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- Tasks: Lead and manage the design process for high-security projects from start to finish.
- Company: A leading design & build contractor in defence, energy, and data sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working for flexibility and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape complex projects and make a real impact in secure environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management within construction and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Wiltshire (Hybrid)
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 per annum
Sector: High-Tech Design & Build | Defence, MOD & Nuclear
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
The client is a leading design & build contractor operating across the data, defence, and energy sectors. They deliver end-to-end solutions, from site acquisition and architecture through to construction, refurbishment, and final client handover. Their projects are complex, high-spec environments that demand specialist expertise, technical excellence, and innovative thinking. This is a standout opportunity for a Senior Design Manager to take ownership of technically challenging, high-security projects where design plays a critical role in successful delivery.
The Opportunity
As Senior Design Manager, you’ll lead the design process from bid stage through to completion — ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, buildable, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives. You’ll act as the key interface between clients, consultants, and delivery teams, driving performance, managing risk, and ensuring design excellence throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the full design process from pre-construction through to handover
- Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and subcontractors
- Ensure compliance with client requirements, Building Regulations, and CDM
- Drive design quality, buildability, and cost-effective solutions
- Align design deliverables with procurement and construction programmes
- Manage design risk, change control, and technical queries
- Support procurement strategy and define design responsibilities within packages
- Act as the central point of contact for all design-related matters
- Mentor and support junior team members
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within construction
- Strong background in design & build projects, ideally in complex or regulated sectors
- Experience across both pre-construction and live project environments
- Solid understanding of Building Regulations and CDM requirements
- Ability to interrogate Employer’s Requirements and contribute to Contractor’s Proposals
- Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills
- Commercial awareness with the ability to drive value engineering
- Experience within defence, nuclear, data centres or similar high-security environments is highly desirable.
Benefits
- Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 per annum
- Car allowance (where applicable)
- Competitive pension scheme
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Private healthcare and cash plan
- Eyecare vouchers
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave
Why Apply?
- Work on complex, high-value and technically challenging projects
- Join a specialist contractor with a strong reputation in secure sectors
- Play a key role in shaping project delivery from early stages
- Hybrid working offering flexibility and balance
- Clear opportunities for progression and long-term career development
Senior Design Manager in Chippenham employer: 4 Front
Contact Detail:
4 Front Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your experience in design management, especially in high-security environments. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and working on those complex, high-value projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design & build projects, especially in complex or regulated sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your leadership and coordination skills. Remember, we love innovative thinking!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your understanding of Building Regulations and CDM requirements. We’re looking for someone who can interrogate Employer’s Requirements and contribute effectively to Contractor’s Proposals, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 4 Front
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the projects the company has worked on, especially in high-security environments like defence and nuclear. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their past projects and how you can contribute to future ones.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams, managed risks, and ensured design quality in previous roles. This will show them you're the right fit for driving performance.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Brush up on Building Regulations and CDM requirements relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in past projects and how you ensure compliance while maintaining design excellence. This knowledge is crucial for the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to design management and their expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture and project types align with your career goals.