At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the design team in innovative modular construction projects.
- Company: Join a family-run, secure company with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Design and Technical to lead and oversee our established design department within the 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction sector. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving technical excellence, compliance, governance, and continuous improvement across all design activities.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical authority, exceptional leadership capability, and a proven track record of maintaining high design and compliance standards in a fast‑paced modular construction environment.
Key Responsibilities- Leadership & Governance
- Provide clear leadership and direction to the design and technical team, embedding robust governance, structure, and accountability.
- Chair and lead multi‑disciplinary design team meetings, ensuring actions, decisions, and risks are effectively managed.
- Set and maintain high standards of design quality, consistency, and technical accuracy across all projects.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of professionalism, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Design & Technical Oversight
- Take overall responsibility for technical compliance with current UK and Ireland Building Regulations, relevant Standards, and industry best practice.
- Act as the senior technical authority for design approvals, change control, and complex technical decisions.
- Oversee the coordination of architectural, structural, and MEP design within a fully integrated 3D volumetric environment.
- Ensure designs are fully buildable, manufacturable, and aligned with off-site production and on‑site installation requirements.
- Systems, Processes & Innovation
- Review, improve, and implement structured design processes and procedures.
- Lead the evaluation and implementation of new design software and digital tools, ensuring efficiency, integration, and team adoption.
- Implement and drive continuous improvement in BIM, digital workflows, and data management.
- Maintain accurate documentation, design records, and audit trails.
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary technical interface with clients, consultants, regulators, warranty providers, and internal stakeholders.
- Support commercial and operational teams with technical input during tenders, pre‑construction, and delivery phases.
- Provide clear, confident technical communication at all levels, including senior management and external partners.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within the 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction industry (this is a mandatory requirement).
- Proven experience leading or managing a design and technical function within modular or off-site construction.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering projects to high technical and quality standards.
- Extensive working knowledge of UK and Ireland Building Regulations and compliance frameworks.
- Strong experience chairing design team meetings and managing multi‑disciplinary coordination.
- Proven ability to introduce structure, governance, and process improvements in a design environment.
- Experience implementing or rolling out new design or BIM software.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- Commercially aware with an understanding of cost, programme, and risk.
- Highly organised with excellent decision‑making capability.
- Confident communicator, both written and verbal.
- Solutions‑focused mindset with a proactive and hands‑on approach.
- Competitive salary of £60,000 – £65,000, depending on experience.
- Senior management role with real influence over design strategy and standards.
- Opportunity to shape and develop a growing design and technical function.
- 29 days' holidays, increasing to 34 days with service.
- Birthday off.
- Group pension.
- Private Health Insurance.
- Company Sick Pay.
- Flexible Working Hours Scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Training and progression opportunities.
- Family-run and well-established, secure company (trading for over 40 years).
- Open-door policy.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Team Bonding Events.
- Christmas Party.
Head of Design and Technical in Newtownabbey employer: P McVey Building Systems
Join a family-run, well-established company that has been trading for over 40 years, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape a growing design and technical function in the innovative 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction sector. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee development through training and progression opportunities, we foster a supportive work culture that values open communication and teamwork. Enjoy flexible working hours, private health insurance, and team bonding events that make our workplace not just a job, but a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design and Technical in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in design and technical projects. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate, so potential employers can see what you bring to the table at a glance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in the modular construction sector. Confidence and knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we really appreciate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design and Technical in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Design and Technical role. Highlight your experience in 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 achievements in design and technical oversight, and let us know how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, we’re keen to see your leadership capabilities. Mention any experience you have in mentoring teams or leading multi-disciplinary meetings. We love candidates who can inspire and drive their teams forward!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at P McVey Building Systems
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction. Familiarise yourself with the latest UK and Ireland Building Regulations, as well as industry best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but also a technical authority.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you implemented governance or improved processes. This will help demonstrate your ability to provide clear direction and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. You’ll need to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders, so being a confident communicator is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
During the interview, be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your proactive approach and solutions-focused mindset, especially in relation to design processes and software implementation. This will show that you're not just reactive but also strategic in your thinking.
