Head Of Technical Design

Melior Associates; Andover; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Melior Associates is seeking a Head of Technical Design to lead and develop the technical design function for complex, unique projects in the theme park, cruise ship and hotel sectors. You will collaborate with engineers, consultants and concept designers to retain the creative magic while delivering technically robust solutions.

The role evolves into a true Head of Technical Design, maintaining hands-on involvement while coordinating an internal team and freelance designers to ensure

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design function, providing direction and mentorship to the team and freelance designers.
• Own the technical design decisions, engineering interfaces and delivery across projects.
• Remain hands-on in design development, detailing and problem-solving, not only reviews of others.
• Ensure all designs comply with legislation, regulations, codes and client requirements.

Job description

THE COMPANY.

My client is a worldwide, award-winning manufacturer, developer and fit-out contractor, specialising in the delivery of unique and highly creative projects across the theme park, cruise ship and hotel sectors.

With an international portfolio that includes three current projects in Las Vegas, their work is seen and experienced by millions of people every year. No two projects are the same, with values ranging from £100k to £5m, providing an exciting mix of challenges and opportunities.

The business is forward-thinking and market-focused, combining innovative design, specialist manufacturing and high-quality installation to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to each client's requirements.

This is a rare opportunity to join an innovative and growing company working on genuinely unique projects that have a lasting impact and are enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

THE ROLE - HEAD OF TECHNICAL DESIGN

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced technical designer/ Architectural Technician who wants to play a key role in delivering some genuinely unique projects.

You will work closely with structural engineers, consultants, contractors and the original concept designers, ensuring designs are technically robust, compliant with relevant legislation and, most importantly, retain the 'magic' and playability that makes these projects so distinctive.

As you establish yourself within the business, the role will develop into a true Head of Technical Design position, where you will continue to remain hands-on while taking overall responsibility for the technical design function, leading the existing team and coordinating freelance designers where required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the technical design function, providing direction, support and mentorship to the existing technical design team and freelance designers.
• Take ownership of technical design, acting as the key internal point of accountability for design decisions, engineering interfaces and technical delivery.
• Remain hands-on, personally contributing to design development, technical detailing and problem-solving rather than simply reviewing the work of others.
• Ensure compliance, making sure all designs meet relevant legislation, regulations, codes, client requirements and company standards.
• Coordinate engineering, working closely with structural and specialist engineers, consultants, suppliers and contractors to develop fully coordinated and technically sound solutions.
• Design with construction in mind, ensuring solutions are safe, practical, efficient and straightforward for contractors to manufacture and install.
• Consider the end user, ensuring designs deliver an engaging and enjoyable experience for children. Playability is a key differentiator for the business and an important part of delivering successful projects.
• Work closely with estimating and pre-construction, challenging options, reducing unnecessary complexity and developing cost-effective, compliant solutions.
• Manage technical risk, identifying potential issues early, managing design changes and approvals, responding to site queries and ensuring lessons are captured to minimise rework.
• Develop the technical team, creating a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration and timely delivery.
• Maintain the original creative vision, working closely with concept designers to ensure that technical development never removes the creativity or 'magic' from the finished product.