Head of Design

Head of Design

Full-Time 104000 - 156000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design strategy and oversee multidisciplinary teams for innovative projects.
  • Company: Leading property development group known for sustainable and high-quality designs.
  • Benefits: Up to £130K salary, bonus, 33 days leave, and comprehensive health support.
  • Why this job: Drive innovation in design and make a real impact on commercial spaces.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in design, strong technical background, and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on sustainability and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 104000 - 156000 £ per year.

Job Location: Glasgow

Job Type: Permanent

Annual Salary: Up to £130,000 (DoE) + Bonus + Package

Client Overview

Our client is a leading property development and investment group with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative commercial spaces. They specialize in creating environments that combine modern design with functionality, supporting businesses of all sizes to thrive. With a diverse portfolio that includes office spaces, managed workspaces, and large-scale developments, they are committed to excellence in both design and service. Their approach focuses on long-term partnerships, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and customer experience. Known for their forward-thinking vision, they integrate cutting-edge technology and environmentally responsible practices into every development, making them a trusted name in the industry. Their stellar growth has created an opportunity for an experienced Head of Design to join their dynamic Glasgow team.

Role Overview

The Head of Design is a multidisciplinary leadership position responsible for overseeing and integrating the Mechanical & Electrical, Civil & Structural, and Architecture design teams. This role provides technical authority, strategic direction, and design governance across all disciplines, ensuring coordinated, efficient, and high-quality project delivery. The Head of Design drives excellence in design output, champions innovation and sustainability, and builds a high-performing design culture aligned with the organisation’s commercial and operational objectives.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Lead the organisation’s overall design strategy across all engineering and architectural disciplines.
  • Ensure design outputs align with business objectives, project pipeline needs, and industry best practice.
  • Act as the senior technical decision-maker, providing clarity, direction, and integrated design solutions.
  • Manage and mentor Design Leads across M&E, Civil & Structural, and Architecture.
  • Oversee resource planning, recruitment, performance management, training, and succession planning.
  • Ensure all design work meets technical standards, regulatory requirements, and quality expectations.
  • Oversee design reviews, technical audits, and approvals to maintain robustness and consistency.
  • Ensure design deliverables are accurate, aligned with project requirements, and delivered to programme.
  • Support risk assessments, value engineering, design optimisation, and constructability planning.
  • Represent the design function in internal leadership meetings and cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Work closely with Development, Commercial, and Delivery teams to support bids, feasibility assessments, and project scoping.

Requirements

  • Proven senior leadership experience within multidisciplinary design or engineering environments.
  • Strong technical background in at least one core discipline (M&E, C&S, or Architecture), with broad understanding of all three.
  • Track record of leading complex development projects from concept to delivery.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge, and guide at all levels.
  • Demonstrated experience of managing and developing diverse technical teams.
  • Strong understanding of BIM processes and digital design methodologies.
  • Chartered status (MICE, MCIBSE, RIBA, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of sustainability frameworks (BREEAM, LEED, NZC strategies).

Benefits

  • Salary up to £130K (DoE)
  • Bonus Scheme
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • 33 days annual leave
  • 4x Life Assurance
  • Group Income Protection (70% of salary for 2 years)
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Cycle 2 Work
  • EV Salary Sacrifice scheme
  • 24/7 access to a GP by phone or video, Mental health support with counselling and therapy sessions, Physiotherapy and health coaching services, Medical second opinions from trusted specialists, Fitness and wellbeing tools

Next Steps

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit your updated CV or reach out to Lusona Consultancy for a confidential conversation. If this role isn’t quite the right fit but you’re exploring new opportunities, we would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect match.

Head of Design employer: Lusona Consultancy

As a leading property development and investment group based in Glasgow, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and employee growth. With a strong focus on collaboration and excellence, the company provides comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and extensive health support, fostering a culture where design professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the built environment.
L

Contact Detail:

Lusona Consultancy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks 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! As a Head of Design, your work speaks volumes. Make sure to have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best projects and showcases your design philosophy.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and their design approach. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their vision and values.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can drive innovation and sustainability in design.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design

Leadership Skills
Technical Authority
Design Strategy Development
Project Management
Mentoring and Coaching
Regulatory Compliance
BIM Processes
Digital Design Methodologies
Sustainability Frameworks
Communication Skills
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Resource Planning
Performance Management
Risk Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Design role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in M&E, C&S, or Architecture to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about design and how your vision aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Keep it engaging and personal.

Showcase Your Projects: Include examples of complex development projects you've led from concept to delivery. We love seeing how you've integrated design excellence and technical authority in your past work—so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lusona Consultancy

✨Know Your Design Strategy

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the company's design strategy and how it aligns with their business objectives. Be ready to discuss how your experience can enhance their approach to innovative and sustainable design.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Design, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored diverse technical teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and guide at all levels within an organisation.

✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise

Brush up on your knowledge of Mechanical & Electrical, Civil & Structural, and Architectural principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you’ve applied your technical skills and how you ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.

✨Emphasise Sustainability Knowledge

Given the company's commitment to sustainability, be ready to talk about your experience with sustainability frameworks like BREEAM or LEED. Share insights on how you’ve integrated environmentally responsible practices into your design processes.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

L
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>