At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for innovative building projects.
- Company: Established design and build contractor expanding in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for team development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on energy efficiency and modernisation.
- Why this job: Shape a regional design team and drive impactful low-carbon projects.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in building services design and leadership skills.
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. Schemes typically involve mechanical and electrical upgrades, renewable technologies, heating system replacements, plantroom improvements, and wider building services enhancements.
This is a critical leadership appointment and a genuine opportunity to shape and build a regional design team from the ground up. Reporting into the Design Director / Associate Director, the Head of Design will lead multidisciplinary building services design activity across the Birmingham region, supporting the delivery of complex decarbonisation and energy projects from concept through to installation. 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary MEP/building services design teams across regional projects
- Oversee the technical delivery of decarbonisation and low-carbon retrofit schemes
- 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
- Mentor and support engineers across graduate, junior, senior, and principal levels
- Work collaboratively with operations, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure successful project outcomes
- Maintain high technical and quality standards across all design output
- Support client engagement activities, presentations, and stakeholder meetings
- Contribute to strategic planning and regional growth initiatives
- Help establish processes, standards, and best practices within the regional design team
Candidate Requirements
- Significant experience within building services / MEP design environments
- Strong technical knowledge across mechanical and electrical building services
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering/design teams
- Background within a contractor or design-and-build environment
- Experience delivering commercial or public-sector building projects
- Strong understanding of design through to installation and delivery
- Excellent communication and client-facing presentation skills
- Ability to mentor, develop, and grow engineering teams
- Collaborative, hands-on leadership approach
Desirable
- Existing network of mechanical/electrical engineers or industry contacts
- Experience scaling or establishing regional design functions
- Exposure to healthcare, education, or public-sector projects
- Chartered status or working towards chartership
Sounds interesting? Apply directly for a confidential chat.
Head of Design employer: X4 Life Sciences
As a leading design and build contractor in Birmingham, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and the chance to shape a new design team, all while working on impactful low-carbon projects that contribute to a sustainable future. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your expertise and offers a supportive environment for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Design role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and leadership experiences. When you meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and delivered complex projects in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team directly.
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 specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Design role. Highlight your leadership experience in building services and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving decarbonisation and energy efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for leading a design team and how your background aligns with our focus on multidisciplinary projects and client engagement.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don't shy away from showcasing your technical knowledge in mechanical and electrical building services. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining high standards across all design outputs and support complex projects from concept to installation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows us 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 of building services and MEP design. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving decarbonisation and low-carbon retrofits. This will show that you not only understand the theory but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and developed engineering teams in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've worked with other departments to achieve project goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since client engagement is key in this role, think about how you can effectively communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Prepare for questions on how you've handled client presentations and meetings in the past, and be ready to share your strategies for maintaining strong client relationships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Growth Strategies
The company is looking for someone who can contribute to regional growth initiatives. Think about your vision for building the Birmingham design function and how you would approach recruitment and team development. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on establishing processes and best practices within the team.
