We are seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Head of Design to lead my clients façade design function in the UK. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving technical excellence, overseeing all façade design outputs, and shaping the department’s long-term direction. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise across façade systems, strong people leadership, and the ability to collaborate closely with clients, architects, consultants, and project delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
* Lead the design department, setting vision, direction, and best-practice design standards.
* Establish and implement design processes, workflows, and quality control systems.
* Drive innovation in façade design, including new technologies, materials, and digital tools.
* Work closely with senior management to align design strategy with business growth objectives.
Design Management
* Over all façade design activities from concept to construction documentation.
* Provide technical leadership on system selection, buildability, detailing, and performance criteria.
* Ensure compliance with UK building regulations, including fire safety, thermal performance, acoustics, and structural requirements.
* Review and approve design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, feasibility, and risk mitigation.
Project Support & Collaboration
* Engage with architects, main contractors, consultants, and client teams throughout all project stages.
* Support bid and pre-construction activities with technical leadership and design solutions.
* Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert guidance during installation and commissioning phases.
Team Management & Development
* Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary façade design team (designers, engineers, technicians).
* Recruit and grow the team to support the business pipeline.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
Technical & Industry Expertise
* Maintain deep knowledge of façade systems, including unitised, stick, rainscreen, cladding, glazing, and specialised envelope technologies.
* Keep up-to-date with emerging materials, digital fabrication, sustainability standards, and UK industry regulations.
* Champion the use of BIM, digital engineering, and modern design tools across the department.
Qualifications & Experience
* Degree in Façade Engineering, Civil / Structural Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
* Minimum 7 years’ façade design experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
* Proven track record delivering complex façade packages for medium–large scale projects in the UK.
* Strong understanding of UK building regulations, CWCT guidelines, fire safety requirements, and façade performance criteria.
* Expertise in façade design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, SolidWorks, or similar).
* Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple high-value projects simultaneously.
What They Offer
* Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits package.
* Opportunity to lead a high-performing design team within a growing façade business.
* Exposure to landmark UK projects and innovative façade systems.
* A role with real influence, shaping the future of our technical and design capabilities.
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