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- Tasks: Lead and mentor the design team, ensuring high-quality project delivery.
- Company: Join Hopkins, a family-oriented business thriving since 1978 with over 200 dedicated employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, onsite gym, social events, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values personal development and diverse backgrounds.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior building services design, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Since 1978, Hopkins has been a business built on family values that has grown from strength to strength. Currently, we have over 200 people working across the business. Our ethos is to promote from within our own team whenever we can. So, developing our people is vital to our success. We have a fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager to join our growing Design team here at J&B Hopkins. If you’re passionate about technical excellence, team development, and driving high-quality design delivery, this role could be your next step.
About The Role
As Design Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within our in-house design function, working closely with the Head of Design to deliver the strategic objectives of the department. You’ll take ownership of design oversight across all live projects, supporting and guiding our internal team to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with business goals. You’ll be instrumental in shaping design delivery, mentoring team members, and maintaining high standards across all aspects of our design output.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the internal design team across all active projects, ensuring consistent delivery in line with programme requirements and business expectations.
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance and support to design team members, encouraging best practice and knowledge sharing.
- Work with the Head of Design to align resource planning, project ownership, and deliverables to meet strategic department goals.
- Oversee the production and monitoring of project design programmes and schedules, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Drive quality assurance by implementing and maintaining robust internal QA processes across all design output.
- Monitor design-related costs across projects, producing monthly reports and supporting cost control.
- Develop internal talent by supporting training, development, and performance management within the team.
- Attend key early-stage design meetings to shape project design strategies and ensure a smooth handover to lead designers.
- Support the Head of Design in maintaining and developing internal design standards.
- Review and sign off monthly timesheets for the design team.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding project design performance and priorities.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior building services design role, ideally within an MEP contracting environment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical design principles.
- A confident and approachable leader with experience supporting team performance and development.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Our commitment to you
As a key member of our team you will be encouraged to develop yourself further using all the tools made available to you by the business. As our in-house HR team will work alongside you and your line manager to develop a bespoke development plan that is tailored to your needs. We also offer a host of benefits across our business, including:
- Flexible Holiday Scheme
- Onsite Gym
- Flexible Working
- Staff Social Events
- Time off to commit to charity work and good causes
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Company Contribution towards Eye Welfare
- Employer Assistance Programme that goes above and beyond
Be yourself
Our clients come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Hopkins, we believe everyone is capable of achieving great things - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team.
Design Manager employer: J&B Hopkins Ltd
Contact Detail:
J&B Hopkins Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the company's ethos and values, especially their commitment to promoting from within. Highlight your alignment with these values during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading design teams and how you've successfully mentored team members in the past. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership style and its impact on project outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the latest trends and best practices in mechanical and electrical design principles. Being knowledgeable about current industry standards will show your commitment to technical excellence and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Hopkins if possible. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can give you an edge in understanding what they value in a Design Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Design Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in a senior building services design role, particularly within an MEP contracting environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership and technical skills.
Highlight Team Development Skills: Since the role involves mentoring and developing team members, make sure to include instances where you have successfully supported team performance and development. This will show that you align with their ethos of promoting from within.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for technical excellence and high-quality design delivery. Make it personal and reflect your understanding of the company's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at J&B Hopkins Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences and how you foster team development.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied this knowledge and how it contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to overcome challenges in design projects and how you ensured quality and consistency.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Hopkins' ethos of promoting from within and developing talent. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this culture and support the growth of your team members.
