Regional Design Director – Tier 1 Construction

3D Personnel LTD; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

3D Personnel Ltd is seeking a Head of Design to lead the regional design management function for a major Tier 1 contractor. The role covers strategy, technical leadership and oversight from tender through to handover across defence, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

Based in Southampton / Hampshire, the successful candidate will shape design delivery, mentor managers, drive BIM, and champion innovation while maintaining high-quality, compliant design across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive design management experience with Tier 1 or large UK main contractor.
• Experience as Head of Design, Regional Design Manager, or Senior Design Manager.
• Proven track record across multiple major projects in defence/education/healthcare, commercial or public sectors.
• Strong understanding of RIBA stages and Design & Build contracts.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods and Building Regulations.
• Experience leading and mentoring design teams.
• Excellent commercial awareness balancing quality, schedule and cost.
• Professional qualification with membership (CIOB/RIBA or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of the regional design function across multiple projects.
• Lead and develop Design Managers and Senior Design Managers.
• Oversee design management from bid through to handover.
• Implement regional design strategies and best practices.
• Support tender submissions, feasibility, risk assessments and value engineering.
• Coordinate external design consultants and subcontractors.
• Ensure design programmes and information release align with procurement and construction.
• Provide senior technical leadership on complex design issues.
• Champion BIM, digital construction, sustainability and modern methods.

Skills

Design leadership

Team management

Regulatory knowledge

Commercial awareness

Education

Architectural/Engineering qualification

CIOB/RIBA membership

Tools

BIM

Job description

3D Personnel Ltd is seeking a Head of Design to lead the regional design management function for a major Tier 1 contractor. The role covers strategy, technical leadership and oversight from tender through to handover across defence, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

Based in Southampton / Hampshire, the successful candidate will shape design delivery, mentor managers, drive BIM, and champion innovation while maintaining high-quality, compliant design across multiple projects.