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 design leadership on major 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 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 commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and flexible working opportunities, this company offers a supportive environment where your expertise as a Design Project Director will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package while contributing to flagship projects that shape the future of the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director
✨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
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, and showcase your technical skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led design teams on complex projects and how you’ve navigated challenges in regulated environments.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Don’t forget to mention your understanding of NEC3/NEC4 contracts and your experience with BIM and ISO19650 standards. We want to see that you’re not just a leader but also technically savvy!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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 the company has worked on. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their past and current projects, especially in sectors like healthcare and defence.
✨Master the Technical Details
Brush up on your knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, BIM, and ISO19650 standards. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you’re not just a design leader but also a technical expert who can navigate complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to manage relationships with consultants and stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Building Safety Act, CDM regulations, and other statutory requirements. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in your projects will demonstrate your thorough understanding of the responsibilities that come with the role.
