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- Tasks: Lead design and technical aspects of a £100m warehouse project, ensuring quality delivery.
- Company: Tier 1 UK Main Contractor with a strong reputation and global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career prospects, and potential for remote work.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a significant impact on a major project.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and delivering large industrial projects.
- Other info: Local candidates preferred, but accommodation provided for those willing to work away.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A Tier 1 UK Main Contractor with an annual turnover in excess of £500m has secured a £100 million Design & Build industrial warehouse project in Essex and is now seeking a Project-Based Design Lead to join the site team. This is a key role, working closely with the Senior Project Managers to lead the design, technical, and engineering aspects of the scheme, ensuring a high-quality facility is delivered on time and within budget. The project is located approximately 5 minutes from Grays, Essex. Local candidates are preferred, however fully expensed weekday accommodation can be provided for the right individual willing to work away.
The Project & Business
- £100m Design & Build Industrial Warehouse
- Programme driven, with handover required by April 2027
- Repeat client award based on strong past performance
- Highly profitable main contractor with a large proportion of negotiated work
- Client-focused organisation taking a proactive, collaborative approach
- UK contractor with global reach and capability
- Long-term career prospects and progression opportunities
The business is known for playing the long game with clients — supporting projects from early PSA engagement through to delivery and handover.
The Role
As Project Design Lead, you will be responsible for driving the design process on site, ensuring coordination across disciplines and alignment with programme, cost, and quality objectives. You will add value across the entire project lifecycle, from bid support through detailed design, construction, and final handover of an operational facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate design activities from bid stage through to handover
- Work closely with Senior Project Managers to support programme and cost certainty
- Lead design and technical coordination across consultants, subcontractors, and in-house teams
- Promote a collaborative, solutions-led approach with clients and the supply chain
- Ensure effective use of BIM and digital tools to identify clashes and manage design change
- Drive a proactive design management approach, anticipating issues rather than reacting to them
- Ensure design solutions meet client requirements, statutory compliance, and buildability standards
About You
- UK-based Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator with Main Contractor experience
- Proven background delivering Industrial Warehouse projects (£40m+)
- Experience adding value across the full project lifecycle (bid, design, site delivery, handover)
- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Collaborative mindset with a focus on team success and client outcomes
- Ideally available to start in Q1 2026
Senior Design Lead in Grays employer: NSR Associates
Contact Detail:
NSR Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Lead in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Design Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to industrial warehouses. We want to see how you’ve added value throughout the project lifecycle, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their recent projects. We recommend having specific examples ready that demonstrate your collaborative approach and problem-solving skills. This will show them you’re the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Lead in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Lead role. Highlight your experience with industrial warehouse projects and any relevant design management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaborative mindset. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with clients, consultants, and subcontractors in the past. We value teamwork at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSR Associates
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the £100 million Design & Build industrial warehouse project. Understand its key objectives, timelines, and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role emphasises a collaborative approach, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with various stakeholders in past projects. Highlight instances where your teamwork led to innovative solutions or improved outcomes, demonstrating that you're a team player who values client relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Savvy
Familiarise yourself with BIM and other digital tools mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these technologies in previous roles to manage design changes and identify clashes. This will illustrate your proactive design management approach and technical expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate issues. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you faced challenges in design management and how you overcame them. This will help you convey your strategic thinking and readiness for the role.
