At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination for exciting construction projects, ensuring smooth delivery and compliance.
- Company: Established main contractor with a strong reputation in diverse sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible freelance role, and opportunity to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Immediate start with excellent career growth potential in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on innovative construction schemes.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong understanding of construction processes required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Freelance Design Manager
Main Contracting – Construction
Birmingham, West Midlands
Remuneration: £340 - £420 / day DOE
Freelance / Temporary Role
Duration: 8 - 12 weeks minimum
Immediate Start
The Company
You will be working for an established & successful main contractor that have continued to grow from strength to strength in the current environment. They have won work in multiple sectors through competitive tenders and the negotiation of contracts. Sectors of work include Education, Care, Student Accommodation, Leisure and Commercial works. They are now seeking a Freelance Design Manager to join their team on a permanent basis.
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a high-profile scheme, supporting a leading project team through the delivery phases of an office to student accommodation conversion scheme including the addition of an extra floor in Banbury. The successful candidate will work alongside a Senior Project Manager and site team to ensure the smooth coordination of all design information, manage third-party interfaces, and support the compliance, technical, and programme aspects of design delivery. The role will involve liaising with clients on multiple elements of the role and be able to demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities will include:
- Track and monitor the design programme and Information Release Schedule (IRS)
- Audit design documentation to ensure drawings and specifications align with the brief and project standards
- Conduct initial coordination checks of new information issued by consultants
- Support the closure of Building Control actions with consultants and internal teams
- Assist in tracking the discharge of planning conditions with relevant consultants
- Liaise closely with third parties such as Network Rail, undertaking associated coordination duties
- Provide general design coordination, supporting updates to design and contract information pre-construction and during build
- Attend and contribute to project meetings, including taking minutes when required
- Assist in the compilation and tracking of BREEAM documentation and attend BREEAM-related meetings
- Track and coordinate Technical Submissions and consultant responses alongside the Design Manager
- Track and coordinate RFIs with the Design Manager, ensuring timely responses and accurate records
- Communicate with the CDM/Principal Designer to ensure design information meets health and safety compliance standards
- Liaise with the Document Controller to ensure drawings, specifications, and design information are correctly managed and distributed
- Maintain and support company standard procedures for document control and design coordination
- Apply a working knowledge of substructure, superstructure, civils, envelope, M&E, and internal fit-out packages
- Attend / lead Design Team Meetings (DTMs) and coordination meetings, contributing to the resolution of design issues and action tracking
What you'll need to succeed:
- You will have a good technical understanding of drawings and experience of managing design resource.
- You will have a strong main contracting background managing construction projects ideally in the Care, Education, Student Accommodation and Commercial sectors.
- Prior experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor
- Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary design coordination, ideally on student accommodation, industrial, commercial or other complex build schemes
- Excellent attention to detail and proactive approach to managing design deliverables
- Familiar with planning, Building Control, BREEAM, and CDM requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience liaising with consultants, third parties, and internal teams
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines
- Confident using document control platforms and tracking tools (e.g., Viewpoint, Asite, or similar)
- Able to interpret technical drawings and specifications across all major construction packages
- Experience in a similar role, preferably with a Main contractor
- A proven track record of undertaking Design Manager duties at both tender and construction stages.
- Design and Build experience
- Excellent communication skills, both at the personal level and more formal reporting level
Projects will vary in value from £3m - £18m
Salary and Benefits:
On offer is a day rate of up to £420 DOE.
Freelance Design Manager in Lichfield employer: 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
Join a well-established precast concrete manufacturer in North Nottinghamshire, where quality workmanship meets a commitment to employee development. With competitive pay rates, weekly pay, and opportunities for training and progression, this company fosters a supportive work culture that values teamwork and reliability. Experience the stability of long-term employment while contributing to significant construction and infrastructure projects across the UK.
Contact Details:
360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Design Manager in Lichfield
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Design Manager in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at 360 Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
