Building Regulations Principal Designer - Technical Lead - Science & Research

National Biosecurity Centre Programme – Fitzrovia, London
Permanent | Senior Technical Leadership

Shape the future of the UK's disease prevention capability.

Laing O'Rourke is delivering one of the most specialist and nationally significant science programmes in the UK: the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge — a world‑leading facility and one of only 30 specialist biosecurity centres globally. The project includes the creation of cutting‑edge laboratories and scientific hubs designed to protect people and animals from emerging and evolving disease threats.

We have signed two major contracts with DEFRA valued at over £900m, marking a transformative programme to modernise and consolidate the Animal and Plant Health Agency campus. The project will move into pre‑construction imminently, with main works commencing in 2027 and completing in the mid‑2030s.

As a result, we are recruiting a Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) Technical Lead to play a central role in assuring the integrity, compliance, and safety of this once‑in‑a‑generation facility

About the Role

As the BRPD Technical Lead, you will act as the Designated Individual (DI) under the Building Regulations 2010 and provide authoritative governance across all design disciplines within this highly technical, highly regulated environment.

This role places you at the centre of a project that combines:

• High‑containment laboratories
• Advanced scientific and medical systems
• Complex regulatory frameworks
• A multi‑partner design integrator model (Sheppard Robson, Arup, Ramboll)

You will lead on:

• Ensuring full compliance with Part 2A of the Building Regulations on one of the UK's most complex science projects.
• Managing and monitoring design processes to ensure regulatory assurance is embedded from concept to completion.
• Overseeing, coordinating, and assessing competence across all dutyholders and design partners.
• Leading design risk management in a high‑risk, specialist laboratory environment.
• Guiding higher‑risk building documentation, gateways, and regulatory submissions.
• Supporting the development and continuous improvement of LOR's building safety systems.
• Influencing industry‑leading project delivery approaches, leveraging LOR's vertically‑integrated model in areas such as geotechnical works, systems integration and commissioning.

This is a visible and career‑defining leadership role on a project of national importance.

About You

You will bring:

• Approx. 10 years' experience delivering design and/or construction leadership on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Deep understanding of Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act, and higher‑risk building compliance.
• A track record of influencing design quality, safety, and assurance within large project environments.
• Exceptional ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong technical risk and quality management experience.
• A degree in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership or progression toward RIBA, CABE, RICS, or equivalent.

Experience in specialist science, secure, or high‑containment environments is advantageous.

Why Join Laing O'Rourke?

This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of scientific infrastructure — a project that will shape UK disease prevention capabilities for decades.
Laing O'Rourke brings:

• A 160‑year heritage of engineering and construction innovation.
• A proven track record in delivering over 300 science and research laboratories in the UK since 2016, including the Francis Crick Institute and other landmark facilities.
• The ability to deliver complex projects end‑to‑end using our modern methods of construction, specialist in‑house teams, and integrated delivery model.

You'll join a world‑class team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the science and research sector.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and empowered. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide adjustments during the recruitment process as needed.