Design Director

Kier Group; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Project Design Director in London to oversee design aspects of projects – from winning work to delivery and post-handover. This role requires strong leadership in design management and experience with BIM Level 2 projects. You will guide design processes, manage teams, and ensure project goals align with quality standards and sustainability benchmarks. The firm offers tailored benefits and values diversity. Apply now to join the team.

Qualifications

• Experience in Tier 1 Construction or Main Contracting.
• Strong management of design risk throughout project phases.
• Familiarity with sustainability benchmarks like NABERS UK, WELL and BREEAM.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design aspects of projects from inception to delivery.
• Lead design and engineering functions across various projects.
• Manage relationships with design consultants and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Evaluate design deliverables and support innovative solutions.

Skills

BIM Level 2 experience

Leadership in Design Management

Knowledge of design processes

Technical background in Design or Engineering

Ability to lead high-performing teams

Job description

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We're looking for a Project Design Director to join our regional build design team based in London.

Location: Central London

What will you be responsible for?

As a Project Design Director in London & Thames Valley, you will oversee the design aspects of projects from work winning to delivery and post-handover, ensuring they meet quality and standards. This role combines design expertise, external client & stakeholder engagement with project management leadership, often acting as a bridge between the design team and other stakeholders. You will guide the design process, manage teams, and ensure the final product aligns with project goals, business strategy, and client expectations.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Leading and overseeing the design and engineering functions across diverse projects including new builds, refurbishments, de-carbonisation initiatives, residential projects, and cut & carve schemes within the public and private sectors across London and the Thames Valley region.
• Managing design risk, ensuring high design quality, and coordinating programmes throughout all project phases, including design appointments and pre-construction stages.
• Collaborating with bid and pre-construction teams to evaluate design deliverables, support innovative solutions, assess risks, and review design consultant capabilities.
• Managing relationships with external design consultants, evaluating their expertise, and ensuring their work aligns with project objectives and deadlines.
• Ensuring design teams meet or exceed sustainability benchmarks such as NABERS UK, WELL Building Standard, and BREEAM certification.

What are we looking for?

• Experience with BIM Level 2 projects, including COBie data and LoDM.
• Leadership experience in Design Management roles within Tier 1 Construction or Main Contracting environments.
• Detailed knowledge of design processes, departmental procedures, and industry best practices.
• Strong technical background in Design, Construction Management, or Engineering.
• The ability to successfully lead a high-performing design team.

We're all about finding potential here at Kier, and transferable skills are always welcome! Even if you don't tick every box, please apply and let's have a chat.

Rewards and benefits

We offer a wide variety of benefits that you can tailor to your needs. More information can be found here.

Diversity and inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a priority. We are committed to our diversity and inclusion initiatives, shaped by our employees' experiences. Our D&I action plan can be viewed here.

As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure that disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria will be offered an interview.

We look forward to your application to #joinkier