Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design / Technical Director

Company: Galliford Try

Location: UK-wide remit, with national travel as required

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior-level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee technical governance, design assurance, and regulatory compliance for façade remediation and new build fenestration projects.

• Act as the technical authority for façade engineering, building envelope performance, and fenestration systems within Oak Specialist Services.

• Lead the technical delivery of façade remediation works, ensuring strict adherence to the Building Safety Act, BSR processes, and fire safety regulations.

• Provide technical assurance for new build façade and fenestration packages, ensuring designs meet stringent performance standards for safety, thermal efficiency, and durability.

• Drive the development and implementation of technical standards, design procedures, and best practices across the organization to foster a culture of quality and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership role within Galliford Try's Oak Specialist Services (OSS) division, focusing on technical excellence and regulatory compliance in a critical construction niche. The emphasis on façade remediation and new build fenestration, coupled with the Building Safety Act, indicates a high-stakes operational environment requiring deep technical expertise and risk management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Technical Leadership: Provide inclusive technical leadership and strategic direction to support sustainable business growth, acting as the ultimate technical authority for façade engineering and fenestration systems.

• Façade Remediation Oversight: Lead the technical delivery of façade remediation projects, including high-risk residential buildings, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act, Gateway processes, fire strategies, and relevant British Standards.

• New Build Fenestration Assurance: Provide technical assurance for new build façade and fenestration packages (curtain walling, windows, doors, rainscreen systems), ensuring designs meet performance standards for fire safety, thermal/acoustic efficiency, weathering, structural integrity, and durability.

• Design Management & Review: Lead and support internal and external design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors, establishing robust design review, coordination, and approval processes. Chair design workshops and technical reviews.

• Compliance, Quality & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to legislation, regulations, industry standards, and internal quality systems. Proactively identify and manage technical, regulatory, and design risks, contributing to latent defect risk mitigation and duty-holder responsibilities.

• Tender & Commercial Support: Support pre-construction and commercial teams with technical input during tenders, value engineering exercises, and risk assessment activities, ensuring technical viability and commercial feasibility.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent Oak Specialist Services in senior technical discussions with clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies, including the Building Safety Regulator and Building Control.

• Problem Resolution: Provide expert guidance to resolve site queries, RFIs, and non-conformances, ensuring seamless project execution and adherence to design intent.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to audits, lessons-learned reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design processes and project outcomes.

• Team Development: Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working culture, mentoring and developing internal design and technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on technical leadership. The emphasis on regulatory compliance (Building Safety Act, BSR) and risk management is paramount, requiring a candidate with a deep understanding of complex construction challenges and a proven ability to navigate stringent safety and quality requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Professional certification or equivalent (e.g., Chartered Engineer - CEng, or equivalent professional membership with IStructE, ICE).

Experience:

• Senior-level experience (10+ years) in façade design, engineering, or technical leadership within the construction industry.

• Proven track record of delivering façade remediation projects, particularly those involving occupied buildings and high-risk residential structures.

• Extensive experience with new build façade and fenestration systems, including curtain walling, windows, and doors.

• Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary design and technical teams.

Required Skills:

• Façade Engineering Expertise: Deep knowledge of façade systems, building envelope performance, materials, and construction methods.

• Technical Governance & Assurance: Ability to establish and enforce technical standards, review designs, and ensure quality and compliance.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, Approved Document B, fire strategies, and specifically the Building Safety Act and BSR processes.

• Risk Management: Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, regulatory, and design risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, regulators, consultants, and internal teams.

• Leadership & Team Management: Capacity to lead, mentor, and inspire technical teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to provide expert guidance and resolve complex technical issues on-site and during the design phase.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional membership (IStructE, ICE, etc.).

• Experience acting as a technical lead or design authority on high-risk residential buildings.

• Knowledge of façade and fire testing regimes, including assessments in lieu of tests.

• Strong commercial awareness and experience supporting bid strategy and risk pricing.

• Experience working within "golden thread" information management environments.

• Understanding of façade and fire testing regimes, including assessments in lieu of tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical specialization in façades and fenestration with strong leadership and regulatory acumen. The mention of "senior-level experience" and specific professional memberships signals a requirement for seasoned professionals who can operate at a strategic level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Façade Remediation Case Studies: Detailed examples of façade remediation projects led, showcasing the technical challenges, solutions implemented, and adherence to Building Safety Act requirements. Focus on demonstrating a robust approach to risk assessment and fire safety compliance.

