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- Tasks: Lead design projects for major building schemes and ensure timely delivery.
- Company: A progressive contractor with a focus on people and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design management in a stable, cash-rich environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in design/project management; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with clear paths for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 68000 £ per year.
Job Description
A progressive and people-focused principal contractor is looking to appoint a Design Manager to join its expanding design team, supporting the delivery of major faade remediation and complex building envelope schemes. With confirmed work secured into 2028, this is an opportunity to join a stable, cash-rich business that continues to invest in its people, its technology, and the future of safer, better-built environments.
Based out of their head office in the Portsmouth area, projects are delivered nationwide. This new position has been created due to increased workload, offering a unique opportunity to shape and influence design management within the business. Projects range in value up to £22 million and include complex schemes across residential towers, stadiums, commercial buildings, and public sector assets. The company has built strong, long-term partnerships with blue-chip clients and is widely recognised for technical delivery on challenging and sensitive sites.
Now targeting further growth, the company is scaling with purpose, aiming to exceed £50 million turnover this year. Backed by a listed parent group with significant financial strength, they operate with a modern, entrepreneurial approach while maintaining strong family values and a culture of trust and development.
Design Manager Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £60,000 – £85,000 (DOE)
- 25-30 days holiday + Bank Holiday
- Pension Scheme
- Project Bonus Scheme
- Company Bonus Scheme
- 4 Years Death in Service Cover
- Critical Illness Cover
- Hybrid working available (mainly office-based with occasional site visits)
- Team Social Events
- Company events and supportive social environment
- Comprehensive in-house and external Training and Development
- Access to Udemy and training courses
- Charity Fundraising Days
- Office facilities including stocked kitchen and shower
Design Manager Job Overview
- Manage and coordinate design deliverables across complex envelope remediation and construction schemes.
- Ensure all design milestones are achieved and programmes continuously updated.
- Oversee and drive performance of external design houses, consultants, and internal design/technical teams.
- Provide programme and milestone control using Microsoft Project.
- Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, commercial, and operational teams.
- Monitor design risk and ensure compliance with HRB requirements and regulatory standards.
- Support procurement and site delivery by ensuring accurate and timely design information.
- Attend occasional site visits as required (no permanent site presence).
Design Manager Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience in design and/or project management within the building envelope or wider construction industry.
- Strong background in design management; faade remediation experience desirable.
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Project; Primavera advantageous.
- Ability to manage workflows, external consultants, and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong commercial awareness in relation to design deliverables.
- Confident communicator, able to build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
- Candidates from an architectural background (e.g., Architectural Technologist) with progression into project management will also be considered.
What makes this opportunity different?
- Forward workload confirmed into 2028
- Secure financial backing with strong reserves
- Low staff turnover and clear paths for progression
- Structured mentoring and access to coaching
- Real stories of team members doubling their earnings in under three years
- Weekly culture feedback that informs senior management decisions
- Training support, flexible working, and long-term incentives including shares
Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.
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Design Manager employer: Bennett and Game
Contact Detail:
Bennett and Game Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and management experiences. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in facade remediation and complex building schemes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
How to prepare for a job interview at Bennett and Game
✨Know Your Design Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your design management principles, especially around faade remediation. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've successfully managed design deliverables. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Think about times when your communication made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Get Familiar with Microsoft Project
Since technical proficiency with Microsoft Project is key for this role, make sure you can demonstrate your skills. If you’ve used it to manage workflows or track milestones, be ready to share specific examples during the interview.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture, especially their focus on trust and development. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their supportive social environment.
