Principle Design Lead

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