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- 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 outcomes 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 Lead employer: Major Building & Superstructure
Contact Detail:
Major Building & Superstructure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead
✨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 Lead 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 skills and experience.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Design Lead role. Highlight your leadership in design management and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving large-scale developments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for design and construction, and how your experience can contribute to our ambitious project in North London.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, be sure to mention your familiarity with UK planning regulations, BIM strategies, and multidisciplinary coordination. We want to see how you can drive high-quality design delivery!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Major Building & Superstructure
✨Know Your Design Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of design strategies relevant to large-scale projects. Be prepared to discuss how you would define and lead a design strategy that aligns with programme and budget requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led design teams and coordinated with external consultants to deliver high-quality outcomes.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Brush up on UK planning requirements, Building Regulations, and CDM 2015. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your design processes and how you handle any design risks or changes that arise during a project.
✨Familiarise Yourself with BIM and Digital Tools
Since this role involves leading BIM strategy, it's crucial to be well-versed in digital design workflows. Be prepared to discuss your experience with BIM-led coordination and how you've used digital tools to enhance design delivery in previous projects.