At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a design team focused on low-carbon building services.
- Company: Innovative firm dedicated to decarbonisation and sustainable building solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a legacy in low-carbon design.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of designing the future of sustainable buildings.
- Qualifications: Experience in MEP design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Ready to design the future of low-carbon buildings? We’re hiring a Head of Design to build and lead a new Birmingham design function for a specialist offsite MEP and low-carbon building services business. This is not your standard MEP design role. This is for someone who wants to shape the team, set the technical standard, lead multidisciplinary design strategy and make sure low-carbon projects are not just clever on paper, but buildable, compliant, commercially robust and ready for delivery.
You’ll be leading design across projects involving:
- Decarbonisation
- Heat pumps
- Energy centres
- District heating
- Modular plantrooms
- Offsite MEP
- BIM-led design
- Mechanical and electrical coordination
- Public and private sector building services projects
The sweet spot? You’re probably an Associate Director, Technical Director, MEP Design Manager, Building Services Lead or Head of Design with a strong building services background. Mechanical bias would be ideal, especially around heat pumps, LTHW/DHW, energy centres, district heating, plantrooms and low-carbon heat, but you’ll also need enough electrical awareness to lead true multidisciplinary MEP delivery.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Building and mentoring a Birmingham-based design team
- Leading design strategy from RIBA Stage 2 onward
- Setting design governance, QA and technical standards
- Reviewing specifications, calculations, schematics and design risk
- Coordinating mechanical, electrical, BIM, commercial, manufacturing and site teams
- Supporting offsite fabrication, DFMA, installation and commissioning readiness
- Representing the business as a senior technical design authority
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants more than another design management title. It’s a chance to build something. A team. A design function. A standard. A low-carbon legacy. Interested? Apply now and let’s start a confidential conversation about your next big design move.
Head of Design, Decarbonisation in Birmingham employer: Key Talent Solutions
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the design of low-carbon buildings. As the Head of Design in Birmingham, you will not only lead a talented team but also have the unique opportunity to shape the future of building services while contributing to a greener planet. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and a commitment to excellence, this role offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design, Decarbonisation in Birmingham
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Key Talent Solutions who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design, Decarbonisation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Key Talent Solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Key Talent Solutions. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Key Talent Solutions
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Key Talent Solutions.
