Head of Design – Harmony Fire
Location: London Liverpool Street
About the Role
At Harmony Fire, our work saves lives. As we continue to grow, we’re building a design function that will become a cornerstone of how we deliver excellence across the UK. The Head of Design will lead this transformation — shaping systems, standards, and people to ensure every Harmony project begins with clarity, precision, and technical integrity.
This is not a drawing office role; it’s a leadership position for someone who understands how design, construction, and compliance come together in the real world. You’ll combine deep technical knowledge with hands-on collaboration to deliver coordinated, buildable, and compliant designs that give clients total confidence in Harmony’s capability.
You’ll be trusted to build and lead a high-performing design team from the ground up, integrating design thinking across pre-construction, commercial, and operations to ensure consistency, efficiency, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
* Establish and lead Harmony Fire’s Design Department, creating the systems, standards, and workflows that define our design excellence
* Take ownership of design delivery across multiple projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality
* Produce and review technical drawings, schematics, and documentation, stepping in hands-on when required
* Collaborate closely with fire engineers, project managers, and commercial teams to integrate design and compliance seamlessly
* Build and mentor a growing team of designers, CAD technicians, and design coordinators
* Drive continuous improvement in design practices, embracing innovation, digital tools, and standardisation
* Support pre-construction and estimating by ensuring designs are fully coordinated and technically accurate
* Engage directly with clients and consultants to provide technical clarity and design assurance
* Oversee design governance, ensuring all outputs meet industry and company standards
* Lead design-related risk management, identifying and mitigating technical challenges before they impact delivery
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience in construction design or technical coordination, ideally within building services, M&E, or fire protection
* Strong understanding of construction detailing, materials, and system integration
* Experience building or leading a design function, including developing processes, templates, and workflows
* Strategic thinker with the ability to manage detail without losing sight of the bigger picture
* Excellent communicator – able to bridge technical and non-technical teams with confidence and clarity
* Skilled in problem-solving and pragmatic decision-making under pressure
* Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent design tools (helpful but not essential)
* Leadership qualities – able to inspire, coach, and develop others to reach their full potential
* A hands-on, delivery-focused mindset – capable of leading from the front
What We Look For in Our People
At Harmony Fire, we live by our values:
* Athlete’s Grit – we push ourselves and each other to be the best
* Captain’s Duty – we take ownership, act with integrity, and deliver on promises
* Fun Loving Heart – we celebrate success and enjoy the journey together
By understanding and embodying these values, you will not only contribute to our company’s success but also thrive personally and professionally.
Why Work for Harmony Fire
* Opportunity to build and shape an entirely new department within one of the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety specialists
* Real ownership and influence over the technical direction of our design capability
* Work with a company that values trust, collaboration, and technical excellence
* Long-term growth opportunities as we continue to expand nationally
* Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
* Bespoke Personal Development Plan with ongoing training and leadership mentoring
* A collaborative, high-energy environment focused on doing things the right way – technically, ethically, and practically
Benefits
* Lunch, snacks, and refreshments all provided, including fresh fruit and Takeaway Friday
* Unlimited holiday provision
* Bonus scheme – opportunity to earn up to 50% of annual salary
* Private Medical cover
* Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity and Paternity
* Cycle to work scheme
* Reward and Recognition scheme – European mini-breaks on offer
* Team socialising budget for all employees
* Two company events each year
* Auto-enrolment pension scheme
Harmony Fire is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.
We want everyone who works with us to feel valued and to make a difference.
Are you ready to join us?