Company:
Leading Tier 1 Main Contractor
Project:
Landmark £1.5 Billion New-Build Hospital
Location:
UK
Salary:
Highly Competitive + Car Allowance + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity for a top-tier Design Lead to oversee the entire design management process on one of the UK's most significant and technically complex construction projects. As the Design Lead for this £1.5 billion hospital, you will be the crucial link between the design vision and the reality of construction, ensuring a fully coordinated, compliant, and buildable design is delivered.
You will lead a dedicated team in driving the design process for a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, which will feature intricate clinical spaces, advanced mechanical and electrical systems, and cutting-edge medical technology. This role offers the chance to apply your expertise on a career-defining project, managing multiple stakeholders to create a building that will serve the community for generations.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Strategy & Leadership: Take overall responsibility for managing and delivering the design from the post-contract stage through to project completion. You will develop and implement the project's Design Management Plan and lead the on-site design management team.
- Coordination & Integration: Chair and manage all design team meetings, driving the coordination of all architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist subcontractor design packages. You will ensure a fully integrated and clash-free design through the effective use of BIM and digital construction tools.
- Programme Management: Manage the design programme in line with the procurement and construction schedules. You will proactively identify and mitigate risks to the design delivery, ensuring all information is released on time to the relevant teams.
- Compliance & Buildability: Ensure the design is fully compliant with the Employer’s Requirements (ERs), statutory regulations (Building Regs, Planning), and critical healthcare standards ( HTM/HBN ). You will champion buildability, working closely with the construction team to identify and implement value engineering opportunities.
- Information Management: Oversee the flow of all design information through the Common Data Environment (CDE) . Manage the Request for Information (RFI) and Technical Query (TQ) processes efficiently to ensure queries are resolved without impacting the programme.
- Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact between the project team and the consultant design team. You'll build and maintain strong working relationships with the client, architects, engineers, and specialist designers to ensure a collaborative approach.
Candidate Profile
We're seeking an experienced and authoritative Design Lead who excels in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Essential Requirements:
- Significant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager working directly for a Tier 1 main contractor .
- A proven track record of leading the design management process on at least one major, complex project valued over £250 million .
- Experience with major hospital or healthcare projects is essential. You must have a deep understanding of the unique design requirements of clinical environments and familiarity with HTM/HBN standards.
- A degree-level qualification in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil/Structural Engineering, or another construction-related discipline.
- Proficiency with BIM processes and an excellent understanding of digital design coordination tools (e.g., Navisworks, Revit).
Desirable Attributes:
- Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g., MCIOB, RIBA, CEng ).
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
- A meticulous and detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
What We Offer
- A top-tier salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects the seniority of this role.
- The chance to lead the design function on a nationally significant, landmark project.
- A key position within the project's senior leadership team with significant influence.
- Excellent long-term career prospects within a market-leading Tier 1 contractor.
