Architecture Practice Leader

Shape a future with purpose at Arup in Cork. 

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

The Opportunity

We are looking for someone ambitious who wants to make their mark in architecture, building a strong practice that is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. This individual should be passionate about design, eager to tackle complex challenges, and committed to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and excellence.

Arup in Ireland established an Architecture team in 2020 to service our Science, Industry and Technology (SI&T) clients. Working as part of the existing 115 strong European Architecture network, the Irish team has grown rapidly and secured several significant commissions. We are now seeking an experienced Architecture Practice Leader, to work directly with the current Architecture discipline lead and work collaboratively with the wider Architectural disciplines of Master planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. 

The Architecture Practice Leader is Associate Director Level or a Director level appointment and candidates should have 15-20 years relevant experience, with a proven track record of winning and delivering large projects. We are seeking someone who understands the dynamic of successfully managing clients, teams, and projects across a diverse spectrum of business areas

We take a holistic approach to our projects through architecture that focuses on people, their experiences, and their environment. Customer and context understanding, sustainability and regenerative design play a key role in our projects. As the Architecture Practice Leader for Ireland, you will work with the European Architecture leadership team to develop and drive our culture and lead challenging national and international projects. You will be client facing, working with our most trusted clients to deliver projects from conception through to handover in Ireland and across Europe. 

You will be based in Cork with a remit for growth and will work with the existing Architectural Associate and Discipline Leader, to guide the current team of 10 architects and technologists, who are supported on current projects through our European Architecture network by a similar headcount. You will also work collaboratively with our Master planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture teams who collectively in Ireland, are similar in size to the Architecture team.

Current projects are strongly focused on the Science, Industry and Technology sector but we have an ambition for growth and for Architecture to support a much wider portfolio of clients, in areas such as Transport, Aviation and Energy. You will be responsible for the technical delivery, quality and commercial success of projects including compliance with project budgets and programmes. A leader with the proven ability to build, direct and support a high performing team of architects in the winning and delivery of projects.

As a Architecture Practice Leader at Arup, you will:

• Lead and develop the Irish architecture team.
• Be client facing and lead multi-disciplinary projects.
• Prepare bids and feasibility studies.
• Maintain existing clients and develop new business relationships.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Architecture in Arup.
• Participate in process and contract design.
• Work with our business leaders in the Science Industry and Technology (SI&T) and the Cities Planning and Design sectors to win new work in Ireland and Europe.
• Be assigned projects of a complex nature, requiring skills in architecture, economics, business operations, marketing, etc., which may be team or individual oriented, and may have a far-reaching impact on the company.

Does this role inspire you?

We're looking for someone with 15 to 20 years of professional experience as an architect and business, practice or large team leader.

We also value:

• Demonstrated leadership ability and proven mentorship skills in developing junior team members.
• Established reputation as an expert in the relevant field of expertise. In part can be evidenced by: consistent profitability on projects, consistent client retention, proven ability to develop new clients, strong ties and connections in the market or demonstrated ability to do so.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and presentations.
• Ability to successfully manage change.
• A history of delivering science, industry and technology projects would be favourable, as would experience with healthcare and transport infrastructure projects.
• Experience in the data centre sector an advantage.
• Experience or interest in Digital processes and software and developing knowledge of AI.
• Fiscal management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and resource planning.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, foresight, and decision-making skills.

Why Arup?

At Arup, we believe in rewarding our members for their contributions to our shared success. As a trust-owned company, we have the freedom to pursue meaningful work that aligns with our purpose and values. We also offer a unique profit share program, allowing our members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits that work for you:

• Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to enhance your skills and advance your career at Arup.
• Global Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues worldwide and explore potential short-term or long-term assignments at other Arup offices and project locations.
• Financial Well-being & Ownership: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package and share in Arup's success through our global profit-sharing programme.
• Wellbeing and Culture: At Arup we are committed to fostering a healthy working culture by offering a range of health and wellbeing benefits, including health insurance, flexible working schemes, wellness programmes and an Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We strive to embed inclusion in our way of working, our interactions with one another and the projects we deliver. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment for talented people of any background, based on merit, fairness and respect.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You'll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible. 

Do you want to join us in shaping a better world?