Lead Designer

JR United Kingdom; Luton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading steelwork company based in Bedford is seeking a Lead Designer to oversee the design process on multiple projects. You will manage a small team, ensuring all designs comply with building codes and client specifications. The ideal candidate has experience in the structural steelwork industry and proficiency in relevant design software. This role offers a chance to step into a leadership position within a respected and growing company.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Designer/Lead Designer within the structural and architectural steelwork industry.
• Ability to lead a design team and coordinate multiple live projects.
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and installation processes.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the full design process on multiple projects.
• Managing a small design team to ensure accurate designs.
• Producing and reviewing detailed GA drawings and 3D models.

Skills

Design leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Tools

Tekla Structures

Advance Steel

AutoCAD

Job description

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I am currently recruiting for a Lead Designer to join a well-established steelwork company based in Bedford. The business delivers a variety of structural and architectural steelwork projects across London and the Home Counties, ranging from large-scale structural frames to bespoke architectural metalwork.

The Role:

As the Lead Designer, you will be responsible for overseeing the full design process on multiple projects, managing a small design team, and ensuring all work is accurate, compliant, and delivered to client requirements. This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll coordinate between engineers, draughtsmen, project managers, and clients to ensure designs are both practical and efficient for fabrication and installation.

Key Duties:

• Leading the design process on structural and architectural steelwork projects from concept through to completion
• Managing and mentoring draughtsmen and junior designers within the design office
• Producing and reviewing detailed GA drawings, fabrication drawings, and 3D models
• Ensuring all designs meet relevant building codes, standards, and client specifications
• Preparing and checking Bills of Materials, cutting lists, and fabrication information
• Liaising with structural engineers, architects, project managers, and site teams to resolve design queries
• Coordinating with the production and workshop teams to ensure designs are practical for manufacture
• Attending client meetings and site visits as required to support project delivery
• Monitoring project design schedules to ensure deadlines are met
• Driving quality, accuracy, and efficiency across all design output

The Candidate:

• Proven experience as a Designer/Lead Designer within the structural and architectural steelwork industry
• Proficiency in relevant steelwork detailing and modelling software (Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, or AutoCAD)
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and installation processes
• Ability to lead a design team and coordinate multiple live projects
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage workloads and meet deadlines

Location & Projects:

• Office-based in Bedford
• Projects located across London and the Home Counties

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced steelwork designer to step into a lead role within a respected and growing company, taking ownership of the design department and delivering high-quality projects.