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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design initiatives and manage external consultants for strategic projects in Estates.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing user experience through innovative design standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with competitive day rates and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or HND in a construction-related field; strong background in design and contract management required.
- Other info: This role is a 12-month contract, starting ASAP, and requires a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
12 Month Contract | Hybrid (Edinburgh) | Starting ASAP Day Rate: Circa £250
Main Duties:
- You will support the Head of Professional and Technical Services in delivering strategic projects and initiatives across the Estates function. This includes managing external consultants (e.g., design teams, CDM advisors, building control services), overseeing framework agreements, and ensuring high-quality design outcomes aligned with client objectives.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Consultant and Framework Management: Manage and oversee consultants appointed for design and professional services. Direct design commissions and ensure effective delivery of consultant outputs. Administer framework agreements, including tendering and placing commissions. Monitor consultant performance, initiate corrective actions, and ensure deliverables meet quality standards.
- Design Leadership: Act as the design lead, maintaining and updating a suite of Estates Design Standards. Provide project-specific design guidance to ensure high-quality, user-focused outcomes. Promote the role of design in achieving strategic goals and enhancing user experience.
- Project Support: Contribute to early project stages, including business case development and feasibility studies. Support Project Sponsors and Managers throughout design and construction phases. Assist with design coordination, tender documentation, and evaluation processes.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead post-occupancy and post-completion reviews to capture lessons learned. Analyze feedback from various sources (e.g., risk logs, site reports, user feedback) to drive improvements. Coordinate design and business improvement initiatives across the Estates team.
- Specialist Knowledge and External Engagement: Maintain expert knowledge of the estate and relevant legislation, including Scottish Government policies and building standards. Develop and maintain relationships with UK and Scottish government bodies, judicial authorities, and advisory organizations. Initiate trials of new products and technologies, producing evaluation reports.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Degree or HND in a construction-related discipline (e.g., Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management).
- Experience in strategic planning, feasibility studies, and estates development.
- Strong background in framework and contract management.
- Proven ability to lead design initiatives and maintain technical standards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Familiarity with UK and Scottish regulatory environments and public sector estates management.
This role has been deemed Inside IR35 by the client. Applicants must hold, or be happy to apply for, a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland.
Design Standards Manager employer: Harvey Nash Group
Contact Detail:
Harvey Nash Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Standards Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest Scottish Government policies and building standards. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the estates management sector, especially those who have experience with framework agreements and consultant management. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led design initiatives or managed consultants in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission and demonstrating how your skills can contribute to our goals will make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Standards Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design management, framework agreements, and consultant oversight. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead design initiatives and manage projects effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Design Standards Manager role. Emphasise your experience with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives. Show how your skills align with the company's objectives.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree or HND in a construction-related discipline and any additional certifications. Mention your familiarity with UK and Scottish regulatory environments, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and managed teams. Strong communication skills are essential for this position, so make sure to highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash Group
✨Showcase Your Design Leadership
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading design initiatives. Highlight specific projects where you maintained design standards and how you ensured high-quality outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to act as a design lead.
✨Understand Framework Management
Familiarise yourself with the principles of framework and contract management. Be ready to explain how you've managed consultants and overseen design commissions in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to post-occupancy reviews and how you've used feedback to drive improvements. Providing examples of how you've implemented changes based on lessons learned will show your commitment to quality and user-focused outcomes.
✨Engage with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of Scottish Government policies and building standards. Being able to articulate your understanding of the regulatory environment will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the complexities of the role.
