Principle Design Lead

Purpose
The Principal Design Lead provides senior technical leadership across multiple projects, supporting delivery from bid stage through to completion. Acting as the link between project-level design management and strategic technical oversight, the role drives design quality, compliance, consistency, and performance while supporting and mentoring the wider Technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support Design Managers across multiple projects, ensuring coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions.
• Act as the escalation point for complex technical and design issues.
• Lead technical input into bids, including design strategy, risk management, programme development and value engineering.
• Support the Head of Technical in maintaining design management standards, procedures and best practice.
• Oversee design programmes, consultant performance and design change management across projects.
• Ensure compliance with planning, Building Regulations, statutory approvals and the Building Safety Act.
• Mentor and develop Design Managers and Senior Design Managers.
• Work closely with Commercial, Operational and Bid teams to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Chair design reviews, workshops and coordination meetings on complex schemes.
• Undertake project-level design management on key projects where required.
• Carry out site visits to support delivery teams and resolve technical issues.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Significant experience leading design management on residential, mixed-use or high-rise developments.
• Strong leadership and mentoring experience.
• Proven ability to manage both strategic technical oversight and project delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of design management throughout bid, pre-construction, construction and handover phases.
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act, Dutyholder requirements and HRB procedures.
• Excellent technical, problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Experience leading bid-stage technical submissions and consultant coordination.
• Strong commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience reviewing consultant performance, design compliance and procurement strategies.
• Excellent communication, organisation and reporting skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience deputising for a Head of Technical or Technical Director.
• Experience on complex or high-risk projects, including HRBs.
• Knowledge of PAS 9980, EWS1, FRAEW and fire safety frameworks.
• Experience with BIM and digital design management systems.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (CIOB, CIAT, RICS or similar).
• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Engineering or a related construction discipline.
• Experience developing technical processes, design programmes and procurement strategies.
• Strong understanding of contractual obligations, utilities and sectional agreements.

Personal Attributes

• Leads by example and champions high standards.
• Positive, proactive and solutions-focused.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
  

Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.