Head of Design

Head of Design Location: Bristol Sector: Commercial Fit-Out | Refurbishment | Retrofit | Luxury Workspace An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Design to join a leading commercial fit-out and refurbishment contractor delivering high-quality, design-led workspace environments. With construction underway on a major retrofit and refurbishment project in Bristol, this role offers the chance to lead the design function on a flagship scheme that will transform an existing building into premium office accommodation. The successful candidate will take ownership of the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring the project vision is realised while maintaining programme, technical and commercial objectives. The Role: As Head of Design, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all design activities, managing the coordination of consultants, stakeholders and project teams to ensure a seamless design process and successful project delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring a combination of design management expertise, technical understanding and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams on complex refurbishment and retrofit projects. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage the design process from concept development through to project completion. * Coordinate and manage external consultants, architects, engineers and specialist designers. * Ensure design information is delivered accurately and in line with programme requirements. * Drive design coordination between architectural, structural and building services disciplines. * Review design proposals to ensure buildability, technical compliance and value optimisation. * Manage design risks, change control and technical queries throughout the project lifecycle. * Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders. * Lead design workshops and coordination meetings to ensure project objectives are achieved. * Ensure all design solutions comply with statutory requirements, planning conditions and industry standards. * Support project teams in resolving technical challenges and maintaining programme milestones. * Promote innovation and best practice, identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency and project outcomes. Requirements: * Proven experience in a senior design leadership position within commercial fit-out, refurbishment or major construction projects. * Strong understanding of design management processes and multidisciplinary coordination. * Experience delivering complex, large-scale commercial developments from pre-construction through to completion. * Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills. * Strong technical knowledge with the ability to challenge and drive design solutions. * Commercial awareness and an understanding of programme and project delivery objectives. * Relevant qualification in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline. * Professional memberships and industry accreditations would be advantageous. What's on Offer: * Opportunity to lead the design delivery of a landmark commercial workspace project in Bristol. * Exposure to a complex, high-profile retrofit and refurbishment scheme. * Long-term career prospects with a progressive and ambitious contractor. * Competitive salary and benefits package. * A collaborative environment that values innovation, technical excellence and design quality