• New Build Façade Projects: Documentation of new build façade and fenestration designs delivered, illustrating the application of performance standards (fire, thermal, acoustic, structural) and coordination with other building systems.

• Technical Governance Frameworks: Evidence of developing or implementing technical standards, design procedures, and quality assurance processes within previous roles.

• Risk Management Protocols: Examples of risk registers, mitigation strategies, and lessons-learned documentation related to façade design and construction challenges.

• Stakeholder Engagement Examples: Documentation of successful engagement with clients, regulatory bodies (e.g., BSR, Building Control), and design teams on complex projects.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Examples of established processes for design review, coordination meetings, and technical approval cycles, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Technical Query (RFI) Resolution: A demonstrated process for managing and resolving site queries and RFIs effectively, ensuring minimal disruption and adherence to design intent.

• Compliance Assurance Procedures: Documentation outlining how regulatory compliance (Building Regulations, Building Safety Act) was ensured throughout project lifecycles.

• Value Engineering & Risk Assessment Methodologies: Evidence of structured approaches to value engineering and risk assessment within the design and pre-construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is less about visual aesthetics and more about demonstrating a rigorous, process-driven approach to technical governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance in complex façade engineering projects. Case studies should highlight problem-solving and leadership in challenging environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £90,000 - £120,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on senior leadership roles in construction and engineering in the UK, considering the specialist nature of façade remediation and new build fenestration, the significant responsibility for technical governance and regulatory compliance, and the company's standing as a major principal contractor. Factors such as location (national remit), experience level (10+ years, senior), and the critical importance of the Building Safety Act compliance heavily influence this range. Comparable roles in similar large construction firms typically fall within this bracket.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work schemes.

• Comprehensive pension plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options are available for all salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme offering free 24/7 support.

• Paid yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to your role (e.g., IStructE, ICE).

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression through Galliford Try's 'Career Paths' initiative.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is described as Hybrid, suggesting a combination of site visits, office-based work, and potential for remote work, with national travel as required. Flexibility in working arrangements is offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a senior leadership position in a large UK construction firm, reflecting the specialized technical expertise and responsibility. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with typical offerings for senior roles in the industry, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering (Specialist Services - Façade Remediation & Fenestration)

Company Size: Galliford Try is a large principal contractor, employing thousands of people. Oak Specialist Services (OSS) is a dedicated business unit within this group.

Founded: Galliford Try was founded in 1958. Oak Specialist Services operates as a key division within the established group.

Team Structure:

• OSS Division: The Design/Technical Director will be a member of the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) Board, indicating a high-level, strategic position.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a senior executive within OSS or the Galliford Try Group, such as a Managing Director or Group Technical Director.

• Direct Reports: Expected to lead and manage internal and external design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors. This implies managing a dispersed team and external partners.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Will work closely with pre-construction, commercial, project management, site operations, and potentially legal/risk departments.

Methodology:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on rigorous technical standards, design assurance, and quality management.

• Safety-First Approach: Paramount importance placed on safety (especially fire safety) and regulatory compliance, driven by the Building Safety Act.

• Collaborative Delivery: Encourages working collaboratively with clients, regulators, and project partners to achieve project objectives.

• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the role's focus on technical governance and compliance implies a need for data-driven decision-making and robust documentation.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning from projects, audits, and reviews to enhance processes and outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates within the large-scale construction sector, with a specialized unit (OSS) focused on a critical and highly regulated area of building. The culture is likely to be professional, safety-conscious, and driven by project delivery excellence, with a strong emphasis on technical competence and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Leadership / Executive level position within the operations and technical domain of construction. It is a pivotal role responsible for the overall technical strategy and execution of façade solutions for a significant business unit. The scope includes high-risk projects and direct impact on regulatory compliance and company reputation.

Reporting Structure: The Design/Technical Director is expected to be part of the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) Board, indicating a high-level reporting line, likely to senior group management or the Managing Director of OSS. They will, in turn, lead and manage internal design teams, external consultants, and specialist subcontractors.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on:

• Project Success & Risk Mitigation: Ensuring technical integrity and compliance directly affects project delivery, cost, safety, and reputation, minimizing risks of defects, claims, and regulatory issues.

• Business Growth & Profitability: Technical leadership influences tender success, value engineering, and the commercial viability of projects. Effective design management can lead to more efficient construction and reduced rework.

