Overview
Head of Design - Defence Construction Projects
Location: London Bridge
Reds10 is at the leading edge of innovation in construction, designing and building high-quality sustainable buildings for the public sector. From design to delivery, we create smart, future-ready spaces through our industrialised construction approach. With our adoption of advanced software, technology, and automation, we have the vision and expertise to reshape the way the UK builds.
We are seeking a strategically minded Head of Design to lead and shape the design function across a portfolio of complex, high-security defence construction projects. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep technical expertise, stakeholder management skills, and a proven track record of delivering innovative, compliant, and resilient design solutions within the defence sector.
As Head of Design, you will be responsible for setting the design strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, and driving excellence across all phases of design development. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with senior stakeholders including MOD representatives, and ensure that all design outputs meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and security.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design strategy and execution across multiple defence construction programmes.
* Overseeing all design aspects for the projects from inception to completion.
* Oversee the integration of architectural, structural, civil, MEP design disciplines, and sub-contractors with design responsibility.
* Ensure compliance with defence standards, security protocols, and statutory regulations.
* Ensure that RIBA Stage 4 CP design is completely coordinated with the RIBA Stage 5 construction deliverables across all key packages - Utilities, Civils, Sub Structure, Super Structure, Architectural, MEP. This should be executed in collaboration with the in-house design team, external consultants, specialist consultants, and subcontractors.
* Act as the primary design authority, providing expert guidance and assurance throughout project lifecycles.
* Collaborate with project directors, engineering leads, and client stakeholders to ensure design intent is maintained.
* Manage design risk, change control, and technical governance processes.
* Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital design methodologies (e.g., BIM).
* Mentor and develop a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
* Collaborating with project managers to ensure timely completion of design aspects.
* Ensure all design work is completed to a high standard, within agreed timescales and budgets.
* Creating and managing project budgets related to design aspects.
About You
* Chartered Architect, Engineer, or equivalent with significant experience in leading design on defence or high-security infrastructure projects.
* Strong understanding of defence estate requirements, JSP standards, Counter Terrorism measures (CTM) and secure design principles.
* Proven leadership experience in managing large-scale, multidisciplinary design teams.
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
* Experience with digital design tools and platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, BIM360).
* Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver compliant solutions.
* Security clearance (or eligibility to obtain) is essential.
Why Join Us?
* Opportunity to influence the future of defence infrastructure through design leadership. You'll be joining a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering projects of national significance.
* Thrive in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment where innovation and initiative are valued.
* Cutting-Edge Projects: Be part of groundbreaking initiatives that use the latest industrialised construction methods and technologies to shape the future.
Benefits
* Competitive salary with benefits including:
* Ongoing professional development and training
* Bonus potential
* Vitality Health Insurance including gym membership discount
* Health Cash Plan
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Paid volunteering day
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