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- Tasks: Lead innovative design for sports surfaces and infrastructure on global projects.
- Company: Globally recognised leader in sports surface development with nearly a century of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and the chance to work on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in elite sports and large-scale developments worldwide.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5+ years of experience in sports facilities design.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor junior designers while driving innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a globally recognised company specialising in sports surface development, environmental design, and technical solutions. With nearly a century of experience, the business has delivered some of the world's most high‐profile sports and major infrastructure projects, working across elite sport, large‐scale developments, and public‐sector clients worldwide. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Design Lead to support and help deliver an expanding portfolio of global development projects.
The Design Lead will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of innovative sports surface and field‐of‐play infrastructure solutions across international projects. The role involves managing multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating technical outputs, and ensuring design excellence from concept through to construction. You will work as part of a specialist development team alongside consultants, engineers, and designers, contributing to complex, high‐profile projects for elite and institutional clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership & Coordination
- Lead the design process on major sports surface and infrastructure projects
- Manage design delivery across all RIBA stages (0-7)
- Maintain and communicate clear design intent throughout project lifecycles
- Coordinate internal technical disciplines and external consultants
- Review and approve drawings, specifications, and design documentation
- Project Delivery & Management
- Manage design programmes in line with information delivery plans
- Support project managers with scopes, deliverables, and timelines
- Oversee design resources and mentor junior team members
- Provide technical input during tendering and construction phases
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary design interface with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors
- Present design solutions to both technical and non‐technical audiences
- Lead and facilitate design workshops and stakeholder meetings
- Technical Excellence & Innovation
- Champion sustainable, performance‐led, and data‐driven design
- Drive innovation through new materials, systems, and monitoring technologies
- Ensure compliance with international sporting federation standards (e.g. FIFA, ITF, World Athletics)
- Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Identify and mitigate design risks
- Maintain QA/QC processes across all design outputs
- Contribute to continuous improvement and lessons‐learned initiatives
Skills & Experience
- Education & Qualifications
- Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Sports Engineering, or a related discipline
- Professional accreditation (e.g. Chartered Engineer, Architect) desirable
- Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience in sports facilities, stadiums, landscape, or infrastructure design
- Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams
- Experience working within BIM and federated design environments
- Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Strong understanding of sports surface systems, drainage, irrigation, lighting, and substructures
- Knowledge of international sporting standards and testing criteria
- Familiarity with Uniclass/Uniformat and specification writing
Design Lead - Sports Surfaces in London employer: Manpower Group (UK)
Contact Detail:
Manpower Group (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - Sports Surfaces in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Design Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure your design work is front and centre. Create a visually appealing presentation of your projects that highlights your skills in sports surface design and project management. We want to see your creativity shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design leadership and project delivery. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Design Lead position together!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - Sports Surfaces in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills: When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your design experience, especially in sports facilities and infrastructure. We want to see how you've led projects and managed teams, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send out the same CV and cover letter for every job. Take a bit of time to tailor them specifically for this role. Mention your experience with RIBA stages and any relevant technical skills that match what we’re looking for at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to understand your experience without wading through fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manpower Group (UK)
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sports surface systems and infrastructure design. Be ready to discuss your experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant software. Highlight specific projects where you've led design processes or coordinated multidisciplinary teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor junior team members. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past, focusing on your approach to maintaining clear design intent and ensuring quality assurance throughout project lifecycles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss how you've acted as a primary design interface with clients and other stakeholders. Think of instances where you've presented design solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences, and be ready to share your strategies for facilitating effective design workshops.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Sustainability
This role requires a champion for sustainable and performance-led design. Come equipped with ideas on how you've driven innovation in previous projects, whether through new materials or monitoring technologies. Familiarise yourself with international sporting standards to show your commitment to compliance and excellence.
