At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a flagship workspace project in Bristol.
- Company: A leading contractor known for high-quality, design-led environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career prospects, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a progressive team that values innovation and design quality.
- Why this job: Transform a building into a premium office space and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior design leadership and strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Design to join a leading commercial fit-out and refurbishment contractor delivering high-quality, design-led workspace environments.
With construction underway on a major retrofit and refurbishment project in Bristol, this role offers the chance to lead the design function on a flagship scheme that will transform an existing building into premium office accommodation. The successful candidate will take ownership of the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring the project vision is realised while maintaining programme, technical and commercial objectives.
The Role:
As Head of Design, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all design activities, managing the coordination of consultants, stakeholders and project teams to ensure a seamless design process and successful project delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring a combination of design management expertise, technical understanding and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams on complex refurbishment and retrofit projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the design process from concept development through to project completion.
- Coordinate and manage external consultants, architects, engineers and specialist designers.
- Ensure design information is delivered accurately and in line with programme requirements.
- Drive design coordination between architectural, structural and building services disciplines.
- Review design proposals to ensure buildability, technical compliance and value optimisation.
- Manage design risks, change control and technical queries throughout the project lifecycle.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.
- Lead design workshops and coordination meetings to ensure project objectives are achieved.
- Ensure all design solutions comply with statutory requirements, planning conditions and industry standards.
- Support project teams in resolving technical challenges and maintaining programme milestones.
- Promote innovation and best practice, identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency and project outcomes.
Requirements:
- Proven experience in a senior design leadership position within commercial fit-out, refurbishment or major construction projects.
- Strong understanding of design management processes and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Experience delivering complex, large-scale commercial developments from pre-construction through to completion.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong technical knowledge with the ability to challenge and drive design solutions.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of programme and project delivery objectives.
- Relevant qualification in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional memberships and industry accreditations would be advantageous.
What's on Offer:
- Opportunity to lead the design delivery of a landmark commercial workspace project in Bristol.
- Exposure to a complex, high-profile retrofit and refurbishment scheme.
- Long-term career prospects with a progressive and ambitious contractor.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A collaborative environment that values innovation, technical excellence and design quality.
Head of Design in Bristol employer: Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading commercial fit-out and refurbishment contractor in Bristol, where you will have the opportunity to lead the design of a landmark workspace project. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and technical excellence, providing long-term career prospects and a competitive salary package. As an employer, we are committed to supporting your professional growth while delivering high-quality, design-led environments that transform spaces.
Contact Details:
Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in Bristol
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Design at Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
