Lead Designer

Lead Designer – BedfordI am currently recruiting for a Lead Designer to join a well-established steelwork company based in Bedford. The business delivers a variety of structural and architectural steelwork projects across London and the Home Counties, ranging from large-scale structural frames to bespoke architectural metalwork.The Role:As the Lead Designer, you will be responsible for overseeing the full design process on multiple projects, managing a small design team, and ensuring all work is accurate, compliant, and delivered to client requirements. This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll coordinate between engineers, draughtsmen, project managers, and clients to ensure designs are both practical and efficient for fabrication and installation.Key Duties:Leading the design process on structural and architectural steelwork projects from concept through to completionManaging and mentoring draughtsmen and junior designers within the design officeProducing and reviewing detailed GA drawings, fabrication drawings, and 3D modelsEnsuring all designs meet relevant building codes, standards, and client specificationsPreparing and checking Bills of Materials, cutting lists, and fabrication informationLiaising with structural engineers, architects, project managers, and site teams to resolve design queriesCoordinating with the production and workshop teams to ensure designs are practical for manufactureAttending client meetings and site visits as required to support project deliveryMonitoring project design schedules to ensure deadlines are metDriving quality, accuracy, and efficiency across all design outputThe Candidate:Proven experience as a Designer/Lead Designer within the structural and architectural steelwork industryProficiency in relevant steelwork detailing and modelling software (Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, or AutoCAD)Strong understanding of steel fabrication and installation processesAbility to lead a design team and coordinate multiple live projectsExcellent communication and problem-solving skillsHigh attention to detail with the ability to manage workloads and meet deadlinesLocation & Projects:Office-based in BedfordProjects located across London and the Home CountiesThis is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced steelwork designer to step into a lead role within a respected and growing company, taking ownership of the design department and delivering high-quality projects.

Created: 2025-09-11