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- Tasks: Lead design compliance for a groundbreaking biosecurity facility in the UK.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in engineering and construction innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career-defining role, and opportunity to shape future science projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national disease prevention capabilities with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10 years of experience in design leadership and deep knowledge of Building Regulations.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
National Biosecurity Centre Programme – Fitzrovia, London
Permanent | Senior Technical Leadership
Shape the future of the UK's disease prevention capability. Laing O'Rourke is delivering one of the most specialist and nationally significant science programmes in the UK: the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge — a world‑leading facility and one of only 30 specialist biosecurity centres globally. The project includes the creation of cutting‑edge laboratories and scientific hubs designed to protect people and animals from emerging and evolving disease threats.
We have signed two major contracts with DEFRA valued at over £900m, marking a transformative programme to modernise and consolidate the Animal and Plant Health Agency campus. The project will move into pre‑construction imminently, with main works commencing in 2027 and completing in the mid‑2030s.
As a result, we are recruiting a Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) Technical Lead to play a central role in assuring the integrity, compliance, and safety of this once‑in‑a‑generation facility.
About the Role
As the BRPD Technical Lead, you will act as the Designated Individual (DI) under the Building Regulations 2010 and provide authoritative governance across all design disciplines within this highly technical, highly regulated environment. This role places you at the centre of a project that combines:
- High‑containment laboratories
- Advanced scientific and medical systems
- Complex regulatory frameworks
- A multi‑partner design integrator model (Sheppard Robson, Arup, Ramboll)
You will lead on:
- Ensuring full compliance with Part 2A of the Building Regulations on one of the UK's most complex science projects.
- Managing and monitoring design processes to ensure regulatory assurance is embedded from concept to completion.
- Overseeing, coordinating, and assessing competence across all dutyholders and design partners.
- Leading design risk management in a high‑risk, specialist laboratory environment.
- Guiding higher‑risk building documentation, gateways, and regulatory submissions.
- Supporting the development and continuous improvement of LOR's building safety systems.
- Influencing industry‑leading project delivery approaches, leveraging LOR's vertically‑integrated model in areas such as geotechnical works, systems integration and commissioning.
This is a visible and career‑defining leadership role on a project of national importance.
About You
You will bring:
- Approx. 10 years' experience delivering design and/or construction leadership on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
- Deep understanding of Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act, and higher‑risk building compliance.
- A track record of influencing design quality, safety, and assurance within large project environments.
- Exceptional ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong technical risk and quality management experience.
- A degree in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Chartered membership or progression toward RIBA, CABE, RICS, or equivalent.
- Experience in specialist science, secure, or high‑containment environments is advantageous.
Why Join Laing O'Rourke?
This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of scientific infrastructure — a project that will shape UK disease prevention capabilities for decades. Laing O'Rourke brings:
- A 160‑year heritage of engineering and construction innovation.
- A proven track record in delivering over 300 science and research laboratories in the UK since 2016, including the Francis Crick Institute and other landmark facilities.
- The ability to deliver complex projects end‑to‑end using our modern methods of construction, specialist in‑house teams, and integrated delivery model.
You’ll join a world‑class team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the science and research sector.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and empowered. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide adjustments during the recruitment process as needed.
Building Regulations Principal Designer - Technical Lead - Science & Research in London employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Regulations Principal Designer - Technical Lead - Science & Research in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, especially in biosecurity and science. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer. Highlight your technical skills and leadership experience, and don’t forget to showcase your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Laing O'Rourke and contributing to groundbreaking projects in the science sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Building Regulations Principal Designer - Technical Lead - Science & Research in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer. Highlight your experience with complex projects and your understanding of building regulations, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Laing O'Rourke. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Technical Lead, we want to see your leadership experience shine through. Share examples of how you've influenced design quality and safety in previous roles, especially in multidisciplinary environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in a complex environment like the National Biosecurity Centre.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past projects where you’ve influenced design quality and safety. Highlighting your experience in multidisciplinary projects will demonstrate your capability to lead in a high-stakes setting.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with diverse stakeholders, practice how you’ll communicate and collaborate effectively. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated differing opinions and how you can bring people together for a common goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially regarding their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
