Head of Interior Design

Join our team as a Head of Interior Design, where you will be responsible for the creative direction, commercial performance, and strategic execution of design projects within a principal contractor environment. Leading a team of architects and interior designers, you will drive innovation, quality, and growth—acting both as a design visionary and a commercial business leader.

You will develop and promote the unique selling proposition of delivering integrated design services within a contractor setting, leveraging the company’s technical resources to achieve exceptional, efficient outcomes. Strong leadership, communication, business development, and presentation skills are essential, alongside a deep understanding of both design processes and broader business strategy.

 

 

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial & Business Leadership

• Oversee the design department’s performance, including budget management and cost control.


• Execute a long-term business plan with objectives for revenue growth and market expansion.


• Refine the department’s unique selling proposition, highlighting the benefits of working within a principal contractor.

Team & Operational Management

• Direct daily operations, including workload planning, leadership, recruitment, and performance management.


• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture that supports well-being and career development.

Design Quality & Technical Excellence

• Uphold high design standards throughout all RIBA stages, balancing creativity with technical integrity.


• Conduct design reviews, championing innovation and sustainability while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Drive growth through strategic marketing and client engagement.


• Identify and secure new project opportunities using a strong industry network and presentation skills.


• Promote the team’s design expertise internally and externally, enhancing the department's visibility.

Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration

• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver complex design-and-build projects.


• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, and industry partners to generate new business leads.

Sustainability & Wellbeing

• Advocate for sustainable, wellbeing-focused design solutions that exceed client expectations.


• Stay updated on trends and innovations to enhance project outcomes.

 

Ideal Experience & Skills:

 

• Qualifications: RIBA or ARB-registered architect (or equivalent), with a strong educational background in architecture or design.


• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in winning projects and maintaining strong client relationships specifically within the workplace design sector.


• Commercial Acumen: Excellent skills in budget management, profit oversight, and strategic planning, with a keen eye for financial detail.


• Leadership: A confident and inspiring leader, skilled in stakeholder engagement and in developing team members’ potential.


• Innovative Mindset: A proactive approach to refining design processes and adapting to evolving industry trends, driving innovation within the team.


• Software Proficiency: Ideally a high level of expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, InDesign, and NBS Chorus, ensuring technical excellence in all design outputs.


• Work Ethic: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, effectively balancing creative excellence with operational efficiency.

Additional Information

At Willmott Dixon we provide an inclusive and flexible working environment for people to thrive in and we are happy to support agile working wherever possible. We are a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.

About Us

We are proud to be part of the Willmott Dixon family; a privately-owned contracting and interior fit out group in the UK. With a rich history, amazing track record and strong values, this partnership makes us a stronger and more progressive organisation, allowing us to share knowledge and take on bigger and better projects.

Willmott Dixon was awarded No 1 in the Best "big" Companies (2022) to work for and the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 and is the first major contractor and developer to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.