Head of Design

• Job Title: Head of Design
• Location: Old Street, London, EC1V 9HL
• Salary: £60,000 - £70,000
• Hours: 37.5 Hours per week
• Contract: Full Time
• Direct Reports: 3 - 7
• Reports to: Director of Operations
• Work Style: Flexible working arrangements, with a minimum of 3 days in the office

About the Role:

We are seeking an accomplished Head of Design to lead our design teams within a leading transport consultancy. This senior role involves overseeing the strategic direction and execution of a wide range of transport projects, including parking schemes, cycle route designs, bus priority projects, and the management of traffic orders.

You will be responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered to the highest design and technical standards, from conception to completion. You'll also oversee the company's Traffic Order functions, ensuring compliance and effective project management, while managing staff seconded to local councils to ensure a seamless integration of services.

Our mission is to support local government with strategic transformation and people-first transport innovation. Through trusted insights and data monitoring, we help councils deliver "scheme to street" solutions, bringing about sustainable change that drives investment, shapes decisions, supports the public, and enhances societal well-being.

Join us and shape the future of transport infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of design professionals, ensuring high-quality delivery of sustainable transport projects.
• Oversee the design and technical aspects of parking infrastructure, cycle route design, bus priority projects, and other transport-related schemes.
• Ensure all traffic orders are processed to a high standard, maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and managing the end-to-end process effectively.
• Provide oversight for staff seconded to local councils, ensuring consistent project management and integration into council-led transport initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure project alignment with community, environmental, and regulatory goals.
• Manage project delivery from inception to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, offering technical leadership and expert advice on design and engineering matters.
• Support the business development team by contributing to bids, securing new work, and building strong relationships with clients and partners.
• Review and approve design documents, technical drawings, and project reports, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and client expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement in design and operational processes to enhance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across all projects.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• A relevant degree in civil engineering, transport engineering, urban design, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Extensive experience leading design teams within the transport or infrastructure sector, with a strong focus on sustainable transport projects.
• Expertise in parking infrastructure, cycle route design, and bus priority projects.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a team.
• Experience in managing traffic order functions, ensuring compliance and effective project management.
• Familiarity with UK transport policies, including Healthy Streets, and related statutory frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience working closely with clients and public authorities.
• A proactive, results-oriented approach, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Chartered Engineer status or membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, CIHT).
• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
• Experience working within a UK local authority or transport consultancy.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Our Culture:

At our core, we are committed to creating opportunities and designing sustainable change. We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where innovation thrives, and employee growth is encouraged. As a senior leader, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive salary and benefits, including a company pension
• Generous annual leave
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Professional membership sponsorship
• Regular company-organized social events
• A discretionary annual bonus

Take the next step in your career by joining a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming transport infrastructure for the betterment of modern society.