Design Head

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact At Jacobs, we push the limits of what’s possible to make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable. In our built environment, that means designing spaces that foster innovation, cultivate collaboration, and drive the next great discovery for humanity. Bring your creativity, collaborative spirit, and extreme attention to detail, and we’ll help you grow, pursue, and fulfill what drives you – so we can deliver extraordinary solutions for a better tomorrow, together. The Design Head will lead and oversee the creative and technical direction alongside operation across multiple design disciplines—Architecture, Master Planning/Urban Planning, Sustainability, Interior Design, Landscape, and Visual Media. This role ensures design excellence, commercial awareness, and strong client engagement, while guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality projects aligned with Jacobs vision for both Domestic and Global projects. Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Creative Direction Lead the design vision across all disciplines Architecture, Urban Design, Interiors, Landscape, Sustainability, and Visual Media. Guide concept development, master planning strategies, design narratives, and presentation quality. Ensure all projects reflect innovation, design excellence, and user‑centric environments. Technical Oversight Provide technical guidance to ensure designs meet building codes, planning regulations, sustainability standards, and best practices. Review drawings, reports, presentations, and deliverables for accuracy and quality. Mentor teams in design methods, documentation standards, and multidisciplinary coordination. Client Interaction & Business Support Conduct client meetings, workshops, presentations, and design reviews. Understand client requirements and translate them into clear design strategies. Support business development through pitches, proposals, and design-led storytelling. Commercial Awareness Take complete accountability for bids and proposals for domestic projects, working closely with capture managers to ensure completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness of all submissions. Ensure design solutions are aligned with project budgets, timelines, and commercial objectives. Coordinate with project managers, cost consultants, and leadership teams on feasibility and risk. Support bid strategies and resource planning for new opportunities. Team Management & Collaboration Oversee resource planning across all design disciplines, including identifying resource requirements, managing deployment, and ensuring optimal utilisation across projects. Work closely with capability leads to identify skill gaps within the team and develop strategies—hiring, training, or upskilling—to ensure those gaps are addressed effectively. Lead and mentor architects, urban designers, interior designers, landscape architects, sustainability specialists, and visual media teams. Foster a collaborative, integrated, and high‑performance design culture across all disciplines. Manage performance, encourage skills development, and promote cross‑functional design integration to ensure cohesive project delivery. Market Knowledge & Innovation Stay updated on domestic market trends, development regulations, and industry best practices. Introduce innovative design tools, sustainability approaches, and advanced digital techniques to strengthen project delivery. Promote design excellence, creative thinking, and thought leadership within the market and industry forums. Closely collaborate with Market Leads and the Market Solutions Head to align design strategies with market needs, client expectations, and emerging opportunity areas. Here's what you'll need Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s in architecture (mandatory). Master’s in urban design / planning / architecture. 25 + years of experience in multi‑disciplinary design, including architecture and planning. Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in concept design, master planning, and integrated design delivery. Experience working with private developers, government agencies, multidisciplinary teams and the oversees Market Key Skills & Attributes People leadership skills Strong creative and conceptual thinking Ability to lead diverse design disciplines Excellent communication and presentation skills Strong client‑facing abilities Commercial acumen and project understanding Ability to balance creativity with technical feasibility A collaborative, inspiring, and solution‑oriented leader At Jacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us