Head of Design and Technical

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Design and Technical to lead and oversee our established design department within the 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction sector. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving technical excellence, compliance, governance, and continuous improvement across all design activities.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical authority, exceptional leadership capability, and a proven track record of maintaining high design and compliance standards in a fast‑paced modular construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide clear leadership and direction to the design and technical team, embedding robust governance, structure, and accountability.
• Chair and lead multi‑disciplinary design team meetings, ensuring actions, decisions, and risks are effectively managed.
• Set and maintain high standards of design quality, consistency, and technical accuracy across all projects.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of professionalism, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Design & Technical Oversight

• Take overall responsibility for technical compliance with current UK and Ireland Building Regulations, relevant Standards, and industry best practice.
• Act as the senior technical authority for design approvals, change control, and complex technical decisions.
• Oversee the coordination of architectural, structural, and MEP design within a fully integrated 3D volumetric environment.
• Ensure designs are fully buildable, manufacturable, and aligned with off-site production and on‑site installation requirements.

Systems, Processes & Innovation

• Review, improve, and implement structured design processes and procedures.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new design software and digital tools, ensuring efficiency, integration, and team adoption.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement in BIM, digital workflows, and data management.
• Maintain accurate documentation, design records, and audit trails.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary technical interface with clients, consultants, regulators, warranty providers, and internal stakeholders.
• Support commercial and operational teams with technical input during tenders, pre‑construction, and delivery phases.
• Provide clear, confident technical communication at all levels, including senior management and external partners.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the 3D Volumetric Offsite Modular Construction industry (this is a mandatory requirement).
• Proven experience leading or managing a design and technical function within modular or off-site construction.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering projects to high technical and quality standards.
• Extensive working knowledge of UK and Ireland Building Regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Strong experience chairing design team meetings and managing multi‑disciplinary coordination.
• Proven ability to introduce structure, governance, and process improvements in a design environment.
• Experience implementing or rolling out new design or BIM software.

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Commercially aware with an understanding of cost, programme, and risk.
• Highly organised with excellent decision‑making capability.
• Confident communicator, both written and verbal.
• Solutions‑focused mindset with a proactive and hands‑on approach.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £60,000 – £65,000, depending on experience.
• Senior management role with real influence over design strategy and standards.
• Opportunity to shape and develop a growing design and technical function.
• 29 days’ holidays, increasing to 34 days with service.
• Birthday off
• Group pension
• Private Health Insurance
• Company Sick Pay
• Flexible Working Hours Scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Training and progression opportunities
• Family-run and well-established, secure company (trading for over 40 years)
• Open-door policy
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Team Bonding Events
• Christmas Party

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