Principal Design Lead

## Principal Design Lead Apply locations:
_Dartfordtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
JR100691

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.
Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

* Our company is split into two business areas:
* ** Utility Infrastructure** –     Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.

** Social Infrastructure** -     Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.  Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

The Principal Design Lead (PDL) will provide senior technical leadership across multiple schemes, bridging the gap between project-level design management and strategic technical oversight. The role is responsible for leading bid-stage technical input, managing escalated design and delivery issues

Across projects, and supporting the Head of Technical in driving consistency, compliance, and performance acrossthe Technical Team. The PDL will oversee and mentor Senior Design Managers and Design Managers, while also retaining hands-on responsibility for key or complex projects where required.
** Specific Responsibilities
*** Provide leadership across multiple projects, supporting Senior Design Managers and Design Managers in delivering coordinated, compliant, and buildable design solutions.
* Act as the escalation point for technical and design issues across all schemes, driving timely resolution and risk mitigation.
* Lead and coordinate technical input into bids, including design appraisals, programme development, consultant strategies, risk identification, and value engineering opportunities.
* Support the Head of Technical in ensuring consistency of design management practices, standards, and procedures across all projects.
* Provide oversight of design programmes across multiple schemes, ensuring alignment with overall business and project objectives.
* Where required, undertake full design management responsibility for a project, delivering in line with programme, budget, and compliance requirements.
* Mentor and develop Senior Design Managers and Design Managers, providing guidance, coaching, and technical support.
* Review and challenge design information to ensure compliance with legislation, company standards, planning approvals, and client requirements.
* Support the implementation and adherence to Technical Operating Procedures across all schemes.
* Coordinate with Commercial, Operations, and Bid teams to ensure design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with delivery strategies.
* Review project-specific design scoping and procurement strategies for consultants and subcontractor designers.
* Support the review and approval of consultant and subcontractor designer competency assessments.
* Monitor consultant and subcontractor design performance across projects.
* Ensure robust management of design change control processes across schemes.
* Support and oversee the timely submission of planning, building control, and statutory approvals.
* Promote best practice in design coordination, including fire safety, structural integrity, MEP integration, façade design, and maintenance strategies.
* Chair or support key design coordination meetings, workshops, and reviews on complex or high-risk schemes.
* Ensure effective communication of technical information across teams and departments.
* Carry out site visits as required to support project teams and resolve technical issues.
* Always comply with company…