Head of Design in Newcastle upon Tyne

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.

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

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.