• Regulatory Adherence & Reputation: Critical for ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act and other regulations, safeguarding the company's license to operate and its public image.

• Client Relationships: Technical authority and expertise build trust with clients and stakeholders, fostering long-term relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence the strategic direction of Oak Specialist Services and Galliford Try's façade business.

• Leadership Development: Continued development in executive leadership, strategic planning, and managing complex technical operations.

• Industry Impact: Shaping best practices in façade engineering and building safety within a major construction group.

• Broadening Expertise: Potential to gain broader experience across different construction sectors within the Galliford Try Group.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of technical leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career progression point, offering executive-level influence and responsibility within a specialized and critical area of construction operations. The growth opportunities are geared towards senior leadership and strategic impact within a large, established organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid with a UK-wide remit and national travel as required. This suggests a blend of activities:

• Office-Based: Likely involves working from a Galliford Try office for meetings, strategic planning, and administrative tasks.

• Site Visits: Regular travel to project sites across the UK will be necessary for site inspections, progress reviews, and stakeholder engagement.

• Remote Work: The hybrid nature implies flexibility for remote work when not required on-site or in an office.

Office Location(s): While the role has a UK-wide remit, specific office bases for Galliford Try or Oak Specialist Services would be relevant. The job listing mentions "Leicestershire" as a location for the posting, which could be a primary hub or administrative center. National travel will be a key component.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expectation of collaborative work with internal design teams, project managers, commercial teams, and external consultants. This will involve design workshops, technical reviews, and coordination meetings.

• Technology Enabled: Access to project management software, design collaboration tools, and communication platforms will be essential. Proficiency with relevant design and analysis software may be beneficial.

• Dynamic Setting: The work environment will be dynamic, involving a mix of office-based strategic work and on-site problem-solving, requiring adaptability and strong time management.

Work Schedule:

• Standard: Primarily full-time, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: Galliford Try promotes an "Agile Working" programme, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is performed, subject to business needs and project requirements. This means the schedule can adapt to project demands, travel, and personal needs within defined parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and national travel aspect is key. Candidates must be comfortable with significant travel and managing their time effectively across various work settings. The "Agile Working" policy suggests a modern approach to work-life balance within the demands of a senior construction role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and application by the resourcing partner (Skyemarie Bree) to assess alignment with essential criteria.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with the hiring manager and/or a senior member of the OSS Board to assess technical expertise, leadership experience, and strategic fit. This may include questions about your approach to technical governance and risk management.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A potential exercise or discussion focused on a complex façade challenge (remediation or new build), requiring the candidate to outline their technical approach, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance considerations. This is where portfolio elements would be discussed.

• Final Interview: A meeting with very senior leadership (e.g., Group Managing Director, Head of Operations) to discuss strategic vision, cultural fit, and long-term contribution to the business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your most significant achievements in façade engineering, technical leadership, and compliance.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the technical solutions, the design processes employed, how regulatory requirements were met (especially Building Safety Act), risks managed, and the ultimate outcome/impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in managing teams, driving design reviews, and engaging with stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Show examples of how you've implemented or improved technical standards, quality assurance, and risk management processes.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., reduction in design errors, successful project delivery within budget/timeline, compliance audit outcomes).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to verbally walk through your portfolio, explaining your decision-making process and rationale for key technical choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of the Building Safety Act, relevant Approved Documents (especially B), fire engineering principles for façades, and common façade systems (curtain walling, rainscreens, windows).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about challenging remediation projects, dealing with legacy issues, managing conflicting stakeholder requirements, or resolving complex technical disputes.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your vision for technical excellence in façade engineering, how you would embed best practices, and your approach to managing technical risk across a national portfolio.

• Regulatory Awareness: Be prepared to discuss your experience with regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance in high-risk environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's technical depth, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases practical experience in managing complex façade projects and navigating regulatory landscapes will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is likely essential for reviewing and understanding designs. Examples include AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for tracking progress, managing documentation, and coordinating tasks. Examples might include Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or company-specific platforms.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms for remote collaboration and document sharing, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Tools: While not direct user tools, understanding of software used for structural analysis, thermal modeling, or fire performance simulation (e.g., Finite Element Analysis software, thermal simulation tools) is beneficial for reviewing consultant reports.

