Head of Design & Build

Overview

The Head of Design & Build role at Cushman & Wakefield in Dublin involves leading the creation and expansion of a dedicated Design & Build division across Ireland. The position requires a seasoned construction delivery expert, ideally with a background in main contracting or established design & build firms, who can assemble and govern this new service line from inception.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage the Design & Build platform for Cushman & Wakefield Ireland.
• Develop the operational model, governance frameworks, and risk management structures.
• Set commercial strategies including revenue goals and marketing positioning.
• Lead delivery and oversight of complex design & build projects ensuring program, cost, risk management, and compliance.
• Recruit, develop, and expand a high-performing team comprising construction project managers, design managers, and technical experts.
• Drive business development through client engagement, securing new projects, and fostering relationships with occupiers and developers across Ireland.
• Implement procurement strategies, contractor frameworks and maintain strong commercial governance and reporting systems.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience within main contractor roles or established design & build organizations with team leadership in construction delivery.
• Strong commercial insight including profit and loss responsibility.
• Proven ability to establish governance and delivery frameworks for complex commercial projects.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement methods, contract types, and risk allocation.
• A degree in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Surveying, or related disciplines is required.
• Preferred but not mandatory: Chartered status (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB, MAPM) and experience in scaling new business units or adapting contractor capabilities into consultancy settings.

Working Environment & Equal Opportunity

The role reports to Ireland leadership while collaborating with UK and EMEA teams. Cushman & Wakefield prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities irrespective of ethnicity, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics and offers accommodations for persons with disabilities during recruitment.