Head of Design

Mivan Ltd; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist fit-out contractor in Northern Ireland is seeking a Head of Design to lead their design team. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of design projects on time and to required quality standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in senior design management within the construction sector, alongside a proven capability to build empowered teams. This role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits including enhanced pension and health cash plans.

Benefits

Enhanced pension

Health Cash Plan

Length of service awards

Employee wellness programme

Working from home scheme

Holiday purchase scheme

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior design management role within construction.
• Proven track record in building high-performing teams.
• Detailed knowledge of industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership ensuring all design aspects are delivered on time.
• Oversee realistic design programmes for each contract.
• Monitor design costs and performance within project budgets.

Skills

Senior design management experience

Knowledge of design processes

2D and 3D design knowledge

Team leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Head of Design - Antrim

Mivan is a dynamic and progressive specialist joinery and interior fit‑out contractor with a reputation for excellence and innovation. Mivan is now seeking a talented Head of Design who will provide inspirational leadership to a large team (around 15) in design and document control.

Candidates should have extensive experience in a senior design management role within the construction or a closely related sector, backed by an impressive portfolio. You should have a detailed knowledge of design processes and industry best practices and a working knowledge of both 2D and 3D design. Critically, the role requires a track record of building empowered and high‑performing teams and the capability to further develop the competence of the design function around the themes of accountability, creativity and delivery. Forming collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders will always be a key element of this role.

Main duties will include:

• Provide visible felt leadership to the design function which supports and inspires, ensuring the delivery of all aspects of design across all projects in adherence to deadlines, quality and buildability standards.
• Ensure design managers and leads produce and manage realistic design programmes for each contract, providing input, guidance, commercialism and support as required.
• Oversee the production of accurate working drawings ensuring the design team works to consistent standards, defined project timelines, budgets and objectives.
• Implement and maintain robust processes and version control measures to ensure all drawings are produced with optimal buildability, meetings international quality standards (ISO9001:2015) and customer specifications.
• Set and monitor design KPIs, prioritising workloads to meet operational requirements, manage resource allocation and/or transfer of staff and resources across projects to ensure consistent delivery within deadlines.
• Contribute as a member of the Management Team to the development, communication and implementation of Mivan’s operational objectives in line with the Company’s strategy.
• Monitor, manage and report design costs and performance for each project , ensuring design is delivered within budget and in accordance with the standards required by the client.

If you are an experienced Head of Design ready to take the next step in your career, then this is an excellent opportunity to work on iconic projects for a dynamic and successful company.

What we offer

We will reward you with a competitive salary and benefits package, training and personal development opportunities and a range of initiatives designed to support a healthy work/life balance.

Core benefits include:

• Enhanced pension
• Health Cash Plan
• Length of service awards
• Employee wellness programme
• Working from home scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life Assurance

Closing date for applications is 28th October 2025

Mivan is an Equal Opportunities Employer