At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery on exciting projects from start to finish.
- Company: Established main contractor with a strong project pipeline.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80k, permanent position, and great career prospects.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term work and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on diverse projects across multiple sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager with strong communication and coordination skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Tonbridge
Projects: London, Surrey & Kent
Sectors: Education | Local Authority | Police / Blue Light | Commercial | Light Industrial
Contract: Permanent
The Role
We're working with a well-established main contractor with a strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent. They're looking for an experienced Design Manager to join the team and take ownership of design delivery across a varied range of projects, typically from £5m up to £25m. You'll be involved from the early pre-construction stages right through to completion, working across new-build and refurbishment projects and dealing with a mix of sectors including education, local authority, blue light, commercial and light industrial. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, likes being involved in the detail and is comfortable working closely with both design and construction teams.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
- Coordinating external consultants, subcontract designers and internal teams
- Keeping design programmes aligned with the wider project programme
- Identifying and managing design risks
- Managing design changes and ensuring information is properly controlled
- Chairing design and coordination meetings
- Making sure design information is accurate, buildable and issued on time
- Supporting tenders and pre-construction activities across various frameworks
- Working closely with the Project Manager, Commercial team and wider delivery team
Ideally, you'll have:
- Previous experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor
- Experience delivering projects within sectors such as education, local authority, police / blue light, commercial or light industrial
- Good knowledge of Design & Build and framework procurement
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- The ability to manage consultants, subcontractors and multiple stakeholders
- Experience working across live construction projects
- A good understanding of the full design and construction process
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident managing design across a busy project environment.
What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary up to 80k package
- Permanent position with an established main contractor
- A strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent
- Varied projects across multiple sectors
- Repeat work through established frameworks
- Supportive design and project teams
- Good long-term career prospects
Interested? If you're an experienced Design Manager with a main contractor background and are looking for a role offering variety, long-term work and a strong project pipeline, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential conversation and to find out more.
Design Manager in Kent employer: Arise Recruit
Join a leading national housebuilder that prioritises quality and community, offering a competitive salary of up to £70k along with a car allowance and performance bonuses. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, this company provides excellent opportunities for career advancement in a stable environment, particularly in the vibrant locations of Shoreham and Godalming. Be part of a team that values integrity, teamwork, and commitment while overseeing exciting new developments across the South East.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Kent
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Arise Recruit, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Arise Recruit.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arise Recruit
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
