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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 accommodation.
- 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: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
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 employer: NSR Associates
Contact Detail:
NSR Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Lead
✨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
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and their projects. We want to see you shine, so understand their approach to design and delivery. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their collaborative culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in managing design activities and how you’ve added value across project lifecycles. We believe in you, so make sure you convey your passion for delivering high-quality facilities on time and within budget.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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. Let’s get you on board for that exciting £100 million project!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Lead
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. Share specific examples of your past successes in design coordination and how you’ve added value throughout project lifecycles.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaborative mindset. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work well with others and drive solutions together!
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, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
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 the 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, prepare examples from your past where you've successfully worked with various teams. Highlight how you’ve led design coordination and resolved conflicts, demonstrating your ability to foster teamwork and client relationships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss BIM and Digital Tools
Given the importance of BIM and digital tools in this role, brush up on your knowledge and experiences with these technologies. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you’ve used them to manage design changes or identify clashes, showcasing your proactive design management skills.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the project lifecycle and the company’s approach. Ask about their strategies for ensuring cost certainty and quality delivery, which will demonstrate your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
