Design Lead

About the Opportunity

Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.
As part of our continued growth in the UK, we are currently supporting the delivery of a major building and regeneration project in North London . This scheme reflects the scale and complexity of projects we deliver globally and represents a significant milestone in our UK expansion.
While the organisation name is not disclosed at this stage of the recruitment process, it is a global construction and infrastructure group with a strong presence across Europe and international markets , recognised for delivering large-scale, technically complex developments across infrastructure, sports, halls, stadiums, residences, commercial, and specialist sectors.
We operate not simply as a contractor, but as a collaborative delivery partner working closely with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, future-ready environments that balance technical excellence with long-term value.
We are now seeking an experienced Design Director to join the team on this high-profile scheme. This is a large-scale, technically complex development currently in its delivery phase, offering a genuine opportunity to play a central role in shaping and driving design outcomes.
This is a significant project, providing the opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of a landmark development within a dynamic and internationally experienced organisation.
This position is offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months.
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, you will lead the end-to-end design process across all project phases, ensuring alignment with client requirements, statutory regulations, buildability, and commercial objectives.
You will be responsible for design strategy, programme integration, multidisciplinary coordination, and risk management, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders.
This is a senior leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, strategic oversight, and the ability to drive high-quality design delivery within a complex project environment.
Key Responsibilities
Define and lead the overall design strategy in line with programme, budget, and operational requirements
Manage and coordinate all design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist systems), ensuring integration and clash resolution
Act as the primary interface with clients, consultants, and stakeholders, leading design reviews, approvals, and presentations
Develop and manage the design programme in coordination with construction sequencing, procurement schedules, and statutory approvals
Ensure compliance with UK planning requirements, Building Regulations, CDM 2015, fire safety, and accessibility standards
Drive constructability and design-led value engineering in collaboration with construction and commercial teams
Identify and manage design risks, including change control and resolution of RFIs and technical queries
Lead BIM strategy and ensure effective use of digital design and coordination tools
Oversee internal design teams and external consultants to ensure timely and high-quality delivery
Implement robust design governance and review processes aligned with industry best practice
Coordinate design delivery within accelerated construction programmes, including IFC release planning
About You
Experience
15+ years experience in design management within large-scale, complex construction projects
Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
Strong track record of delivering projects across all RIBA stages (07)
Experience on major infrastructure, stadium, or complex building projects is highly desirable
Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Building Engineering, or a related discipline
Chartered status (RIBA, ARB, CIBSE, IStructE or equivalent) is highly desirable
Skills & Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of design management across all project stages
Strong understanding of UK planning, Building Regulations, CDM 2015, and fire safety requirements
Expertise in multidisciplinary coordination, including MEP integration
Experience in BIM-led coordination and digital design workflows
Knowledge of value engineering, lifecycle design, and sustainability frameworks (e.g. BREEAM, Net Zero, WELL)
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of design contracts
Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making capability
Working Environment
Regular on-site presence required to support coordination, installation, and commissioning activities with some flexibility for hybrid working.
Opportunity to work with international teams across the wider organisation
Fast-paced, technically complex project environment
What We Offer
Competitive annual base salary
28 days annual leave, including UK public holidays
Private medical healthcare
Pension scheme
Mobile phone allowance (up to £40 per month)
Why Join This Project
This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role on a major, high-impact construction project in North London, within a globally recognised organisation .
You will play a critical role in shaping the design and delivery of a complex scheme, working at the intersection of strategy, technical excellence, and project execution.
Eligibility
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not currently available.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience. xwzovoh Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.