Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design / Technical Director

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Design & Technical Leadership / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-17T14:05:40

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior leadership role focuses on providing technical governance, design assurance, and regulatory compliance for a specialist business unit within the construction group.

• The position demands expertise in façade remediation and new build fenestration, ensuring all designs meet stringent safety, quality, buildability, and commercial viability standards.

• This role involves strategic leadership, acting as the technical authority for building envelope performance and fire safety, and managing complex technical risks.

• Collaboration with internal and external design teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies is a critical aspect, requiring strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job title "Design Director" has been expanded to "Design / Technical Director" and the description indicates a strong emphasis on technical authority and engineering oversight, aligning it with a role that bridges design leadership with deep technical expertise within construction operations. The UK-wide remit suggests a significant degree of autonomy and responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide inclusive technical leadership and strategic direction to support sustainable business growth within the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) business unit.

• Act as the definitive technical authority for façade engineering, fenestration systems, and overall building envelope performance across the company's portfolio.

• Develop, implement, and embed robust technical standards, design procedures, and best practice guidance to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.

• Support pre-construction and commercial teams by providing critical technical input during tender processes, value engineering exercises, and risk assessment activities.

• Represent Oak Specialist Services (OSS) in high-level technical discussions with clients, main contractors, specialist consultants, and relevant regulatory bodies.

• Lead the technical delivery of façade remediation works, including high-risk residential buildings, ensuring strict compliance with the Building Safety Act, Gateway processes, Approved Document B, fire strategies, and relevant British Standards.

• Oversee intrusive surveys, condition assessments, and the development of effective remediation strategies for existing buildings.

• Review and approve key technical submissions, such as Employer’s Representative (ER) responses, detailed façade strategies, and critical fire performance evidence.

• Serve as the primary technical interface with the Building Safety Regulator, Building Control, Fire Engineers, and Principal Designers on remediation projects.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical risks associated with legacy façades, incomplete as-built information, and occupied building environments.

• Provide technical assurance for new build façade and fenestration packages, including curtain walling, windows, doors, and interface systems.

• Ensure new build designs meet required performance standards for fire safety, thermal and acoustic efficiency, weathering, structural movement, and long-term durability.

• Review and approve system designs, structural calculations, shop drawings, fabrication details, and necessary testing regimes for new build projects.

• Ensure new build façade designs align with employer’s requirements, project specifications, and the overarching design intent.

• Lead and support internal and external design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors to foster a collaborative and efficient design process.

• Establish and maintain inclusive and robust design review, coordination, and approval processes to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

• Chair and actively contribute to design workshops, technical reviews, and critical coordination meetings to drive project alignment and problem resolution.

• Ensure effective coordination between façade systems and other building elements, including structure, fire strategy, MEP services, construction sequencing, and access requirements.

• Provide expert technical guidance to resolve site queries, Requests for Information (RFIs), and non-conformance issues promptly and effectively.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, industry standards, and internal quality management systems.

• Proactively manage technical, regulatory, and design risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support the business in managing latent defect risks, professional indemnity exposure, and duty-holder responsibilities.

• Contribute to post-project audits, lessons-learned reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been significantly expanded from the provided summary to detail the specific technical and leadership duties expected of a Design/Technical Director in construction, particularly within façade engineering and remediation. This includes elaborating on compliance requirements (Building Safety Act, fire safety), design management processes, and risk mitigation strategies, which are critical for this senior operations role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ideally, candidates will possess a professional qualification such as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional membership (e.g., IStructE, ICE).

• A background in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Physics, Architecture with a technical focus) is expected.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in façade design, engineering, or technical leadership within the construction industry.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex façade remediation projects, with specific experience on high-risk residential buildings and works to occupied properties.

• Extensive experience with new build façade and fenestration systems, including curtain walling, windows, doors (aluminium, steel, composite), and rainscreen/interface systems.

• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors.

• Significant experience in reviewing and approving key technical submissions, system designs, calculations, shop drawings, and testing regimes.

Required Skills:

• Façade Engineering & Design: Deep understanding of façade systems, building envelope performance, materials, and construction methodologies.

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

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of the Building Safety Act, BSR processes, UK Building Regulations (especially Approved Document B), and relevant British Standards.

• Fire Safety Expertise: Strong understanding of fire strategies, fire performance of materials, and fire testing regimes for façades.

• Strategic Leadership: Capability to provide technical vision, drive strategy, and influence business direction.

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

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

• Contractual & Commercial Acumen: Understanding of construction contracts, tender processes, value engineering, and commercial viability as it relates to technical solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng): Or equivalent professional registration (IStructE, ICE).

