Emergency Services Lead

We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Belfast and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 20 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

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Emergency Services Lead to support the growth of our Justice & Emergency Services sector. This is a key role working directly with the Head of Sector, combining design leadership, project delivery, and work-winning to help expand our presence across fire, police, and ambulance services.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a niche but rapidly growing sector, shaping high-quality, operationally critical environments for blue light services.

Key Responsibilities Sector Support & Growth

• Support the Head of Justice & Emergency Services in delivering the sector strategy
• Contribute to business development activities, bids, and client engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across fire, police, and ambulance services
• Identify new opportunities and support pipeline development

Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead and contribute to the design of emergency services facilities, ensuring operational efficiency 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 blue-light services projects
• Ensure delivery to programme, budget, and quality expectations
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
• Share lessons learned and drive efficiencies across the sector

Knowledge Sharing & Innovation

• Promote collaboration across Sectors and regions
• Capture and share lessons learned from projects
• Contribute to innovation in design, sustainability, and operational performance within the sector

Essential skills & experience:

• Qualified Architect (ARB/RIBA or equivalent)
• Minimum 5+ years' post qualification experience
• Proven experience delivering blue light projects (fire stations, police facilities, ambulance hubs)
• 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
• Understanding of operational requirements for emergency services
• Experience in sector standardisation or reference design development

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and grow a key sector within the business
• Exposure to high-profile, purpose-driven projects
• Clear progression pathway within a growing team
• Collaborative and supportive working environment

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a team with strong ambitions in the Justice & Emergency Services sector, where your expertise will directly influence both project outcomes and sector growth. This is a role with real opportunity to make an impact.

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.