Principal Design Lead (Construction)

Location: Social Infrastructure, Trafford, United Kingdom

Company

hirify.global delivers innovative and sustainable solutions for complex infrastructure needs in the UK.

What you will do

• Lead technical design management across multiple residential and mixed-use schemes.
• Act as the escalation point for complex design, delivery, compliance, and risk issues.
• Coordinate bid-stage technical input, including design appraisals, programmes, consultant strategies, risk identification, and value engineering.
• Oversee design programmes, change control, statutory approvals, consultant performance, and design coordination.
• Mentor Senior Design Managers and Design Managers while taking direct responsibility for key projects when required.
• Coordinate with Commercial, Operations, and Bid teams to develop practical and cost-effective design solutions.

Requirements

• Proven senior design management experience across multiple residential or mixed-use projects, including high-rise developments.
• Strong leadership experience managing and mentoring Design Managers.
• Extensive knowledge of design management from bid and pre-construction through construction and handover.
• Strong technical understanding of building design, coordination, regulatory compliance, and construction sequencing.
• Current knowledge of the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations, Dutyholder roles, competency requirements, and HRB procedures is required.
• Valid driving licence and strong written, verbal, organisational, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting or deputising for a Head of Technical or Technical Director.
• Experience with complex or high-risk schemes, PAS 9980, EWS1, FRAEW, and fire safety compliance.
• Experience with BIM and digital design management systems.
• Relevant professional membership or a degree in architecture, engineering, or a construction-related discipline.
• Knowledge of procurement strategies, contractual design obligations, temporary works, and design programmes.

Culture & Benefits

• Culture focused on doing the right thing, raising standards, integrity, and positive delivery.
• Emphasis on proactive problem-solving, constructive challenge, and practical alternative solutions.
• Commitment to health, safety, environmental, quality, and customer satisfaction standards.