At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage creative projects in heritage and exhibitions while gaining project management skills.
- Company: Join a world-class creative agency with a focus on unique, high-profile projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured progression, ongoing training, and mentorship.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your project management career while working on exciting, memorable visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in design, experience in heritage or creative sectors, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you a designer ready to take the next step towards a career in project management? Are you an experienced designer who is looking to transition into a Project Manager role—with support and development? We're particularly interested in individuals with a background in heritage, exhibitions, museums, retail, or other niche creative sectors, especially those who have worked on unusual, highly creative, or standout projects.
This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class team delivering high-profile projects across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, while being mentored into a fully-fledged Project Manager.
The Role
As a Designer / Project Engineer, you'll still contribute creatively while beginning your journey into project management. You'll support the delivery of projects and gain hands-on experience across bidding, design coordination, and project execution. Working closely with senior Project Managers and Technical Directors, you'll gradually take on more responsibility, ultimately progressing to managing projects from concept through to completion. Projects include museums, cultural destinations, heritage sites, and immersive visitor attractions.
What You'll Bring
- Around 4+ years' experience in a design-based role.
- Background in heritage, museum, exhibition, leisure, retail, or visitor-attraction projects—or other niche/creative sectors.
- Experience working on unusual, complex, or highly creative projects is highly desirable.
- Any exposure to project management (even at an assistant or support level) is beneficial.
- Understanding of design processes, RIBA stages, and contracts (JCT/NEC) is advantageous.
- Awareness of H&S, CDM regulations, building regulations, accessibility, and sustainability.
- Any experience with budgeting, scheduling, or resource planning is a plus.
- Knowledge of funding bodies such as NLHF, Fáilte Ireland, or Arts Council is desirable.
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.
Location & Working Style
- Based in Leicester city centre.
- Occasional travel across the UK and internationally.
- Some out-of-hours work may be required.
- Full driving licence and valid passport required.
Salary & Benefits
- £35,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience).
- Structured progression into Project Management.
- Ongoing training, mentorship, and development.
- Opportunity to work with a globally recognised creative agency on unique, high-profile projects.
If you are passionate about delivering memorable visitor experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, this is an ideal opportunity to progress your career in project management.
To be considered for this role please either hit the 'Apply' button on this site or email your CV directly.
You must be eligible to live and work within the UK. Sponsorship is not provided. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Designer / Project Engineer in Loughborough employer: ATA Recruitment
Join a world-class creative agency based in the vibrant city centre of Leicester, where you will have the unique opportunity to transition from a designer to a project manager while working on high-profile heritage and exhibition projects. With structured progression, ongoing mentorship, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers not only competitive salary but also the chance to contribute to memorable visitor experiences across the UK and internationally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer / Project Engineer in Loughborough
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from ATA Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer / Project Engineer in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at ATA Recruitment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to ATA Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at ATA Recruitment.
