At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design for facade and fire safety projects, ensuring compliance and integration.
- Company: Progressive principal contractor in the facade remediation sector with a strong financial backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid work, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear progression pathways and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on building safety while enjoying strong earning potential and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture or architectural technology with strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
If you have spent your career in architecture or architectural technology and you are ready to step into a role where your technical knowledge genuinely shapes how buildings are made safer, this is worth your attention. Our client is one of the UK’s most progressive principal contractors in the facade remediation sector. Backed by a listed parent group with a turnover exceeding £600 million, this is a business with the financial strength of a major contractor and the pace and culture of a modern, forward-thinking team. Work is secured through to 2028, with project values up to £22 million across residential towers, stadiums, commercial schemes and public sector developments.
As Design Manager, you will be the bridge between design intent and safe, compliant, buildable delivery. Your fluency in technical drawings, design coordination and stakeholder management will be central to how these projects succeed, while your understanding of facade systems and building regulations puts you ahead of the curve from day one.
Why Make the Move from Architecture?
- Significantly stronger earning potential. Salaries in contractor-side design management consistently outpace those in private practice, with clear routes to progress further.
- Real project ownership. You are not producing drawings for someone else to deliver. You are at the centre of delivery, with direct influence over outcomes.
- Broader exposure. Working across multiple live projects simultaneously builds commercial awareness, programme management skills and stakeholder experience that practice rarely offers at the same pace.
- Tangible impact. Facade remediation is one of the most meaningful areas of construction right now. The work you do directly contributes to making people’s homes and buildings safer.
- Long-term career development. This employer invests heavily in training, mentoring and progression, with a genuine people-first culture to back it up.
Design Manager Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £65,000 to £85,000 per annum (DOE, with higher considered for strong fire remediation experience)
- Location: Regular presence in Portsmouth office with hybrid working and UK wide travel
- 25 to 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme
- Project bonus scheme
- Company bonus scheme
- 4 years death in service cover
- Critical illness cover
- Regular team and company wide social events
- Comprehensive in-house and external training and development
- Access to Udemy and other training platforms
- Office facilities including stocked kitchen and shower
- Charity fundraising days
- Supportive, collaborative culture with clear progression pathways
Design Manager Job Overview
- Lead the full design process for facade and fire remediation projects from pre‑construction through delivery.
- Coordinate and integrate design information from architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, manufacturers and specialist subcontractors.
- Ensure all designs are fully compliant with current building regulations, fire safety legislation and cladding‑specific standards.
Design Manager: Facade & Fire Safety Lead (Hybrid) in Hampshire employer: Bennett and Game Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking principal contractor in the facade remediation sector, where your expertise as a Design Manager will directly influence the safety and compliance of significant building projects. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a collaborative work culture, this company offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your growth and well-being. Located in Portsmouth, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a range of generous benefits, including extensive training opportunities and a vibrant social scene.
Contact Details:
Bennett and Game Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager: Facade & Fire Safety Lead (Hybrid) in Hampshire
✨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 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: Facade & Fire Safety Lead (Hybrid) in Hampshire
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!
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. 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
✨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.
