At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design for facade and fire remediation projects, ensuring compliance and integration.
- Company: Progressive principal contractor in the facade remediation sector with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear pathways for career progression and development.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on building safety while enjoying real project ownership.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture or architectural technology with strong design coordination skills.
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.
What makes this employer stand out is its people-first culture. Weekly cultural feedback shapes decisions at senior leadership level, and the business has genuine ambitions to be recognised as one of the Times Top 100 Places to Work. Development, mentoring and long‑term careers are taken seriously here.
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
- 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
- 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 employer: Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd.
As a Design Manager with our client, you will join one of the UK's most progressive principal contractors in the facade remediation sector, where a people-first culture and commitment to employee development create an exceptional work environment. With competitive salaries, clear progression pathways, and a focus on meaningful projects that enhance safety in construction, this role offers not just a job, but a fulfilling career. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive team atmosphere that values your contributions and ambitions.
Contact Details:
Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and technical drawings. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so make sure it’s easy to access and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design management and facade systems. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make a tangible impact in the construction industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Make sure to highlight your fluency in technical drawings and design coordination. We want to see how your experience can bridge the gap between design intent and safe, compliant delivery.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when applicants tailor their applications to reflect the specific requirements of the Design Manager role. Show us how your background in architecture or architectural technology makes you the perfect fit.
Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Management Experience:Your ability to manage stakeholders is key in this role. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams and individuals in past projects. We want to see your people skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd.
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of facade systems, building regulations, and design coordination. Be ready to discuss how your technical expertise can directly impact project outcomes. This will show that you’re not just a designer but someone who understands the full scope of the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you’ve successfully managed design processes or collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlighting real-life scenarios will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers confidence in your skills.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be the bridge between different teams. Be sure to talk about your experience in stakeholder management and how you’ve effectively communicated with architects, engineers, and contractors. This will illustrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive projects forward.
✨Align with Their Culture
Research the company’s people-first culture and be prepared to discuss how you value team dynamics and feedback. Showing that you resonate with their values will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their environment.
