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- Tasks: Lead architectural design for a groundbreaking £900m life sciences project in London.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in construction and engineering services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to influence major projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of scientific infrastructure and drive innovation in design.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in architecture with experience in high-containment or healthcare projects.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on collaboration and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Senior Design Manager – Architecture & Facades – High Containment Laboratories
Location: London Design Partner Offices
Project: £900M Landmark Life Sciences Scheme
Overview
Shape the architectural vision of one of the UK\’s most advanced life sciences developments. Laing O\’Rourke is seeking a Senior Design Manager – Architecture & Facades to lead the architectural and envelope design strategy for a nationally significant £900m life sciences facility. This is a critical role for a high-performing design leader, embedded within an integrated pre-construction team working between Dartford and our London-based design partners.
Responsibilities
- Shape and coordinate architectural design development from RIBA Stage 2 onwards, covering high-containment labs, specialist clinical spaces, and secure research zones.
- Lead the interface between client-side advisors, architects, envelope specialists, and technical consultants.
- Ensure alignment across security, functional, aesthetic and compliance requirements, particularly for high-assurance and regulated environments.
- Drive integration of MMC, DfMA and digital engineering in façade and architectural packages.
- Embed sustainable, durable and technically compliant solutions into the heart of the design.
What you\’ll bring
- Proven experience working on high-containment, animal health, healthcare, or science-led projects (e.g. CL3/CL4 labs, clean rooms, biopharma, or similar) will be highly advantageous.
- Confidence navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, including third-party regulatory and compliance bodies (such as HSE, Home Office, and internal security).
- Demonstrated ability to lead architectural and façade design from early concept through to technical assurance, coordinating with consultants and supply chain partners.
- Degree-qualified in Architecture, Façade Engineering or a related discipline (RIBA Part III or equivalent preferred).
- 10+ years\’ experience across major project phases with strong client-facing, risk management and programme leadership capabilities.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams around a clear architectural strategy.
What you\’ll gain
- The opportunity to lead architectural design on one of the UK\’s most significant science and innovation programmes.
- A role at the heart of Laing O\’Rourke\’s integrated model – influencing early decisions that shape long-term value.
- A platform to embed design excellence, sustainability and innovation into a nationally critical facility.
Inclusion at our core
We believe great design leadership thrives on diversity of perspective and experience. We\’re building a workplace where everyone belongs, and welcome applications from all communities. We\’re also happy to explore flexible and inclusive ways of working.
This is more than design management – it\’s your opportunity to lead with purpose and help shape the next generation of scientific infrastructure. Apply now for a confidential conversation.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
Construction and Engineering Services
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Senior Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - High Containment Laboratories employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - High Containment Laboratories
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with high-containment labs and architectural design. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate – this is your chance to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Laing O'Rourke and their projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their vision. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - High Containment Laboratories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in high-containment labs and architectural design. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior Design Manager role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. We’re looking for someone who can bring people together around a clear architectural strategy.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any previous projects you’ve worked on that relate to healthcare or science-led environments. Proven experience in these areas will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in shaping the future of life sciences design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the £900m life sciences scheme. Familiarise yourself with the architectural vision and key design elements, especially those related to high-containment labs and secure research zones. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the complexity of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in navigating stakeholder landscapes. Share specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with regulatory bodies or managed client expectations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and coordinate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to emphasise your technical knowledge in areas like MMC, DfMA, and digital engineering. Prepare to discuss how you've integrated these elements into past projects, particularly in relation to façade and architectural packages. This will illustrate your capability to embed sustainable and compliant solutions into your designs.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Mindset
Laing O'Rourke values a collaborative approach, so be ready to share instances where you've brought together diverse teams around a clear architectural strategy. Highlight your leadership style and how you foster an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and design excellence.
