Head of Design

Thorn Baker Construction

Head of Design

Midlands (Hybrid working considered)

About Us

We are an award-winning, privately owned construction and development business with a strong regional presence across the Midlands. We deliver high-quality projects across the education, healthcare, residential and commercial sectors.

Our reputation is built on collaboration, integrity, long-term partnerships and a commitment to sustainability and innovation. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a dynamic Head of Design to lead and shape our design function across the business.

The Role

As Head of Design, you will provide strategic leadership and direction to the design team, ensuring excellence from concept through to project completion. You will play a critical role in strengthening our pre-construction and delivery capability, driving innovation, and ensuring projects are coordinated, compliant and commercially robust.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for developing design strategy, managing risk, and embedding best practice across all projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, manage and develop the design team across multiple projects and sectors

  • Establish and implement a clear design strategy aligned with business objectives

  • Oversee design management processes from bid stage through to completion

  • Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, including the Building Safety Act and current industry standards

  • Drive digital innovation, including BIM and modern methods of construction

  • Work collaboratively with Pre-Construction, Commercial and Operational teams

  • Manage consultant appointments and performance

  • Identify, manage and mitigate design risk

  • Champion sustainability and low-carbon design solutions

  • Contribute to bid strategy and client engagement

About You

We are seeking an experienced design leader with strong construction knowledge and a collaborative leadership style.

You will have:

  • Proven experience in a senior design management role within construction

  • Strong understanding of UK construction legislation and building regulations

  • Experience delivering projects across education, healthcare, residential or commercial sectors

  • Knowledge of BIM, digital construction and modern methods of construction

  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

  • Strategic mindset with the ability to lead at both operational and strategic levels

  • Professional qualification in Architecture, Engineering or Construction (Chartered status desirable)

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary up to £80,000 and benefits package

  • Car allowance / company car

  • Bonus scheme

  • Private healthcare

  • Pension scheme

  • Hybrid working

  • Professional development and career progression

  • The opportunity to shape and influence a growing design function within an ambitious organisation

 

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