Design Manager in High Wycombe

Design Manager in High Wycombe

High Wycombe Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bennett and Game Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design processes for innovative construction projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Join a top-tier subcontractor with over 20 years of industry experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, 25 days holiday, and performance bonuses.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to senior leadership and diverse project sectors.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while enjoying autonomy and growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong technical knowledge of interior 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 in High Wycombe employer: Bennett and Game Recruitment

Bennett & Game is an exceptional employer that values design as a critical component of project success, offering a dynamic work culture where autonomy and flexibility are paramount. With opportunities for professional growth and exposure to high-profile projects across various sectors, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises quality and innovation. The hybrid working model allows for a balanced lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction industry.

Bennett and Game Recruitment

Contact Details:

Bennett and Game Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in High Wycombe

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 Bennett and Game Recruitment, 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 Bennett and Game Recruitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in High Wycombe

Design Management
BIM Coordination
Project Delivery
Technical Understanding of Drywall Systems
Construction Sequencing
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills

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 Bennett and Game Recruitment

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!