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”