At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a dynamic design team for innovative building projects.
- Company: Established design and build contractor expanding across the Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on energy efficiency and modernisation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable design and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong background in building services design and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An established design and build contractor is expanding its presence across the Midlands and is looking to appoint a senior design leader to support the continued growth of its building services and low-carbon project portfolio. Operating across a range of commercial and public-sector environments, the business delivers multidisciplinary projects focused on energy efficiency, refurbishment, and modernisation works.
Due to sustained project demand and long-term growth plans, the company is now looking to strengthen its regional leadership team with the appointment of an experienced Head of Design. This is a critical leadership appointment and a genuine opportunity to shape and build a regional design team from the ground up.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical building services expertise alongside proven experience leading, mentoring, and growing high-performing engineering teams. This role is suited to someone already operating at Head of Design level or an equivalent senior leadership role, who can quickly establish themselves, drive standards, and build capability across the function.
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary MEP/building services design teams across regional projects
- Support projects through the full lifecycle from concept design through installation and delivery
- Build and grow the Birmingham design function, including recruitment and team development
- Work collaboratively with operations, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure successful project outcomes
- Maintain high technical and quality standards across all design output
- Contribute to strategic planning and regional growth initiatives
- Help establish processes, standards, and best practices within the regional design team
Significant experience within building services / MEP design environments is required, along with strong technical knowledge across mechanical and electrical building services. Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering/design teams is essential, as well as a background within a contractor or design-and-build environment.
Experience delivering commercial or public-sector building projects, a strong understanding of design through to installation and delivery, and an existing network of mechanical/electrical engineers or industry contacts are also important. Exposure to healthcare, education, or public-sector projects is advantageous.
Apply directly for a confidential chat.
Design in Birmingham employer: X4 Life Sciences
As a leading design and build contractor in the Midlands, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the building services sector. Join us to lead a dynamic team in shaping the future of our projects while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, especially those who work in building services or have connections in the Midlands. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and leadership experiences. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having something tangible to share can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like the one looking for a Head of Design, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Design in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Design role. Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and your technical expertise in building services. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on energy efficiency and modernisation.
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 leadership experience and how you've successfully managed design projects from concept to installation. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical knowledge in mechanical and electrical building services. We’re looking for someone who can maintain high standards across all design outputs, so make sure to mention any relevant certifications or projects that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at X4 Life Sciences
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to building services and MEP design. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving energy efficiency and decarbonisation. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and mentored teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to build and grow a high-performing design team, which is crucial for this role.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working closely with operations and commercial teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated across different functions in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects where teamwork was key to achieving great outcomes.
✨Think Strategic
The company is looking for someone who can contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives. Prepare to talk about your vision for the design function and how you would establish processes and best practices. This shows you’re not just thinking about the day-to-day but also the bigger picture.
