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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a design team to create innovative, low-carbon homes.
- Company: Citu is dedicated to building impactful, sustainable places for a better planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team focused on design excellence and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in design leadership and a strong understanding of low-carbon principles.
- Other info: Be part of a winning team aiming for 'Team of the Year' in 2025/26.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Citu has a bold, committed purpose; to create the most impactful places on the planet. To deliver low carbon places we have to be bold in our thinking, creative in our design and ensure the delivery of top quality, low-carbon homes and spaces. We are looking for an experienced Head of Design to join our team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team management, leading, coaching and mentoring.
- Delivery of design excellence.
- Long term strategic planning.
- Technical expertise and decision making.
- Lead design innovation.
- Integrate with our MMC and build teams.
OUTCOME 1: People and Culture
Lead a team of A and B players with rigorous, high-performance principles that deliver aligned and valuable results. The whole team loves being part of Citu Design and what it stands for, as a direct result of the HoCD leadership style.
OUTCOME 2: Strategic
Citu Design wins team of the year in 2025/26 with a compelling and bold long-term strategic plan that aligns to Citu’s plans and hairy-audacious ambitions.
OUTCOME 3: Operations
Citu Design is operating at a 8/10 consistently, aligning without failure to the 2-year delivery program and annual profit-led budget.
OUTCOME 4: Quality
There were zero defects as a result of design or specification choices across Citu’s projects and products.
OUTCOME 5: Cost
All Stage 3 design pack aligned to the development project cost plans as a result of a ‘less but better’ approach to design, specification and an immersive, and early collaboration with Development and Commercial teams in Citu.
OUTCOME 6: Link to MMC and Build
Communicated the ‘WHY’ and ‘HOW’ to MMC and build teams which ensured that design is understood and followed with RFIs from site reduced by 50% as a result.
OUTCOME 7: Technical
Be the steward and expert on our Citu Home, including all standards, the timber-frame system, performance and compliance factors.
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Contact Detail:
Citu Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Citu's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to low-carbon design and impactful places will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led teams, fostered a high-performance culture, and achieved design excellence in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of innovative design solutions you've implemented. Highlight how these innovations contributed to project success and aligned with strategic goals, especially in low-carbon contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your technical expertise by discussing your knowledge of timber-frame systems and compliance factors. Being able to communicate complex technical details clearly will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Vision: Familiarise yourself with Citu's mission to create impactful, low-carbon places. Reflect this understanding in your application by aligning your design philosophy with their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in team management, strategic planning, and design excellence. Provide specific examples of how you've led teams to achieve high-performance results and delivered innovative design solutions.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Detail your technical skills and decision-making abilities related to design and construction. Mention any experience with modern methods of construction (MMC) and how you've integrated these practices into your previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for design and leadership. Make sure to address how you can contribute to Citu's goals and culture, particularly in achieving zero defects and aligning with cost plans.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citu Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Design, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you lead, coach, and mentor teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture and the impact it had on your previous teams.
✨Demonstrate Design Excellence
Citu values design excellence, so come ready to discuss your approach to delivering high-quality designs. Highlight any innovative projects you've led and how you ensured they met both aesthetic and functional standards.
✨Align with Strategic Goals
Understand Citu's long-term strategic goals and be ready to articulate how your vision for design aligns with their ambitions. Discuss your experience in strategic planning and how you've successfully implemented plans that drive results.
✨Technical Expertise is Key
Be prepared to demonstrate your technical knowledge, especially regarding low-carbon homes and timber-frame systems. Discuss how you've tackled compliance factors and performance standards in your past projects.
