Head of Technical & Design Leadership (Construction)

Bell Building Projects Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior leadership role

Influence technical and design mgmt

UK project portfolio

Supportive leadership access

Competitive salary

Company pension

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development

Job summary

Bell Building Projects is seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead our technical and design management functions from our Manchester team. You will shape technical standards, oversee design management across multiple projects, and drive improvements in buildability and regulatory compliance.

In this senior role, you will partner with Directors and regional teams to ensure high technical standards, manage risk, and mentor Design Managers while supporting growth across façade replacement

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior technical or design management role within a main contractor or specialist construction business.
• Strong understanding of façade systems, building envelopes, cladding replacement and external wall remediation.
• Experience managing and developing Design Managers or multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act, fire safety requirements and Golden Thread principles.
• Experience reviewing complex technical submissions, construction drawings, specifications and design information.
• A good understanding of construction methodology, buildability and the practical challenges of delivering projects on site.
• Experience coordinating external consultants, specialist subcontractors and design teams.
• The ability to identify technical risks, challenge proposals and provide practical solutions.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work alongside Directors, clients, consultants and operational teams.
• A proactive approach to improving processes, developing standards and introducing more efficient ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop our team of Design Managers across the UK, providing technical guidance, support and direction.
• Oversee the technical and design management functions across multiple projects, ensuring consistency in approach and standards.
• Review and challenge design proposals, specifications, drawings and technical submissions to ensure compliance, quality and buildability.
• Provide technical oversight of submissions from our sister division, Bell Sustainable Roofing (BSR), ensuring they meet project requirements and relevant technical standards.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act and other relevant legislation, particularly in relation to fire safety and higher-risk buildings.
• Oversee the management of Golden Thread information, ensuring technical documentation is accurate, complete and appropriately maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and manage technical and design risks, working with project teams and external consultants to resolve issues before they impact delivery.
• Review and improve existing design management procedures, technical review processes, reporting and quality assurance systems.
• Establish consistent technical standards and best practices across all regions.
• Work closely with the Pre-Construction, Commercial and Operational teams to ensure technical requirements are considered from tender stage through to project completion.
• Support the appointment, coordination and performance management of external design consultants.
• Provide technical input into tender submissions, design reviews, value engineering and construction methodologies.
• Support and mentor Design Managers, identifying development opportunities and improving technical capability across the team.
• Keep up to date with changes in building regulations, industry guidance and construction best practices, ensuring these are reflected in our internal procedures.

Skills

Senior leadership

Technical leadership

Building regulations

Design management

Communication skills

Risk identification

Education

Architecture/Architectural Technology/Engineering qualification

Job description

Bell Building Projects is seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead our technical and design management functions from our Manchester team. You will shape technical standards, oversee design management across multiple projects, and drive improvements in buildability and regulatory compliance.

In this senior role, you will partner with Directors and regional teams to ensure high technical standards, manage risk, and mentor Design Managers while supporting growth across façade replacement