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 management

Embed 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

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”