Head of Design
| Posting date: | 12 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £75,000 to £85,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 March 2026 |
| Location: | WR14 1AA |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Thorn Baker Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 226976-1121 |
Summary
Job Specification: Head of Design
Location: Worcestershire
Employment Type:
Full-time, Permanent
Role Purpose
To lead, manage and develop the design management function within the residential division, ensuring design resources and processes are effectively deployed to deliver high-quality, compliant and commercially sound pre-construction and construction design outcomes across residential projects.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop the design management function, ensuring robust and consistent delivery of design across residential projects.
• Establish and implement standardised design management processes in collaboration with Operations and Pre-Construction teams.
• Manage, allocate and plan design management resources, including line management, performance and workforce planning.
• Oversee design delivery from pre-construction through to handover, ensuring compliance with programme, cost, quality, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Champion value-driven, cost-effective, innovative design solutions while managing risk and defects liability.
• Coordinate external consultants and specialist designers, monitoring performance against time, cost and quality targets.
• Support bid and tender processes with technical design input to secure accurate and competitive submissions.
• Maintain strong client relationships that promote high standards of service and collaboration.
• Advocate and embed best practice in health & safety, regulatory compliance (including Building Safety Act and Building Regulations) and BIM.
• Provide visible leadership that reflects the company’s values and supports team development and capability.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Knowledge
• Demonstrable experience in the residential construction sector.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong technical knowledge relevant to residential design delivery.
• Ability to lead a team to deliver best-value solutions that meet project and regulatory standards.
Core Behaviours and Attributes
• Acts with honesty, integrity and accountability.
• Strong relationship builder with excellent communication skills.
• Collaborative team player who embraces change and innovation.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, self-awareness and positivity.
• Proactive, open-minded and driven for results.
Working Hours
Core working hours are 08:30 – 17:00, with flexibility and working from home.
What’s on Offer
• Competitive salary up to £85,000 and personalised benefits package.
• Car allowance
• Bonus scheme
• Private pension scheme
• Increasing holiday entitlement.
• Access to private healthcare and additional employee benefits.
• Opportunities for training and mentoring support.
If you are interested in hearing more, call Chloe on 07733314668