Design and Planning Lead (Architect) – London Bridge, London Freelance

iQ Student Accommodation

Design and Planning Lead (Architect) – London Bridge, London

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Cottons Centre (Capital Projects)

Being curious and open to new ideas? It’s an iQ thing.

iQ is one of the UK’s biggest providers of student accommodation, committed to giving our 30,000 students in 77 sites across 29 UK cities their best year yet.

Our London- and Manchester-based support teams are the oil that keeps the iQ wheels turning, providing our brilliant site teams (circa 600 employees) with everything they need to deliver a fantastic student experience every day. The iQ Support functions cover everything from Real Estate and Legal to Marketing, People and Finance, but what we all have in common is our uncompromising commitment to doing the right thing, even when nobody’s watching. The iQ thing.

What makes a great iQer?

iQers are a pretty special bunch. Our team is bursting with independent thinkers and problem solvers, who join us to explore what’s possible and build a career as part of a diverse, fun and supportive team. If you have people skills, personality and potential, you’re already our cup of tea. Ready to feel like you’ve got the best job ever?

About the Role:

A newly created role here at IQ we are looking for a Design and Planning Lead who will work closely with the Capital Projects and Refurb Teams. You will advise on an any initial design concepts when we enquire new sites as well as look at planning and consent for existing sites in the portfolio.

You will be the brand owner on what an IQ look like, working with the various stakeholders and teams to make sure they stay on track with the design and the IQ brand standards. You will oversee multiple projects and have an overview across the various teams that are delivering acorss the Building Teams. You will need to have a keen eye for detail and be able to look at the future of the IQ design and what we need to do to stay ahead of any new regulations that could affect the design process. An exciting time to join the business and make your mark in what will be our best year yet!

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Statutory Planning – Overview on various planning applications and awareness of changes to local planning policies/plans making appropriate representation.
• New Developments Feasibilities – Block and mass planning of new sites for initial feasibility
• Space planning of existing assets to establish opportunity to maximise beds and social spaces
• Responsible for the IQ brand book which includes specification and look and feel.
• Support project teams on the delivery of developments and refurbishment projects ensuring they are delivered to the IQ design standards. Reviewing emerging design and signing off the delivery of the projects
• Supporting the team on technical design matters and emerging standards
• Manage the relationships with the various design consultants, ensuring maximum performance. Reviewing KPI scoring by the teams and providing review sessions with the consultants
• Drive innovative sustainability standards in the design of all capex projects
• Working with wider stakeholders across the business including, Sustainability, Fire, Legal, Procurement

Qualifications & Experience:

• Architectural background would be beneficial in this role
• Able to present to Senior management and Investors.
• Eye for design and interior standards

We work a hybrid working model a with 2/3 days in our office based in London Bridge. this role will also require national travel.

Apply today and find out what it’s like to work at iQ!

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Discretionary bonus
• Pension: we match your contributions up to 8%
• Gym Discounts
• Life Assurance
• Access to thousand’s of discounts and offers at shops you know and love
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working policy