A

Head of Design - Decarbonisation

Alternative Heat Ltd United Kingdom Added on Sep 1, 2026
Apply →

As the strategic lead for the design department, you will oversee the full lifecycle of complex decarbonisation projects for large-scale commercial and public estates. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers to transform high-level net zero ambitions into buildable, technically sound mechanical and electrical systems. Your focus will be on ensuring every blueprint is both commercially viable and strictly compliant with evolving energy regulations.

This role is a critical engine for the energy transition, moving beyond theoretical carbon targets to the actual physical infrastructure required for deep decarbonisation. By scaling heat pump technologies, district heating, and electrification across major UK and Irish building portfolios, you are directly responsible for the tangible reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment. It is where engineering excellence meets environmental urgency.

This suits someone who is a veteran MEP design leader with a deep technical grasp of low-carbon heat systems and the commercial acumen to guide public sector clients through the complexities of reaching net zero.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will provide strategic leadership for the in-house design team, overseeing the development of complex MEP strategies for commercial estate decarbonisation. This involves guiding projects from initial options appraisal and feasibility studies through to detailed design and technical assurance. Beyond team management, you are responsible for ensuring all designs meet stringent regulatory and funding requirements in both the UK and Ireland. You will act as the technical authority, validating that renewable integrations, such as large-scale heat pumps and district energy systems, are robust and buildable.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep exposure to cutting-edge industrial decarbonisation technologies, including large-scale electrification and complex district heating networks. You will be at the forefront of how emerging energy policies translate into physical engineering requirements. There is a significant opportunity to refine your digital workflow expertise, as the role involves improving design tools and methodologies within a modern fabrication environment. You will also develop high-level skills in carbon reporting frameworks and business case development for multi-million pound net zero projects.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced MEP Design Lead with a proven track record in low-carbon building services. You should possess extensive knowledge of heat pumps, demand management, and renewable energy integration within commercial or public sector contexts. Strong leadership and mentorship skills are essential, as you will be managing a diverse team of engineers and technicians. Familiarity with UK and Irish building regulations and a commercial mindset for navigating public sector funding cycles are highly valued attributes.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between high-level sustainability strategy and detailed engineering execution. Provide specific examples of where you have successfully navigated technical challenges in large-scale decarbonisation projects. Show that you understand the offsite fabrication model and how design decisions impact factory production and site delivery. Aligning your application with the company's mission to drive the renewable energy transition through practical, integrated solutions will be key to success.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is almost entirely focused on operational carbon reduction for large estates. You will spend your time designing systems that replace fossil-fuel heating with electrified or renewable alternatives, directly impacting the UK's net zero trajectory. You will also likely address resource efficiency by leveraging offsite fabrication methods, which minimize waste compared to traditional on-site construction. Your designs will play a major role in optimizing energy demand and enhancing the long-term sustainability of public infrastructure.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be balancing technical performance with commercial viability and budget constraints, especially within public sector procurement frameworks. Ensuring that complex net zero solutions remain buildable and cost-effective is a constant negotiation. You may also face challenges related to rapidly changing regulations and the need to integrate emerging technologies that do not yet have long-standing performance data. Managing a multidisciplinary team under tight project deadlines while maintaining high design governance requires significant resilience.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might involve reviewing technical blueprints for a new district heating scheme followed by a meeting with the Associate Director to discuss the strategic design roadmap. You will likely spend time mentoring senior engineers and troubleshooting specific MEP design issues. Interactions with the commercial and delivery teams are common, as you ensure that designs are aligned with project budgets and fabrication capabilities. You might also participate in client consultations to present technical business cases for net zero interventions.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a senior leader in a market-leading company, you have the opportunity to shape the future of the design department and the company's broader decarbonisation service offering. Success in this role could lead to more senior executive positions within the group. You will have high visibility on nationally significant projects, positioning you as a leading expert in the UK's energy transition. The role offers the chance to lead innovation in digital design and sustainable engineering practices that could become industry standards.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to the Associate Director and lead a multi-disciplinary team of design engineers and CAD technicians. Close collaboration with the commercial and operational teams is essential to ensure design feasibility and project profitability. Externally, you will be a key point of contact for public sector clients, regulatory bodies, and external consultants. Building trust with these partners is vital for the successful delivery of large-scale renewable energy centres and decarbonisation schemes.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.