• Assessments in Lieu of Test (AiLT): Knowledge of façade and fire testing regimes, including AiLT processes.

• Golden Thread Information Management: Experience working within environments that mandate comprehensive information management for building safety.

• Construction Management: Familiarity with construction site operations and sequencing to ensure constructability.

• Business Development Support: Experience providing technical input for bid strategies and risk pricing.

• Quality Systems: Familiarity with implementing and managing quality assurance processes in design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About You" and "Desirable" sections have been integrated into the Skills & Qualifications to provide a structured view of requirements. Emphasis has been placed on specific technical knowledge critical for this role, such as the Building Safety Act and fire performance, and on leadership capabilities required for a Director-level position in construction operations. The experience level has been inferred from "Senior-level experience" and the context of a Director role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Demonstrating successful delivery of complex façade remediation and new build fenestration projects, highlighting technical challenges overcome and solutions implemented.

• Technical Review Examples: Showcasing your methodology for reviewing designs, calculations, and technical submissions to ensure compliance and quality.

• Risk Assessment Frameworks: Examples of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated technical and regulatory risks in façade projects.

• Standard Development: Evidence of creating or contributing to the development of technical standards, design procedures, or best practice guides.

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Examples of how you have managed technical discussions with clients, regulators, or design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review Process: Clearly articulated workflow for design review, coordination, and approval, including key sign-off stages and responsibilities.

• Technical Assurance Framework: A documented approach for ensuring designs meet performance standards (fire, thermal, acoustic, structural).

• Risk Management Protocol: A structured process for identifying, evaluating, and managing technical and regulatory risks specific to façade engineering.

• Compliance Checklists: Development and implementation of checklists to ensure adherence to Building Regulations, British Standards, and company policies.

• Information Management (Golden Thread): Understanding and application of processes for managing project information to meet regulatory and operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses the implicit need for a Design/Technical Director to demonstrate their strategic and operational capabilities through tangible examples. The focus is on process, methodology, and documented evidence of successful technical leadership and risk management within construction projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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 available for all salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme providing free 24/7 support.

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

• Opportunities for further training and development, including leadership programmes and potentially support for advanced certifications.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 per week. However, the "Agile Working" initiative suggests potential for flexibility in scheduling, which would be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the seniority of the role, the industry, and the location (UK-wide remit implies a national salary scale). The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, with an added note on professional development given the nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: Galliford Try is a large, established construction group with an order book exceeding £4.1 billion, indicating a significant presence in the UK market. Oak Specialist Services (OSS) is a dedicated business unit within this group.

Founded: Galliford Try was founded in 1958, bringing decades of experience and stability to the market.

Team Structure:

• The Design / Technical Director will be a senior member of the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) Board, implying a high level of influence and responsibility.

• The role involves leading and supporting both internal and external design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors, indicating a matrix management structure where technical leadership is key.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on technical governance, compliance, and quality assurance suggests a methodology rooted in rigorous analysis and evidence.

• Process Optimization: The requirement to develop and embed technical standards and best practices points to a continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency and risk reduction.

• Collaborative Design Approach: The role necessitates fostering inclusive and robust design review and coordination processes, encouraging cross-functional input and problem-solving.

• Safety-Centric Operations: A strong focus on Building Safety Act compliance and fire safety underlines a culture where safety is paramount in all technical and design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role within the broader Galliford Try organization and its specialist unit, OSS. The emphasis is on the operational aspects of the company's culture and methodology, particularly as they relate to technical leadership and project delivery in construction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, representing a significant career milestone. It sits at the apex of technical design and engineering within the Oak Specialist Services (OSS) unit, with strategic board-level involvement. The scope includes technical governance, design assurance, and overall technical risk management for a substantial portfolio of façade projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design / Technical Director will likely report to a senior executive within the OSS business unit (e.g., Managing Director) and will be a member of the OSS Board. They will, in turn, lead and manage internal design teams and influence external design consultants and subcontractors.

Operations Impact: The role has a profound impact on the company's operational success and risk profile. By ensuring designs are safe, compliant, buildable, and commercially viable, the Director directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, regulatory standing, and the mitigation of significant safety and financial risks associated with façade failures or non-compliance. They are instrumental in safeguarding the company's reputation and ensuring adherence to critical legislation like the Building Safety Act.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the technical strategy and future direction of Oak Specialist Services (OSS) and contribute to the wider Galliford Try group's technical excellence.

• Leadership Development: Further develop leadership capabilities through board-level participation, managing senior technical professionals, and driving change initiatives.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to become a recognized expert and thought leader in façade engineering and building safety within the UK construction industry.

