At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery on major projects across various sectors, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Leading UK construction and project development business with a focus on complex projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a people-focused environment.
- Why this job: Join a progressive team and lead flagship projects that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in leading design teams on large-scale projects and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Project Director to join a leading UK construction and project development business delivering some of the country’s most complex and technically challenging projects.
This role will lead the design delivery process on major schemes across sectors including healthcare, defence, commercial, data centres and other highly technical environments. Working as part of the senior project leadership team, you will oversee multi-disciplinary design teams from bid stage through pre-construction, delivery and handover, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and to the highest quality standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and implementation of the Design Management Plan and Project Execution Plan
- Managing consultant and stakeholder relationships across the full project lifecycle
- Driving design delivery through tender, PCSA, construction and completion phases
- Overseeing design programme integration with planning and commercial teams
- Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements including Building Regulations, Planning, Building Safety Act and CDM regulations
- Leading governance, reporting and project controls related to design delivery
- Managing information control processes, BIM delivery and ISO19650 compliance
- Supporting procurement and coordination of multi-disciplinary consultant teams
- Acting as a key member of the project leadership team on major projects
Desired Experience:
- Significant experience leading design teams on major projects valued £50m–£200m+
- Strong technical building experience across sectors such as healthcare, defence, commercial or data centres
- Excellent understanding of NEC3/NEC4 contracts
- Experience working in secure or highly regulated environments
- Strong knowledge of BIM, CDE platforms, COBie and digital design coordination tools
- Experience delivering projects aligned to ISO19650 standards
- Detailed understanding of CDM Regulations and Principal Designer duties
- Strong knowledge of the Building Safety Act and associated responsibilities
- Membership of a professional institution such as RIBA, ICE or MCIOB (desirable)
What’s in it for you?
- Opportunity to lead flagship, technically complex projects
- Long-term pipeline of major UK developments
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Collaborative and forward-thinking project environment
- Flexible working opportunities
- Inclusive and people-focused culture
If you are an experienced design leader looking to work on high-profile projects within a progressive and technically driven organisation this role is for you!
Design Director in Cambridge employer: Fawkes & Reece
Join a leading UK construction and project development business that champions innovation and excellence in delivering complex projects across various sectors. With a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working opportunities, and a collaborative culture, this company prioritises employee growth and inclusivity, making it an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you land that interview, bring along examples of your best work. This is your chance to demonstrate your design prowess and how you've tackled complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for design roles and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your experience with NEC contracts and BIM tools, as these are hot topics in the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to leading those flagship projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Director role. Highlight your experience with major projects, especially in sectors like healthcare and defence. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading design teams and managing complex projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge of BIM, CDM regulations, and NEC contracts. Make sure these skills are front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the major projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you led your design teams, and the outcomes of those projects. This will show your depth of experience and ability to handle complex situations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations
Brush up on key regulations like the Building Safety Act, CDM regulations, and ISO19650 standards. Being able to speak confidently about these during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance in design management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about examples where you successfully managed consultant relationships or drove design delivery through various project phases. Highlighting your leadership style will help the interviewers see how you fit into their senior project leadership team.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the company’s recent projects and their vision for future developments. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their work and how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
