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