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Head of Design

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Willmott Dixon Holdings

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Architecture & Urban Planning
    Design
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must be a registered architect with a strong design background, proven client success in workplace design, strong leadership, commercial acumen, software proficiency, and thrive in fast-paced environments.
  • You will oversee design operations, manage budgets, drive revenue growth, foster collaboration, uphold design standards, secure projects, and promote sustainable solutions while enhancing team visibility.

Requirements

  • Qualifications: RIBA or ARB-registered architect (or equivalent), with a strong educational background in architecture or design.
  • Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in winning projects and maintaining strong client relationships specifically within the workplace design sector.
  • Commercial Acumen: Excellent skills in budget management, profit oversight, and strategic planning, with a keen eye for financial detail.
  • Leadership: A confident and inspiring leader, skilled in stakeholder engagement and in developing team members’ potential.
  • Innovative Mindset: A proactive approach to refining design processes and adapting to evolving industry trends, driving innovation within the team.
  • Software Proficiency: Ideally a high level of expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, InDesign, and NBS Chorus, ensuring technical excellence in all design outputs.
  • Work Ethic: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, effectively balancing creative excellence with operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the design department’s performance, including budget management and cost control.
  • Execute a long-term business plan with objectives for revenue growth and market expansion.
  • Refine the department’s unique selling proposition, highlighting the benefits of working within a principal contractor.
  • Direct daily operations, including workload planning, leadership, recruitment, and performance management.
  • Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture that supports well-being and career development.
  • Uphold high design standards throughout all RIBA stages, balancing creativity with technical integrity.
  • Conduct design reviews, championing innovation and sustainability while ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Drive growth through strategic marketing and client engagement.
  • Identify and secure new project opportunities using a strong industry network and presentation skills.
  • Promote the team’s design expertise internally and externally, enhancing the department's visibility.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to deliver complex design-and-build projects.
  • Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, and industry partners to generate new business leads.
  • Advocate for sustainable, wellbeing-focused design solutions that exceed client expectations.
  • Stay updated on trends and innovations to enhance project outcomes.

FAQs

What is the main responsibility of the Head of Design?

The main responsibility of the Head of Design is to oversee the creative direction, commercial performance, and strategic execution of design projects within a principal contractor environment, leading a team of architects and interior designers.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should be a RIBA or ARB-registered architect (or equivalent) with a strong educational background in architecture or design.

What experience is preferred for the Head of Design role?

A proven track record in winning projects and maintaining strong client relationships, particularly within the workplace design sector, is preferred.

Is there an emphasis on sustainability in this role?

Yes, the Head of Design is expected to advocate for sustainable and wellbeing-focused design solutions that exceed client expectations and stay updated on trends and innovations in this area.

What software proficiency is required for this position?

Ideally, the candidate should have a high level of expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, InDesign, and NBS Chorus to ensure technical excellence in all design outputs.

What type of work environment does Willmott Dixon provide?

Willmott Dixon provides an inclusive and flexible working environment that supports agile working wherever possible.

What are the leadership expectations for the Head of Design?

The Head of Design is expected to be a confident and inspiring leader, skilled in stakeholder engagement and in developing team members' potential.

How does this position contribute to business development?

The Head of Design drives growth through strategic marketing and client engagement, identifying and securing new project opportunities and promoting the team's design expertise.

What kind of culture is promoted within the design team?

A collaborative, high-performance culture that supports well-being and career development is promoted within the design team.

What awards has Willmott Dixon received?

Willmott Dixon has been awarded No 1 in the Best "big" Companies (2022) to work for, recognized as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality (2024), and has won a King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development.

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Willmott Dixon Holdings

We are a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist, aspiring to create a lasting positive impact.

Real Estate
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1852
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist with the ambition to create a huge and lasting positive, impact on our society. This is not only through what we build; it’s through the fantastic efforts of all our people who make a major contribution to enhancing their local communities. We like to think there's no better place to work; this is underlined by coming 5th in the 2020 Sunday Times list of Top 100 companies to work for - better than any other contractor. We provide excellent training and career opportunities, plus a unique and stimulating workplace and benefits package - come and experience it for yourself!