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- Tasks: Lead design management for major residential and mixed-use projects, ensuring compliance and coordination.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a strong safety culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of residential design and construction.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in design management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Role Purpose
Provide strategic leadership of design management across major residential and mixed-use projects, ensuring design is fully coordinated, compliant, commercially robust and aligned with programme, procurement and construction delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the divisional design function, embedding standardised Tier 1 design management processes, governance and assurance.
- Align design delivery with programme, procurement, commercial strategy and construction sequencing.
- Manage design risk, change control and compliance across multiple live projects.
- Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory and safety requirements, including Building Safety Act and Building Regulations.
- Provide technical and design leadership into bids, tenders and two-stage procurement.
Pre-Construction & Delivery
- Lead design through pre-construction, construction and handover on complex, multi-disciplinary schemes.
- Coordinate consultants, specialist designers and supply chain partners to achieve fully buildable solutions.
- Control design programmes, information release schedules and common data environments.
- Drive value engineering and design optimisation while maintaining quality, safety and performance.
- Oversee BIM-led workflows, design coordination and clash resolution.
- Ensure timely discharge of planning conditions, building control approvals and statutory consents.
Commercial, Risk & Performance Management
- Monitor consultant performance against cost, time, quality and risk.
- Manage design change, scope creep and technical risk to protect programme and margin.
- Support procurement by aligning design with package strategies and trade contractor input.
- Maintain accurate design records and “golden thread” information to support compliance and handover.
- Lead, mentor and performance-manage senior and project design managers.
- Plan and manage resourcing for major frameworks and regional workloads.
- Develop capability, competence and succession within the design team.
- Promote a strong safety culture and technical excellence across the function.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as senior design interface with clients, regulators and key stakeholders.
- Build trusted relationships that support repeat business and framework delivery.
- Contribute to post-project reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Leadership & Behaviours
- Visible, accountable leadership aligned with Tier 1 contractor standards.
- Strong commercial awareness and programme focus.
- Collaborative, solutions-driven and decisive.
- Committed to safety, compliance, innovation and sustainable delivery.
Head of Design employer: TH Recruit
Contact Detail:
TH Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design 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 Head of Design role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure your design work is front and centre. We recommend creating a visually appealing online portfolio that highlights your best projects and demonstrates your leadership in design management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design leadership and project management. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Design role. Highlight your strategic leadership in design management and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed design risks and ensured compliance in past projects.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to mention your experience with BIM-led workflows and design optimisation. We want to see how you’ve driven value engineering while maintaining quality and safety.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smoother application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at TH Recruit
✨Know Your Design Management Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in design management processes, especially those relevant to residential and mixed-use projects. Brush up on the latest regulations, like the Building Safety Act, and be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing multiple projects. Think about times when you’ve successfully mentored others or driven a collaborative approach to problem-solving—these stories will resonate well.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to talk about how you align design with commercial strategies and procurement processes. Discuss any experiences where you’ve managed design risks or changes while protecting programme margins—this shows you understand the bigger picture.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think of instances where you’ve built strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve acted as a senior design interface and contributed to post-project reviews, as this will show your commitment to continuous improvement.
