Design Manager

Design Manager

Exeter Full-Time 52000 - 78000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative design solutions for exciting construction projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Join a respected regional contractor with a strong project pipeline in the South West.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to Β£65,000 plus car allowance and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team delivering high-quality projects that make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in design management and relevant qualifications in Construction, Architecture, or Engineering.
  • Other info: Work locally in Exeter, minimising travel while engaging with diverse stakeholders.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 Β£ per year.

Job Description

Design Manager – Regional Contractor (Exeter)

Location: Exeter, UK

Salary: Up to Β£65000 + Package

Job Type: Permanent

Take the Design Lead on Exciting Construction Projects!

Are you an experienced Design Manager looking to work with a leading regional contractor? Do you have a passion for delivering high-quality construction projects from concept to completion? If so, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-respected contractor with a strong pipeline of projects across the South West.

The Role: Design Manager

As a Design Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring innovative and efficient design solutions across a variety of construction projects. You will collaborate with architects, consultants, and project teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the Design Process – Oversee all design stages from pre-construction to project completion.
  • Coordination & Compliance – Work closely with architects, consultants, and internal teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations.
  • Value Engineering – Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and buildability.
  • Stakeholder Engagement – Liaise with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure smooth communication.
  • Technical Oversight – Ensure all designs align with current building regulations, sustainability targets, and industry best practices.
  • Risk Management – Identify and resolve potential design challenges before they impact project timelines.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor or developer environment.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, building regulations, and technical design coordination.
  • Experience working on commercial, education, healthcare, or mixed-use projects.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills to manage design challenges.
  • Ability to lead design team meetings and coordinate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Relevant qualifications in Construction, Architecture, or Engineering.

Why Join Us?

  • Career Progression – Work with a contractor that values growth and development.
  • Exciting Projects – Be part of a team delivering high-quality, innovative construction projects.
  • Competitive Salary & Benefits – Up to Β£65,000 + Car Allowance and package
  • South West Focus – Work on projects in and around Exeter, reducing excessive travel.

How to Apply:

If you’re a Design Manager looking for an exciting opportunity with a leading regional contractor, we’d love to hear from you!

πŸ“ž Please call 01752 421888 and ask for Abbie or Cat for a confidential discussion.

This role is handled by Sphere Solutions, a specialist in construction recruitment.

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Contact Detail:

Sphere Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the construction industry, especially those who have experience as Design Managers. Attend local construction events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about job openings.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the specific projects that the regional contractor is involved in. Understanding their portfolio will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing design processes and how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlighting these skills will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with current building regulations and sustainability practices in the UK. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only boost your confidence but also impress potential employers during discussions.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Design Management
Construction Methods
Building Regulations
Technical Design Coordination
Value Engineering
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management
Team Leadership
Attention to Detail
Collaboration Skills
Knowledge of Sustainability Practices

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Design Manager. Focus on your achievements in managing design processes, coordinating with stakeholders, and delivering projects from concept to completion.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for construction and design management. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your application, clearly state your qualifications in Construction, Architecture, or Engineering. This will help demonstrate your technical knowledge and suitability for the role.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully managed design challenges in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to handle the complexities of the Design Manager position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sphere Solutions Ltd

✨Showcase Your Project Experience

Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed as a Design Manager. Highlight your role in overseeing the design process, coordinating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to deliver high-quality results.

✨Understand the Company’s Projects

Research the contractor's recent projects and their focus areas. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their operations. It also gives you the chance to discuss how your skills can contribute to their ongoing projects.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to construction methods, building regulations, and design coordination. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated design challenges in past projects. This will showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

As a Design Manager, effective communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with stakeholders, clients, and team members in previous roles. Use examples to illustrate your ability to facilitate discussions and resolve conflicts, which is crucial for successful project delivery.

Design Manager
Sphere Solutions Ltd
Location: Exeter
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