Design Manager in London

Design Manager in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Blue Inn Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management and oversee multiple projects while ensuring quality and compliance.
  • Company: Established contractor with over 40 years of experience in London and the South East.
  • Benefits: Negotiable salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects in a dynamic and supportive team.
  • Qualifications: 3-5 years of industry experience, preferably from an architectural background.
  • Other info: Join a company known for its strong client relationships and repeat business.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

One of our leading main contractors is recruiting a Design Manager on a permanent basis to join their main office located in west London. This role is suitable for someone who is an experienced Design Coordinator/Manager and capable of developing the Design Management department by establishing and implementing Design Management best practice procedures. You will be required to oversee the design process of multiple schemes concurrently as well as contribute to the tender process and bid preparation on potential jobs.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Carry out full technical reviews and evaluate design information received at tender stage.
  • Identify risk and promote strategies and alternative design solutions to mitigate issues.
  • Engage in consultant negotiations and appointment, including novated and directly appointed.
  • Review and agree payment schedules.
  • Assembly of consultant appointment documents in accordance with company procedures.
  • First point of contact for all clients regarding design issues.
  • Define the scope of services of each Design Consultant through the use of a Design Responsibility Matrix.
  • Production and management of the Design Information Required programme to ensure development of the design and client approvals are achieved within an agreed time influenced by the overall project programme.
  • Add value to the project through sensible and practical Value Engineering, seeking alternative options in design while maintaining the essence and quality of the design through each stage of the design process.
  • Ensure the design information received meets the Contractor's Proposals and Employer's Requirements.
  • Raise RFI's when necessary and maintain the RFI tracker until each item is closed out.
  • Monitor the preparation of information required by relevant statutory bodies and local authorities ensuring timely submission.
  • Identify and manage design change and client approval when necessary.
  • Lead design reviews for both coordination and Employers Requirement compliance.
  • Ensure all design information is buildable in a safe manner.
  • Auditing and signing off of on the quality and content of design information against invoices received at agreed design stages.
  • Challenge Design Team consultants who are not performing.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3-5 years relevant industry experience, candidates from an architectural/architectural technician background would be preferable.
  • Collaborative and professional work ethic, competent client facing ability.
  • Good knowledge of construction processes and UK building regulations.
  • Experience with NHBC and Premier Guarantee.
  • Experienced knowledge of the RIBA Work Stages and relevant scope of services for each design discipline.

Salary is open for negotiation, they are ready to pay the right package for the right candidate.

The Company

The company based in west London has operated throughout London and the south east of England for over 40 years focusing on the delivery of small to medium sized alteration, refurbishment and new-build projects. They are particularly experienced in working within 'live' environments in schools, hospitals and housing and are proud of their network of 'repeat' public and private sector customers.

Design Manager in London employer: Blue Inn Recruitment

Join a leading main contractor in west London, where your expertise as a Design Manager will be valued and nurtured. With over 40 years of experience, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering competitive salaries and the opportunity to work on diverse projects in dynamic environments. Enjoy the unique advantage of contributing to meaningful developments in schools, hospitals, and housing while being part of a team that prides itself on strong client relationships and repeat business.
Blue Inn Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Blue Inn Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design-related events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! When you land that interview, bring along a well-organised portfolio showcasing your best design projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills and creativity, so make it count!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and can contribute to their success.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in London

Design Management
Technical Review
Risk Identification
Consultant Negotiation
Payment Schedule Review
Design Responsibility Matrix
Value Engineering
RFI Management
Statutory Compliance
Design Change Management
Coordination of Design Reviews
Construction Processes Knowledge
UK Building Regulations
RIBA Work Stages Knowledge
Client Facing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design coordination and management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific skills like your knowledge of construction processes and UK building regulations, and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to identify risks and propose alternative design solutions. This is key for the Design Manager role, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past projects.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Inn Recruitment

✨Know Your Design Management Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of design management best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, especially in relation to the RIBA Work Stages and construction processes. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.

✨Prepare for Technical Reviews

Since you'll be carrying out full technical reviews, it’s crucial to prepare examples of how you've evaluated design information at the tender stage before. Think about specific projects where you identified risks and proposed alternative solutions, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

✨Engage with Real Scenarios

Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve engaged in consultant negotiations or managed design changes. Prepare a couple of stories that highlight your collaborative work ethic and client-facing abilities, as these are key to succeeding in this role.

✨Showcase Your Value Engineering Skills

Value engineering is all about adding value while maintaining quality. Come prepared with examples of how you’ve successfully implemented value engineering in previous projects. This will illustrate your ability to think critically and creatively about design solutions.

Design Manager in London
Blue Inn Recruitment
Location: London

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