• Portfolio Expansion: Opportunity to oversee an expanding portfolio of complex and high-profile projects, enhancing expertise in diverse technical challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the role within the career trajectory of a construction professional, highlighting its strategic importance and the growth potential it offers beyond the immediate technical responsibilities. The focus is on leadership, impact, and advancement within the operations and technical domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as having a "UK-wide remit" with "national travel as required," suggesting a hybrid working model. While a primary office location in Leicestershire is noted, the nature of the role implies significant travel to project sites, client offices, and potentially other Galliford Try locations.

Office Location(s):

• Primary operational base or administrative hub is likely in Leicestershire.

• Frequent travel will be required to project sites across the United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic & Project-Centric: The work environment will be highly dynamic, involving a mix of office-based strategic planning, design reviews, and extensive site visits to understand project specifics and challenges.

• Collaborative Hubs: Office environments will likely facilitate collaboration through meeting rooms, design review spaces, and shared workspaces for project teams.

• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary design software, communication tools, and potentially BIM platforms will be crucial to support design management and coordination, even when off-site.

• Client & Regulator Interaction: The role involves frequent engagement with external stakeholders, requiring professional settings for meetings and presentations.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are 40 per week.

• The "Agile Working" program indicates that flexibility in how and when work is performed may be available, subject to project demands and team requirements. This could involve flexible start/end times, compressed workweeks, or remote work for specific tasks, especially when not on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of "UK-wide remit" and "national travel" strongly indicates a hybrid or field-based component to this role, which is crucial for candidates to understand. The "Agile Working" point further refines the flexibility aspect.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and applications by the Resourcing Partner (Skyemarie Bree) to assess alignment with essential requirements, particularly senior-level façade experience and Building Safety Act knowledge. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don't meet every single qualification.

• First Interview (Technical & Experience): Likely conducted by senior members of the OSS team or hiring managers. This stage will delve deep into the candidate's technical expertise, project experience (especially remediation and new build façades), and understanding of regulatory frameworks. Expect detailed questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Second Interview (Strategic & Leadership): This interview will focus on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, stakeholder management, and cultural fit. Discussions will likely revolve around the candidate's vision for the technical function, approach to team leadership, and how they would drive improvements and manage risks at a director level.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their expertise in façade design, remediation, technical governance, and risk management. This is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of skills.

• Final Interview/Board Presentation: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership or a presentation to the OSS Board, where the candidate outlines their strategic approach and suitability for the Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your experience in both façade remediation (especially high-risk buildings) and new build fenestration.

• Highlight Technical Depth: For each project, clearly articulate the technical challenges, the design solutions implemented, and the specific standards (fire, thermal, structural) you adhered to.

• Demonstrate Risk Management: Showcase how you identified, assessed, and mitigated technical and regulatory risks. Include examples of your role in ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings through value engineering, risk reduction, successful regulatory approvals, improved performance metrics).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you led design teams, managed consultants, and collaborated with stakeholders to achieve project goals.

• Address "Golden Thread": If applicable, demonstrate your understanding and implementation of information management processes.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, approach to problem-solving, and how you stay current with industry best practices and regulations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to complex façade issues, regulatory challenges, or design conflicts. Focus on outlining a structured approach to problem-solving, involving risk assessment, stakeholder consultation, and technical justification.

• Strategic Thinking: Anticipate questions about how you would develop and implement technical standards, improve design processes, or manage technical risk across a portfolio.

• Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would lead and motivate a technical team, handle underperformance, or foster a culture of innovation and compliance.

• Building Safety Act Focus: Expect detailed questions on your understanding and application of the Building Safety Act, Gateway processes, and associated responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process has been inferred from standard senior-level hiring practices in construction, with a strong emphasis on technical portfolio presentation and preparation for detailed technical and strategic questioning, particularly concerning building safety regulations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) for reviewing and understanding technical drawings.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM platforms and workflows, especially for coordination and clash detection in new build projects. Familiarity with "golden thread" information management systems is a plus.

• Façade Engineering Software: Familiarity with specialized software for structural analysis, thermal performance simulation (e.g., THERM), acoustic analysis, and potentially wind loading calculations.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools for tracking design progress, RFI resolution, and stakeholder communication (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Procore, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tools: Ability to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design quality, project timelines, technical risks, and compliance.

• Reporting Software: Proficiency in generating reports using standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and potentially business intelligence tools for higher-level data analysis of project portfolios.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary sales or marketing role, understanding how design integrates with project pipelines and commercial bids may involve familiarity with CRM concepts for tracking tender progress and client engagement.

