Head of Design

Job Title: Regional Design Manager Location: Theale, Reading Company: Tier 1 Main Contractor Project Sectors: Commercial, Education, Residential Project Values: £10m – £100m Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the Role I am looking to speak with highly skilled Regional Design Managers to lead the design management function across multiple major projects within the commercial, education, and residential sectors. Reporting to Regional Director, you will oversee design delivery from pre-construction through to handover, ensuring solutions meet client expectations, statutory compliance, and programme requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage the design process through bid, pre-construction, and delivery stages Lead coordination between internal teams, consultants, supply chain, and client stakeholders Drive value engineering and innovative design solutions aligned with cost and programme efficiencies Review drawings, specifications, BIM models, and technical submissions for compliance and buildability Chair design team meetings and ensure accurate reporting/document control Mitigate design risks, managing change control and ensuring approvals are secured Support digital construction initiatives and BIM Level 2 compliance Ensure health & safety considerations and sustainability objectives are embedded in the design Provide technical input and buildability advice to support site delivery teams Experience & Skills Required Proven experience managing design for Tier 1 contractors or leading main contractors Track record delivering schemes £10m–£100m within at least one of: Commercial offices / mixed-use developments Education new build refurb projects Residential & student accommodation, mid/high-rise Strong understanding of RIBA Plan of Work and construction delivery methods Excellent communication and influencing skills with both technical and non-technical audiences Familiarity with BIM coordination and digital design platforms Ability to manage multiple stakeholders while maintaining programme and budget targets Experience of traditional, D&B and framework procurement routes What We Offer Competitive salary package (car allowance, pension, bonus etc.) Career progression within a leading national contractor High-profile, complex projects impacting local communities Hybrid working opportunities

Location: Reading, UK, GB

Posted Date: 11/8/2025