At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design on high-rise projects, ensuring compliance and smooth integration from start to finish.
- Company: Join a top-tier contractor known for delivering complex construction projects in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a clear path for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team working on exciting, large-scale developments with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management on large commercial or residential projects is essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking growth in a dynamic environment with mentorship opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Design Manager or Senior Design Manager to join a forward-thinking main contractor delivering some of the Midlands’ most prominent and complex construction projects. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in large commercial or residential build projects who is now looking for long-term progression—with a clear route towards more senior leadership over the next few years.
About the Role:
You’ll be working across multiple high-rise schemes—each valued at £50m+—with a focus on BTR and multiroom developments. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating design through BSR Gateway processes, ensuring technical compliance and smooth integration from pre-construction through to delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and coordinate design across major projects at various stages
- Ensure compliance with Building Safety Regulations and Gateway requirements
- Work closely with planning, commercial, and site teams to integrate design effectively
- Liaise with external consultants, architects, and technical stakeholders
- Lead design team meetings and track design deliverables
- Identify design risks, provide technical solutions, and support value engineering exercises
- Contribute to the development of internal design processes and mentor junior team members
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager on large-scale commercial or residential projects
- Tier 1 contractor background or experience with similar high-performing businesses
- Strong knowledge of BTR / multiroom schemes and associated technical demands
- Familiar with Building Safety Regulations and navigating BSR Gateway stages
- Excellent communication and coordination skills
- Looking for a role with clear career progression and increasing responsibility
What’s On Offer:
- Salary up to £85,000, depending on experience
- Excellent benefits package
- Opportunity to work on high-value, technically complex projects
- A genuine pathway for promotion and professional growth
- A collaborative, forward-thinking team environment
If you’re a Design Manager ready to step up—or a Senior Design Manager looking for your next big challenge—this is a great opportunity to grow within a dynamic and respected main contractor. Please apply below and contact Heather Duncan in the Birmingham office for more information.
Design Manager / Senior Design Manager employer: Buildforce Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Buildforce Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager / Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and design industry, especially those who have experience with BTR and multiroom projects. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the BSR Gateway processes and Building Safety Regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed design coordination on large-scale projects. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with various teams, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to design management. Tailoring your conversation to reflect your understanding of their work can set you apart and show your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager / Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing large-scale commercial or residential projects. Emphasise your familiarity with BTR and multiroom developments, as well as your knowledge of Building Safety Regulations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design management and your ambition for career progression. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your communication and coordination skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led design teams and managed design deliverables in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include instances where you've identified design risks and provided technical solutions. This will demonstrate your capability to support value engineering exercises and contribute to internal design processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buildforce Solutions Ltd
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those involving large-scale commercial or residential builds. Highlight your role in coordinating design and ensuring compliance with regulations, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the position.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of BTR and Multiroom Schemes
Familiarise yourself with Build to Rent (BTR) and multiroom developments. Be ready to discuss the specific challenges and technical demands associated with these types of projects, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to Building Safety Regulations and the BSR Gateway process. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you have navigated these stages in past projects, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves leading design team meetings and mentoring junior members, prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully guided teams in the past. This will highlight your suitability for a position with clear progression opportunities.