• Automation tools might be relevant for streamlining design review processes or managing documentation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the nature of façade design and engineering in modern construction, emphasizing tools for design, analysis, project management, and compliance. The mention of "golden thread" also hints at specific information management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing, especially in technical decision-making, ensuring safety and compliance are never compromised for commercial expediency.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design, execution, and technical problem-solving, driving for quality and buildability.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team spirit where internal and external stakeholders work together effectively to achieve common goals, valuing diverse input.

• Passion: Demonstrating a commitment to improving people's lives through safe and high-quality buildings, and a dedication to technical mastery in façade engineering.

• Safety: Prioritizing the safety of occupants, workers, and the public above all else, particularly in the context of building safety regulations and fire performance.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting to new regulations and technologies, and refining processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with pre-construction, commercial, project delivery, and client teams, ensuring technical input is integrated early and throughout the project lifecycle.

• Partnership with Consultants: Working closely with external design consultants (fire engineers, structural engineers, architects) as partners, fostering open communication and mutual respect to achieve optimal design outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: A proactive approach to communication, ensuring all stakeholders are informed of technical progress, risks, and decisions in a timely manner.

• Inclusivity: Championing an inclusive environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute their expertise and raise concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are extracted from the "About Us" section and translated into operational behaviours relevant to a Design/Technical Director's role, focusing on integrity, safety, and collaborative excellence in technical delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Evolving Regulations: Staying abreast of and implementing complex, evolving regulations such as the Building Safety Act and its associated guidance, which are subject to interpretation and change.

• Managing Technical Risk in Legacy Buildings: Addressing the inherent uncertainties and complexities of façade remediation projects, especially in occupied, older buildings with unknown construction details.

• Balancing Commercial and Technical Demands: Ensuring that design solutions are technically sound, compliant, and safe, while also meeting project budgets and timelines.

• Leading Dispersed Teams: Effectively managing and motivating design teams and consultants who may be geographically dispersed or working remotely across multiple projects.

• Bridging Information Gaps: Overcoming challenges related to incomplete or inaccurate "as-built" information and ensuring a robust "golden thread" of information is maintained.

• Technical Disagreement Resolution: Mediating and resolving technical disagreements between various stakeholders (clients, contractors, consultants, regulators) to ensure project progression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Building Safety Expertise: Continuous professional development in the nuances of the Building Safety Act, fire engineering best practices, and evolving compliance standards.

• Advanced Façade Technologies: Exploring and integrating new materials, systems, and construction techniques to enhance building performance and sustainability.

• Leadership and Strategy: Developing strategic leadership skills through board participation, contributing to business unit strategy, and potentially executive education.

• Industry Engagement: Participating in industry forums, conferences, and working groups to contribute to best practices and gain insights into emerging trends.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Developing junior technical staff and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific technical and regulatory landscape of façade engineering and construction, while growth opportunities are tied to leadership advancement and specialized expertise development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing and embedding new technical standards for façade remediation within Oak Specialist Services, considering the Building Safety Act requirements?"

• "Describe your strategy for managing technical risk on high-risk residential façade remediation projects, particularly when dealing with unknown building fabric."

• "Outline your approach to leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants to ensure seamless project delivery and compliance."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Galliford Try and Oak Specialist Services, how would you align your technical leadership style with our company values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Passion, and Safety?"

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative design culture among internal teams and external partners?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the technical solutions, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., compliance achieved, risks mitigated, performance improvements).

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that directly showcase your experience with façade remediation, new build fenestration, Building Safety Act compliance, and fire safety.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, made critical decisions, managed stakeholders, and resolved complex technical issues.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (drawings, photos, diagrams) to illustrate design details, challenges, and solutions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questioning on technical specifications, calculations, regulatory interpretations, and your decision-making process.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your portfolio examples to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description, demonstrating how your past success translates to future performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership style, and technical acumen, with a specific focus on the unique challenges of façade engineering and regulatory compliance in the UK construction sector. Portfolio presentation advice is tailored to showcase relevant experience effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design / Technical Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Curate Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight your senior-level experience in façade design and engineering, specifically emphasizing your expertise in façade remediation, new build fenestration, and your understanding of the Building Safety Act and fire safety regulations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your technical leadership, problem-solving skills, and successful delivery of complex façade projects. Be ready to present these with a clear narrative focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research Galliford Try and OSS: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, recent projects, and the specific focus of Oak Specialist Services. Understand their commitment to safety and quality.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and strategic questions, particularly those related to regulatory compliance, risk management, and team leadership in a construction context. Practice articulating your experience and vision clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.

---