Head of Design
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9BX |
| Company: | VolkerWessels UK |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | VW07163_1770371912 |
Summary
VolkerFitzpatrick offers a range and depth of civil engineering, infrastructure and building services. We contribute to vital parts of the nation's life through projects of strategic importance, while delivering those less visible, yet essential, works required by both private and public sectors. We build, renew, maintain highways, airports, railway infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and educational buildings.
We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Design for our VolkerFitzpartick business, based out of our Head Office in Hoddesdon.
The overall purpose of the role is to:
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Lead the Business Design Management function and develop the Business Design vision and strategy in line with the overall VolkerFitzpatrick and Volker Wessels business requirements.
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Ensure that the design management function within the business units has sufficient resource and competency to manage the delivery of the design obligations in line with the project requirements.
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Manage and report on design cost, risk and performance across the VolkerFitzpatrick business.
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Ensure that the design phase of projects is compliant with the obligations of CDM.
- Support the tender process to ensure that the design requirements for future projects are accurately and correctly identified.
About you
- Degree in civil / structural engineering, or equivalent
- Member of professional institution (ICE / IStructE) - Required in order to support the development of design team in achieving professional qualifications
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) - Required in order to support the development of design team in achieving professional qualifications
- Experience in management of multidisciplinary design in rail / civil, aviation and building sectors
- Experience in the management of project teams and functional teams
If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
VolkerFitzpatrick is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerFitzpatrick are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies:
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.
We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.