Senior Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - High Containment Laboratories

Laing O'Rourke; Dartford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Senior Design Manager – Architecture & Facades to lead the design strategy for a landmark life sciences facility. This role requires 10+ years of experience, particularly in high-containment projects. The successful candidate will shape architectural development, coordinate with various stakeholders, and drive sustainable design. Excellent leadership and collaboration skills are essential for influencing key decisions in a critical facility.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead significant projects

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusivity-focused workplace

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in major project phases and client-facing roles.
• Proven ability to lead façade design from concept to technical assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design development from RIBA Stage 2 onwards.
• Coordinate with clients, architects, and technical consultants.
• Embed sustainable solutions into architectural design.

Skills

High-containment project experience

Stakeholder management

Architectural design leadership

Risk management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Architecture or related discipline

Job description

Senior Design Manager – Architecture & Facades

Location:London Design Partner Offices

Project:£900M Landmark Life Sciences Scheme

Shape thearchitectural vision of one of the UK's most advanced life sciences developments.

Laing O'Rourke is seeking aSenior Design Manager – Architecture & Facadesto lead the architectural and envelope design strategy for a nationally significant £900m life sciences facility. This is a critical role for a high-performing design leader, embedded within an integrated pre-construction team working between Dartford and our London-based design partners.

Why this role matters

As our architectural and façade lead during the 2-year PCSA phase, you will:

• Shape and coordinate architectural design development from RIBA Stage 2 onwards, covering high-containment labs, specialist clinical spaces, and secure research zones.

• Lead the interface between client-side advisors, architects, envelope specialists, and technical consultants.

• Ensure alignment across security, functional, aesthetic and compliance requirements, particularly for high-assurance and regulated environments.

• Drive integration of MMC, DfMA and digital engineering in façade and architectural packages.

• Embed sustainable, durable and technically compliant solutions into the heart of the design.

What you'll bring

• Proven experience working onhigh-containment, healthcare, or science-led projects(e.g.CL3/CL4 labs, clean rooms, biopharma, or similar) will be highly advantageous.

• Confidence navigatingcomplex stakeholder landscapes, including third-partyregulatory and compliance bodies(such as HSE, Home Office, and internal security).

• Demonstrated ability to lead architectural and façade design from early concept through to technical assurance, coordinating with consultants and supply chain partners.

• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Façade Engineering or a related discipline (RIBA Part III or equivalent preferred).

• 10+ years' experience across major project phases with strong client-facing, risk management and programme leadership capabilities.

• A collaborative mindset and ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams around a clear architectural strategy.

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to lead architectural design on one of the UK'smost significant science and innovation programmes.

• A role at the heart of Laing O'Rourke's integrated model – influencing early decisions that shape long-term value.

• A platform to embed design excellence, sustainability and innovation into a nationally critical facility.

Inclusion at our core

We believe great design leadership thrives on diversity of perspective and experience. We're building a workplace where everyone belongs, and welcome applications from all communities. We're also happy to explore flexible and inclusive ways of working.

This is more than design management – it's your opportunity to lead with purpose and help shape the next generation of scientific infrastructure.
Apply now for a confidential conversation.

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