Head of Design & Build

Job Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Recruit and scale a contractor-minded D&B team

• Drive performance, utilisation and margin management

• Embed a delivery-focused, commercially disciplined culture

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

Cushman & Wakefield is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Cushman & Wakefield is committed to equity in employment, and our goal is to have a diverse, inclusive and barrier-free workplace. If you are a person with a disability and need any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, you are invited to bring this to the Talent Acquisition Advisor’s attention once they have made contact.