Head of Technical and Design - Modular

Cobalt Recruitment; Bolton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is working with a growing residential developer in Greater Manchester to appoint a Head of Technical & Design. The role leads the technical, design and compliance strategy across MMC and light steel frame construction.

You will coordinate architects and engineers, manage Building Regulations and approvals, and work with warranty providers to secure 10-year new-build warranties, shaping technical processes for current and future developments. Hybrid/office/site in GM area.

Qualifications

• Strong technical understanding of residential construction with MMC/offsite experience.
• Knowledge of UK Building Regulations and Building Control.
• Experience coordinating consultants and managing technical approvals.
• Experience with obtaining structural warranty approvals is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and design side of the business across MMC/light steel frame construction.
• Coordinate architects, structural engineers and other consultants.
• Manage Building Regulations and Building Control requirements.
• Support the process of securing 10-year new-build warranties.
• Develop technical processes for current and future developments.
• Work with warranty providers and coordinate their technical requirements.
• Liaise with the light steel frame manufacturer and their technical team.
• Monitor technical risks and approvals through pre-construction and delivery.

Skills

Technical leadership

Residential construction

MMC / offsite / light steel frame

Regulatory coordination

Consultants coordination

Job description

We’re working with a growing residential developer and construction business in Greater Manchester that is looking to appoint a Head of Technical & Design.

The business specialises in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and is introducing a prefabricated light steel frame system to the UK market. With its first residential developments already progressing across the North West and a growing pipeline of future sites, they are now looking for someone to take the lead across technical, design and compliance.

This is a hands-on role working closely with the Directors and would suit someone who wants the opportunity to genuinely shape how a new construction system is established and delivered in the UK.

The role

You’ll lead the technical and design side of the business, working closely with external consultants, manufacturers, contractors, Building Control and warranty providers to make sure projects are compliant and ready to build.

A key part of the initial role will be navigating the technical approval and structural warranty process, ensuring the construction system meets the requirements needed to secure a 10-year new-build warranty for future developments.

Responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating architects, structural engineers and other consultants
• Managing Building Regulations and Building Control requirements
• Managing technical information, drawings and approvals
• Working with structural warranty providers and coordinating their technical requirements
• Supporting the process of securing 10-year new-build warranties
• Liaising with the light steel frame manufacturer and their technical team
• Managing technical and design issues through pre-construction and delivery
• Working closely with main contractors and specialist subcontractors
• Monitoring outstanding approvals, information, programme and technical risks
• Supporting residential projects from pre-construction through to completion
• Helping establish technical processes that can be replicated across future developments

Who are we looking for?

We’re open-minded on exact job title and background. You could currently be a Technical Manager, Head of Technical, Technical Director, Design Manager or MMC/Offsite specialist.

What’s more important is a strong technical understanding of residential construction alongside experience with MMC, modular, offsite, prefabricated, panelised or light steel frame construction.

You’ll ideally have strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and Building Control, alongside experience coordinating consultants and managing technical approvals.

Previous experience working with structural warranty providers, securing new-build warranties or helping an MMC/non-traditional construction system through technical approval would be particularly valuable.

Why join?

This is an opportunity to join a business at an early stage of its growth and have real influence over how its construction system and future developments are delivered.

The immediate focus will be establishing the technical, compliance and warranty processes for the system in the UK. Longer term, the role will develop into wider technical and project leadership across a growing residential pipeline.

The position is based around Greater Manchester, with a mix of time in the Salford office, on site and working from home.