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- Tasks: Lead design vision for exciting real estate projects and ensure design excellence.
- Company: Criterion Capital, a major player in property investment and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of iconic real estate projects with top-tier design consultants.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in design management with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Mentor a dynamic team and drive innovative design strategies.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Criterion Capital are seeking a Head of Design Management to lead and oversee the end-to-end design vision across Criterion Capital’s construction and real estate portfolio. This role will be responsible for ensuring design excellence, alignment with business objectives, and seamless coordination between internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders from concept through execution.
Criterion Capital is a major property investment, development, and asset-management company with a diverse London-focused portfolio spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors. The business delivers projects end-to-end—from acquisition and design through construction and long-term operation—supported by multidisciplinary in-house teams and a strong consultant network. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong design sensibility, technical depth, and proven experience managing large-scale real-estate projects.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the overall design strategy and design governance for all projects across the portfolio
- Manage and coordinate architects, master planners, interior designers, landscape consultants, façade specialists, and other design partners
- Ensure design intent is maintained from concept design to detailed design and site execution
- Establish and enforce design standards, guidelines, and best practices across projects
- Work closely with development, construction, leasing, asset management, and finance teams to align design outcomes with commercial objectives
- Review design deliverables for quality, functionality, compliance, and cost efficiency
- Drive value engineering without compromising design quality or long-term asset value
- Oversee approvals, statutory compliance, and coordination with authorities as required
- Identify global design trends, materials, technologies, and sustainability practices relevant to the portfolio
- Mentor and lead the internal design management team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related discipline
- 15+ years of experience in design management within real-estate development, main contractor construction, large architectural practices, or developer organizations
- Proven experience managing residential and/or hotel sectors.
- Strong understanding of design development, construction documentation, and on-site execution
- Ability to balance design excellence with cost, timelines, and business priorities
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and consultants
- Opportunity to shape the design legacy of a high-impact real-estate portfolio
- Work on landmark projects with top-tier global and local design consultants
- Collaborative leadership environment with strong decision-making authority
- Competitive compensation and long-term growth opportunities
Compensation: Competitive salary
Head of Design in City of Westminster employer: CC Head Office - Construction
Contact Detail:
CC Head Office - Construction Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Design role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure your design work is easily accessible and highlights your best projects. Use platforms like our website to share your achievements and demonstrate your design sensibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Criterion Capital’s projects and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their design vision and business objectives. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Design Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for design shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've led or been a part of that highlight your design sensibility and how you’ve driven design excellence.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Criterion Capital. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale real estate projects and how your skills align with their business objectives. We want to see how you can contribute to their vision!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with various stakeholders, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Criterion Capital.
How to prepare for a job interview at CC Head Office - Construction
✨Know Your Design Vision
Before the interview, take some time to really understand Criterion Capital's design philosophy and portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you articulate your design strategy and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams or navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Highlight how you fostered collaboration and accountability within your teams.
✨Discuss Design Standards and Best Practices
Be ready to talk about how you establish and enforce design standards across projects. Share specific instances where you've implemented best practices that improved design quality or efficiency. This shows that you not only have a strong design sensibility but also a practical approach to managing design governance.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Criterion Capital values innovation, so it's crucial to be aware of global design trends, materials, and sustainability practices. Research recent advancements in the industry and be prepared to discuss how you can incorporate these into their projects. This will demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.