• Risk Assessment Tools: Familiarity with risk management software or methodologies.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in reviewing or contributing to performance dashboards that track project progress, technical compliance, and risk status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client interactions and project pipelines are managed within a CRM system might be useful for liaison with commercial teams.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how workflow automation can streamline design review processes, RFI management, or compliance checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on tools that support design review, project coordination, documentation, and communication rather than direct design creation. A candidate should be comfortable interpreting technical data and reports generated by specialized software used by design teams and consultants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing, even when it's difficult, particularly in ensuring safety and compliance.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of design, delivery, and technical governance.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal teams, clients, supply chain partners, and regulatory bodies to achieve shared goals.

• Safety: Prioritizing the safety and well-being of employees, clients, and the public above all else.

• Passion: A commitment to delivering high-quality building solutions and improving people's lives through construction.

• Innovation: Openness to new ideas and approaches to improve design, efficiency, and safety.

Collaboration Style:

• Inclusive Leadership: Encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment where all team members feel valued and can contribute.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with commercial, project management, and site operations teams to ensure technical solutions are practical, buildable, and commercially sound.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and timely communication with all stakeholders, especially regarding technical matters, risks, and compliance.

• Constructive Challenge: Encouraging a culture where designs and processes are openly reviewed and challenged constructively to achieve the best outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a professional, ethical, and safety-conscious approach to construction. The collaboration style emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and a focus on collective success, particularly important in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving building safety legislation (Building Safety Act) and industry standards.

• Managing Legacy Issues: Dealing with the complexities of façade remediation, including unknown building materials, historical documentation gaps, and working with occupied buildings.

• Technical Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and managing inherent technical risks in façade design and construction, especially concerning fire safety and structural integrity.

• Balancing Technical & Commercial Demands: Ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant, and safe while also being cost-effective and commercially viable.

• Leading Dispersed Teams: Effectively managing and motivating internal and external technical teams across multiple projects and locations throughout the UK.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Achieving consensus and managing expectations among diverse stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and design teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Developing skills in executive decision-making, long-term business strategy, and financial oversight within a major business unit.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of cutting-edge façade technologies, remediation techniques, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Continued support for maintaining and enhancing professional memberships and certifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and technical staff, and to be mentored by senior leaders within Galliford Try.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gaining experience on a diverse portfolio of significant construction and remediation projects across the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the specialized and high-stakes nature of façade engineering and building safety in the UK. The growth opportunities are focused on advancing into higher levels of strategic leadership and industry influence within a large, reputable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing and embedding a robust technical governance framework for façade engineering within Oak Specialist Services?" (Focus on process, standards, risk, and team buy-in).

• "Describe your strategy for ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act on high-risk residential remediation projects. What are the key technical considerations and how do you manage them?" (Highlight knowledge of BSR, fire safety, and risk mitigation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you see as the biggest technical challenges facing the façade remediation sector in the UK today, and how would Galliford Try's OSS division best address them?" (Show industry insight and strategic alignment).

• "How would you foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the design and technical teams at Oak Specialist Services?" (Align with company values and collaboration style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Your Vision: Begin by outlining your overall approach to technical leadership and design assurance for façade projects.

• Deep Dive into Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects from your portfolio that best exemplify your capabilities in:

  • Façade Remediation: Detail the challenges, your technical solutions, compliance measures (Building Safety Act, fire safety), and risk management.
  • New Build Façades: Showcase your assurance process, performance standard adherence, and coordination with other disciplines.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Explain your role in managing teams, driving design reviews, and implementing/improving technical processes.

• Quantify Outcomes: Use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., successful project delivery, risk reduction, compliance adherence).

• Prepare for Technical Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about specific materials, systems, regulations, and problem-solving scenarios related to your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of façade engineering, regulatory compliance (especially the Building Safety Act), strategic leadership, and a practical, process-driven approach to managing complex projects and risks. The portfolio is the key evidence base for technical competence and leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the Galliford Try careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight senior-level experience in façade engineering, technical leadership, and project delivery. Emphasize specific achievements related to regulatory compliance (Building Safety Act), risk management, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Use keywords such as "façade remediation," "fenestration," "technical governance," and "Building Safety Act."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio showcasing 2-3 significant façade projects (remediation and new build). For each, clearly articulate the challenges, your technical solutions, leadership role, risk mitigation strategies, and how regulatory compliance was achieved. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Galliford Try and the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) division. Understand their recent projects, values, strategic direction, and the current landscape of façade remediation and building safety in the UK.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for interviews by practicing answers to common technical, behavioral, and strategic questions. Focus on demonstrating your expertise in façade engineering, your leadership style, and your understanding of the company's operational context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.