Head Of Design

Atkins Search is recruiting a Head of Design to join a well-established main contractor based in Nottingham. Renowned for delivering high-quality projects across the region, our client offers a supportive environment that values collaboration, innovation, and employee development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced design leader to shape and drive the design function across the business, playing a key role in the company's continued growth and long-term success.

Our client is a privately owned business with a strong reputation across the Midlands for delivering construction excellence across various sectors, including residential, healthcare, education, and commercial developments. Their people-first approach promotes career growth and employee wellbeing.

• Established Reputation - Trusted in the industry and recognised for delivering quality in every project.
• Diverse Portfolio - Projects range from £1M to £30M, including work on major public frameworks and private sector builds.
• Growth-Oriented - Exciting strategy to expand its footprint, with robust leadership and a team-oriented culture.
• Local Focus - Projects are regionally based across the Midlands & North, minimising travel and enabling work-life balance.

The Role

As Head of Design, you will lead and develop the business's design function, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality projects from preconstruction through to completion. Working closely with senior leadership, operational teams, and external consultants, you will drive design excellence, innovation, and best practice across the organisation.

This strategic and operational leadership position offers the opportunity to influence project outcomes, support business growth, and build a high-performing design team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company's design function across multiple projects and sectors.
• Develop and implement design management strategies, processes, and best practice standards.
• Oversee the design process from concept through to project completion, ensuring compliance with client requirements and industry regulations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Design Team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Chair and lead design team meetings, providing guidance to consultants, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants, ensuring alignment with project objectives and programme requirements.
• Work closely with preconstruction teams, providing technical leadership and support during tender and bid submissions.
• Monitor design programmes and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identify and manage design-related risks, driving proactive solutions to maintain project performance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support business growth and secure future opportunities.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in design leadership within a main contracting environment, with extensive experience across both preconstruction and project delivery phases.

• Qualifications - Degree in Design Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience - Extensive experience managing design teams and design processes within a main contractor environment, delivering both new-build and refurbishment projects across multiple sectors.
• Skills - Strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness, and proficiency in design and construction software, including CAD and Microsoft Office.
• Attributes - Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and drive successful project outcomes.

• Competitive Salary
• Excellent remuneration package, including car allowance or company car, alongside an attractive benefits package.
• Leadership Opportunity
• A key strategic role with the opportunity to shape and develop the design function within a growing business.
• Work-Life Balance
• Regionally focused projects minimise travel demands.
• Career Development
• Long-term progression opportunities within an ambitious and supportive organisation.
• Engaging Culture
• Regular social events and a collaborative, team-focused workplace.

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