Head of Design

  • Thorn Baker Construction
  • 12/02/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

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 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 (phone number removed)