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- Tasks: Lead design management from concept to completion on exciting commercial projects.
- Company: Join a top construction company in Reading, known for quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive environment, and diverse project opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in design management and a relevant construction qualification required.
- Other info: Membership in professional bodies like CIOB or RIBA is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Us: We are a leading construction company based in Reading, Berkshire, delivering high-quality commercial projects valued up to £14 million. With a strong reputation for excellence, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.
Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee projects throughout their entire lifecycle—from pre-construction design through to post-handover aftercare once buildings are operational. This is a pivotal role where you’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all design elements are seamlessly integrated and executed to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design management process from concept through to completion and post-handover.
- Collaborate with the bid and estimating teams during the pre-construction phase to assess design feasibility, programme timelines, and buildability of proposed schemes.
- Provide input into commercial quotations and assist pre-construction teams in developing robust tender proposals.
- Manage and coordinate the design process with consultants, subcontractors, and client teams, ensuring all requirements are met within project timescales and budget.
- Monitor and manage design risks and opportunities across all project phases.
- Ensure compliance with building regulations, planning requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Support the handover and aftercare stages, ensuring any design-related issues are resolved effectively.
Experience & Qualifications Required:
- Minimum of five years’ experience in a Design Manager role for a principal contractor, ideally on commercial projects.
- Strong understanding of various procurement routes and contract forms—particularly JCT Design & Build (DB) and JCT Standard/SBC or Intermediate Contracts (IC) with Contractor’s Design Portion (CDP).
- Excellent knowledge of the design process and the contractor’s responsibilities under different forms of contract.
- HNC/HND or degree in a construction-related discipline is preferred.
- Membership of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is advantageous.
What We Offer:
- A dynamic and supportive working environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A chance to work on a variety of exciting and challenging commercial projects
Design Manager employer: Access Talent Group
Contact Detail:
Access Talent Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects our company has completed in the past. Understanding our portfolio will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with our work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction industry, especially those who have worked with us or in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with various procurement routes and contract forms, particularly JCT contracts. Being able to articulate your knowledge in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed design processes in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to collaborate with diverse teams will be crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design management, particularly in commercial projects. Emphasise your understanding of procurement routes and contract forms, as well as any memberships in professional bodies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design management and your ability to lead projects from concept to completion. Mention specific examples of past projects where you successfully collaborated with stakeholders and managed design processes.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline key skills such as risk management, compliance with building regulations, and your ability to resolve design-related issues during the handover stage. Use bullet points for clarity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Design Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Access Talent Group
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to oversee projects from start to finish. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed the design process, highlighting your role in coordinating with various stakeholders.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the construction company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their commitment to quality and collaboration, and be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to design processes, procurement routes, and contract forms, especially JCT contracts. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've navigated these areas in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Discuss Risk Management Strategies
Since managing design risks is a key responsibility, be prepared to talk about how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure compliance with regulations and contractual obligations, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving.
