At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a major construction project in North London.
- Company: Global construction and infrastructure group with a strong European presence.
- 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 developments and drive innovative design outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in design management and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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. 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 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
- 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
- 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.
Design Lead employer: Major Building & Superstructure
Join a globally recognised construction and infrastructure group that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With a strong presence in North London, this organisation offers a dynamic work culture, competitive benefits including private medical healthcare and a generous leave policy, and ample opportunities for professional growth on high-profile projects. As a Design Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping landmark developments while working alongside international teams in a fast-paced environment that prioritises technical expertise and strategic delivery.
Contact Details:
Major Building & Superstructure Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Major Building & Superstructure.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Major Building & Superstructure appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Major Building & Superstructure know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Major Building & Superstructure is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Major Building & Superstructure
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
