At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes and manage project delivery for innovative construction projects.
- Company: Join a top-tier subcontractor with over 20 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to senior leadership and high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while enjoying autonomy and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong technical understanding of construction systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in Buckinghamshire and London-based project offices, with the remaining time working from home)
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 DOE (potentially higher for an exceptional candidate) | Open to Permanent or Contract Engagement
Bennett & Game are representing a leading specialist drylining, partitions and ceilings subcontractor who are seeking a Design Manager to join their growing team. Our client has over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality interior systems packages across the UK construction sector. Working alongside many of the country's leading main contractors, they operate across commercial, residential, healthcare, education, leisure, mixed-use and data centre developments, delivering technically challenging projects and maintaining an excellent reputation for quality and delivery.
This is a key appointment within a growing business where design is seen as a critical part of project success rather than simply a support function. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving project delivery from pre-construction through to completion, managing BIM and design coordination processes, influencing programme strategy and ensuring projects are delivered in a commercially practical and buildable manner. The business offers genuine autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership, long-term progression opportunities and the chance to work on landmark projects across a range of sectors. The role is focused on managing the design process and project delivery rather than being a hands-on drawing production position.
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 - £90,000 DOE (potentially higher for an exceptional candidate)
- Open to permanent or contract employment, with day rate discussions available
- Hybrid working with excellent flexibility and autonomy
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing and ambitious business
- Exposure to high-profile projects across multiple construction sectors
Design Manager Position Overview
- Manage the full design process across drylining, partitioning, ceiling and interior systems packages from pre-construction through to project completion
- Develop and maintain design programmes, BIM deliverables, information release schedules and project trackers
- Coordinate consultants, architects, main contractors, suppliers and internal teams to ensure design information is compliant, buildable and delivered on programme
- Lead design workshops, BIM coordination meetings, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle
- Support estimating and commercial teams during tender and pre-construction phases, identifying risks and value engineering opportunities
- Ensure all fire performance requirements, certifications, technical submissions, as-built information and project documentation are managed effectively
- Provide technical guidance and buildability solutions to operational and site teams throughout project delivery
- Drive programme performance and resolve technical challenges to ensure successful project outcomes
Design Manager Position Requirements
- Proven experience as a Design Manager within drylining, interiors, partitions, ceilings or specialist subcontracting
- Strong technical understanding of drywall systems, interior systems, fire stopping interfaces, partitions and ceiling solutions
- Experience managing BIM coordination, design programmes and multidisciplinary design processes
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, buildability, project delivery and technical compliance requirements
- Excellent communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance programme, design quality and budget considerations
- Experience using platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, SharePoint, ACC Docs or similar design management software would be advantageous
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to attend project and office locations as required
Design Manager employer: Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Design Manager, where your expertise will be valued in a company that prioritises design as a key driver of project success. With a hybrid working model offering flexibility, competitive salary, and clear pathways for career progression, you will have the opportunity to work on landmark projects across various sectors while enjoying a supportive work culture that fosters autonomy and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD 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 Design Manager
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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD. 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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD
✨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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD.
