Head of Design & Build

Job Title

Head of Design & Build

Job Description Summary

The Senior Project Manager provides project management experience to designated projects and assignments for a particular client account, property portfolio, or large facility/complex through interaction with the client, property or facility management team, and project management staff

Job Description

Head of Design & Build - Ireland

Location: Dublin (National Remit)

Cushman & Wakefield - Project & Development Services

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a senior, contractor-side Design & Build leader to establish and scale a new Design & Build division within our Ireland business.

This role is suited to an experienced construction delivery professional, likely from a main contractor or established D&B platform, who has led teams, delivered complex projects, and understands how to structure and govern a full design & build service from the ground up.

Reporting into Ireland leadership and aligned with UK & EMEA counterparts, you will build the operating model, governance framework and go-to-market strategy for a long-term growth service line.

The Opportunity

This is a strategic build-out role.

The long-term plan is to develop a substantial Ireland-based Design & Build team including construction project managers, design managers and technical specialists. Initially, you will establish the structure, governance and delivery standards before scaling headcount.

You will:

• Establish and lead Cushman & Wakefield's Ireland Design & Build platform
• Develop the operating model, governance structure and risk framework
• Define the commercial strategy and revenue targets
• Shape marketing campaigns and brand positioning for the new service line
• Lead delivery of complex D&B projects
• Build and grow a high-performing delivery team

Key Responsibilities Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Create and implement the Ireland Design & Build business plan
• Establish strong commercial governance, reporting and risk controls
• Develop procurement strategy, contractor frameworks and supply chain models
• Align the service with wider PDS growth objectives

Business Development & Market Positioning

• Lead client engagement and secure new D&B instructions
• Develop strong occupier and developer relationships across Ireland
• Shape marketing strategy and targeted campaigns to position the service
• Lead pitches, fee proposals and commercial negotiations

Project Delivery & Risk

• Provide executive oversight across live projects
• Ensure robust programme, cost and risk management
• Maintain statutory, regulatory and H&S compliance
• Ensure consistent quality and brand alignment

Team Development

• Recruit and scale a contractor-minded D&B team
• Drive performance, utilisation and margin managementEmbed a delivery-focused, commercially disciplined culture

About You

This role requires a strong contractor-side leader rather than a pure advisory consultant.

Essential:

• Proven experience within a main contractor or established Design & Build organisation
• Experience leading construction delivery teams
• Strong commercial acumen and P&L understanding
• Experience establishing governance and delivery frameworks
• Track record delivering complex commercial projects
• Strong knowledge of procurement routes, contracts and risk allocation
• Degree-qualified in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Surveying or similar

Desirable:

• Chartered status (MRICS, MCIOB, MAPM or equivalent)
• Experience transitioning contractor capability into a consultancy environment
• Experience building or scaling a new business unit