Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a major construction project in North London.
- Company: Global construction group known for delivering complex developments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid working and collaboration with international teams.
- Why this job: Shape landmark designs and drive impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in design management with a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
As part of our continued growth in the UK, we are currently supporting the delivery of a major building and regeneration project in North London. This scheme reflects the scale and complexity of projects we deliver globally and represents a significant milestone in our UK expansion.
While the organisation name is not disclosed at this stage of the recruitment process, it is a global construction and infrastructure group with a strong presence across Europe and international markets, recognised for delivering large-scale, technically complex developments across infrastructure, sports, halls, stadiums, residences, commercial, and specialist sectors.
We operate not simply as a contractor, but as a collaborative delivery partner working closely with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, future-ready environments that balance technical excellence with long-term value.
We are now seeking an experienced Design Director to join the team on this high-profile scheme. This is a large-scale, technically complex development currently in its delivery phase, offering a genuine opportunity to play a central role in shaping and driving design outcomes. This is a significant project, providing the opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of a landmark development within a dynamic and internationally experienced organisation. This position is offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months.
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, you will lead the end-to-end design process across all project phases, ensuring alignment with client requirements, statutory regulations, buildability, and commercial objectives. You will be responsible for design strategy, programme integration, multidisciplinary coordination, and risk management, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, strategic oversight, and the ability to drive high-quality design delivery within a complex project environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the overall design strategy in line with programme, budget, and operational requirements
- Manage and coordinate all design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist systems), ensuring integration and clash resolution
- Act as the primary interface with clients, consultants, and stakeholders, leading design reviews, approvals, and presentations
- Develop and manage the design programme in coordination with construction sequencing, procurement schedules, and statutory approvals
- Ensure compliance with UK planning requirements, Building Regulations, CDM 2015, fire safety, and accessibility standards
- Drive constructability and design-led value engineering in collaboration with construction and commercial teams
- Identify and manage design risks, including change control and resolution of RFIs and technical queries
- Lead BIM strategy and ensure effective use of digital design and coordination tools
- Oversee internal design teams and external consultants to ensure timely and high-quality delivery
- Implement robust design governance and review processes aligned with industry best practice
- Coordinate design delivery within accelerated construction programmes, including IFC release planning
About You
Experience
- 15+ years experience in design management within large-scale, complex construction projects
- Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
- Strong track record of delivering projects across all RIBA stages (0-7)
- Experience on major infrastructure, stadium, or complex building projects is highly desirable
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Building Engineering, or a related discipline
- Chartered status (RIBA, ARB, CIBSE, IStructE or equivalent) is highly desirable
Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of design management across all project stages
- Strong understanding of UK planning, Building Regulations, CDM 2015, and fire safety requirements
- Expertise in multidisciplinary coordination, including MEP integration
- Experience in BIM-led coordination and digital design workflows
- Knowledge of value engineering, lifecycle design, and sustainability frameworks (e.g. BREEAM, Net Zero, WELL)
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of design contracts
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making capability
Working Environment
Regular on-site presence required to support coordination, installation, and commissioning activities with some flexibility for hybrid working. Opportunity to work with international teams across the wider organisation in a fast-paced, technically complex project environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive annual base salary
- 28 days annual leave, including UK public holidays
- Private medical healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Mobile phone allowance (up to £40 per month)
Why Join This Project
This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role on a major, high-impact construction project in North London, within a globally recognised organisation. You will play a critical role in shaping the design and delivery of a complex scheme, working at the intersection of strategy, technical excellence, and project execution.
Eligibility
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not currently available.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Design Director employer: Major Building & Superstructure
Contact Detail:
Major Building & Superstructure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work and demonstrates your ability to manage complex projects. A strong portfolio can speak volumes about your design capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-quality designs.
✨Tip Number 4
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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Design Director role. Highlight your leadership in design management and any relevant large-scale projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led design teams and delivered complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Explain why you're passionate about this opportunity and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it engaging and concise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Major Building & Superstructure
✨Know Your Design Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's vision. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past projects that demonstrate your ability to lead design strategies effectively.
✨Master the Technical Details
Brush up on your knowledge of UK planning regulations, Building Regulations, and CDM 2015. The interviewers will likely ask about your experience with these standards, so be prepared to explain how you've navigated them in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and resolved conflicts, highlighting your decision-making process and stakeholder management skills.
✨Engage with BIM and Digital Tools
Familiarise yourself with the latest BIM strategies and digital design workflows. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these tools in past projects and how they contributed to successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.