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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes and manage projects from start to finish across various sectors.
- Company: Established contractor with a diverse portfolio and strong project pipeline.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and long-term projects with supportive teams.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in a main contractor setting is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration across multiple sites.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Tonbridge (Projects across London, Surrey & Kent)
Sectors: Education, Local Authority, Police / Blue light, Commercial & Light Industrial
Contract Type: Permanent
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established main contractor delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across education, local authority, blue light, commercial, and light industrial sectors, up to £25M. With a strong pipeline of work in London, Surrey, and Kent, they are seeking an experienced Design Manager to take ownership of design delivery across multiple frameworks and project types, from new-build to refurbishment schemes. This role is ideally suited to a Design Manager with a main contractor background and proven experience coordinating complex projects across multiple sectors through the full design and construction lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
- Coordinate external consultants, subcontract designers, and internal project teams
- Manage design risk, programme alignment, and change control processes
- Chair and actively contribute to design team and coordination meetings
- Ensure design information is issued accurately and in line with construction requirements
- Support tender and pre-construction activities across multiple frameworks
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Design Manager working for a main contractor
- Experience delivering projects across education, local authority, blue light, commercial, or light industrial sectors
- Solid understanding of Design & Build and framework procurement routes
- Strong coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working on live construction projects across multiple sites
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary
- Long-term, varied pipeline of projects across multiple sectors
- Opportunity to work with an established contractor on repeat frameworks
- Supportive, well-structured design and delivery teams
Interested? If you are a Design Manager with multi-sector experience and a main contractor background — or know someone suitable — please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Design Manager in Kent employer: Arise Recruit Ltd
Contact Detail:
Arise Recruit Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend design and construction events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the perfect opportunity waiting for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and experiences. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your skills in managing complex designs across various sectors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the latest trends in design and construction. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed design processes and coordinated teams in past projects. This will show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about the industry!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes and coordinating with various teams, especially in sectors like education and commercial. We want to see how your background aligns with our projects!
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 and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your coordination and communication skills. These are key for a Design Manager. Include examples of how you've successfully managed design risks and change control processes in past projects. We’re all about teamwork here!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arise Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of projects the company has worked on, especially in education, local authority, and blue light sectors. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their portfolio and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to coordinate various teams and stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully managed design processes or resolved conflicts between teams. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage effectively.
✨Understand Design & Build Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of Design & Build and framework procurement routes. Be prepared to discuss how these processes impact project delivery and how you’ve navigated them in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just experienced but also knowledgeable about industry practices.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, or challenges they face in design delivery. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
