitment team as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
Any unsolicited CV’s will be sent at the recruitment agency’s own risk and will be interpreted as ‘gifts’ and we have no liability to you for any fee or otherwise. We reserve the right to engage with candidates directly having not, in any way, entered into your terms and conditions for this vacancy. By submitting an unsolicited CV to us, or to any member of our staff, you accept these terms as the default position. If we require your assistance with any vacancy we will contact you.
The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Skills Needed
About The Company
Why Build Your Career with Wernick Group?
Rich Heritage, Progressive Future: As a family-owned and operated business since our inception, we blend traditional values with a forward-looking approach. This unique combination ensures a work environment that respects legacy while embracing the future.
Diverse Opportunities: Our expansive operations, with 40 centres across 36 UK locations, offer a vast array of roles and career paths in the public and private sectors. From modular building solutions to off-grid power, your professional journey can be as dynamic and varied as our services.
Commitment to Excellence: At Wernick, excellence isn’t just a goal; it's our way of life. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding product quality and service, creating an environment where your work directly contributes to customer satisfaction and business success.
Continuous Investment in People: We believe in nurturing talent from within. Through ongoing training and development opportunities, we invest in your future, ensuring that your career at Wernick is not just a job, but a journey of growth and learning.
Simplicity and Efficiency: Our business model is streamlined to reduce bureaucracy, enabling you to work in an environment that values decisiveness and efficiency. This approach allows you to focus on what you do best, without unnecessary complications.
Environmental and Social Responsibility: We're committed to reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring a safe, positive working environment. Working with us means being part of a team that cares for the planet and its people.
Company Culture
Clear path to progression: We believe everyone should have a clear path on how they can progress. That’s why we have developed the Wernick Way Forward, a personal development plan catered to each employee.
With the Wernick Way Forward, we provide a roadmap that outlines clear and achievable steps for employees to follow in order to reach their career goals.
Trainee programmes: Start your career with one of our trainee programmes. These are designed to help you develop and grow in our business and offer an advance career progression.
The Trainee Yard Operative Programme offers individuals the opportunity to develop their skills and work as a Yard Operative at one of our Hire depots. Engage in hands-on experience as you become a member of our team.
The Graduate Training Programme opens doors to explore every aspect of the company. Gain valuable insights, mentorship and the tools needed to excel as a leader within our company.
Training and development: Feel confident in your role and enjoy what you do. We recognise the need to invest in training and development.
By offering a range of training days/courses for our team we want to create an environment where you can move towards your career goals. We make sure that everyone who works with us has the resources they need to learn and develop their roles. We value mentoring and offer clear routes for career progression.
Desired Criteria
* Professionally qualified
* From a similar background
Required Criteria
* Strong knowledge of architectural design principles, RIBA Plan of Work, building regulations and construction practices
* Proficiency in BIM software, processes and related technologies
* Familiarity with BREEAM standards, processes and sustainability best practices
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Excellent presenting skills
* Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
* Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy
* Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and financial implications
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field;
* The ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Closing DateMonday 20th April, 2026