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- 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 design excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in design management and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 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.
- 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 in London employer: Major Building & Superstructure
Contact Detail:
Major Building & Superstructure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Nail that interview prep! Research the company, understand their projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your portfolio! If you're applying for a design role, make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights your best work. Tailor it to reflect the type of projects the company is involved in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead in London
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 experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and delivering complex projects, as this will catch our eye!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led design strategies or managed risks in previous projects. We love seeing the impact you've made!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and why you’re a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the recruitment journey!
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 align design with client requirements and statutory regulations, as this will show your expertise in managing complex design processes.
✨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, resolved conflicts, or integrated various design disciplines. This will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Project's Context
Research the specific project and the organisation's role in it. Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders and their expectations. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the project will show your genuine interest and help you stand out during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to UK planning, Building Regulations, and design management. Brush up on your knowledge of BIM-led coordination and value engineering principles. Being well-prepared for these technical aspects will demonstrate your readiness for the role.