At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects, collaborate with teams, and ensure high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join Bowmer + Kirkland, a top family-run construction group in the UK since 1923.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role based in vibrant Bristol office.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in construction and design.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and a passion for innovative solutions required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Design Manager
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Location: Bristol
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Salary: Competitive
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Job Type: This is a full time, permanent role 40 hours over 5 days per week. This is a hybrid role, where you will be based out of our Bristol office and work from sites in Somerset and Dorset.
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About Bowmer + Kirkland:
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Since being established in 1923 Bowmer + Kirkland has grown to become one of the most successful privately-owned, and family run construction groups in the UK. Our Investors in People accreditation demonstrates our commitment to our staff and we are Scheme Partners of the Considerate Constructors Scheme - something which only a select number of high performing contractors achieve.
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We are now looking to strengthen our team with the appointment of Design Managers to lead the coordination and delivery of design in preconstruction and on live sites for Education projects ranging between £15m and £50m. We welcome applicants with a range of experience levels, from Assistant Design Managers through to Senior Design Managers.
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The Role:
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As Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing the design intent through detailed interrogation, coordination, and leadership of the design process across the full project lifecycle. This includes ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act, CDM Regulations, statutory approvals, and B+K's internal governance.
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You will work collaboratively with clients, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure design excellence, programme certainty, and buildability-while embedding health and safety and digital innovation throughout. You will play a key part in ensuring information flows smoothly between the B+K, subcontractors, consultants, and the client - contributing to the delivery of high-quality, well-coordinated projects.
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Duties of the Role:
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The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, a robust understanding of delivering in a main contracting environment, and the ability to work collaboratively with key project stakeholders. A relentless focus on safe delivery, programme certainty, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance are essential.
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Key Responsibilities:
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- Lead the management of the design process across one or more projects.
- Coordinate the full design team including consultants and design-and-build subcontractors.
- Manage the design programme, RFIs, change control and document control processes.
- Ensure designs are compliant with Building Regulations, planning conditions, CDM, and other statutory requirements.
- Drive Safety in Design (SiD) and embed buildability and health & safety risk mitigation.
- Oversee BIM coordination, clash detection reviews, and digital model audits.
- Support tendering, value engineering and pre-construction activities.
- Maintain a high level of technical and commercial awareness in all design decision-making.
- Engage in client meetings and lead proactive design-based communication.
- Participate in lessons learned and best practice forums to enhance our delivery model.
- Mentor junior design team members and actively support CPD development.
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Key Skills & Experience required:
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- Proven experience in a design management role within a main contracting environment.
- Strong technical design background with a degree (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline.
- Solid understanding of current regulations (Building Safety Act, CDM, Building Regs, etc.).
- Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing specialist subcontractors.
- Skilled in BIM processes and using platforms such as Viewpoint 4P.
- Proactive, organised, and a confident communicator.
- Capable of managing a range of project types, tight deadlines, and complex design scopes.
- Department for Education framework experience essential.
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In return we offer:
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- 25 days holiday per year, plus 8 bank holidays and Christmas Eve
- Entry into the Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Private Health Insurance (subject to a qualifying period)
- Eye care voucher scheme
- Training & Development Opportunities
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Bowmer + Kirkland are an equal opportunities employer. We are a disability confident employer and actively encourage applicants who are covered under the equality act to apply. Please contact HR at in advance of an interview to discuss any adjustments that are required in order to support you in the process.
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NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
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If you're interested in the role and would like to put yourself forward, please hit APPLY and attach your CV and Cover Letter.
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Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, Assistant Design Manager, Construction Design Manager, Pre-Construction Design Manager, Design Coordinator, Senior Design Coordinator, Technical Manager, Technical Design Manager, Construction Project Manager, Pre-Construction Manager, Project Design Manager, Design and Build Manager, Design Lead, Technical Coordinator, Senior Technical Coordinator, BIM Manager, may also be considered for this role.
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Design Manager in Bath employer: Bowmer And Kirkland Limited
Bowmer + Kirkland is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to staff development and a supportive work culture. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a competitive benefits package including private health insurance, and a generous holiday allowance, all while working in the vibrant city of Bristol and surrounding areas. As a family-run business with a strong emphasis on safety and quality, we foster an environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects in the education sector.
Contact Details:
Bowmer And Kirkland Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Bowmer + Kirkland's recent projects and design philosophy. This will not only help you understand their style but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Bowmer + Kirkland on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best design projects, especially those relevant to construction and management. Be ready to discuss your role in each project and how you overcame challenges, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies in the construction industry. Being knowledgeable about current innovations can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description for the Design Manager position thoroughly. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in design management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and successful project outcomes in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that connects your experience with the values and goals of Bowmer + Kirkland. Show enthusiasm for the role and explain why you are a great fit for their team.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a Design Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowmer And Kirkland Limited
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
As a Design Manager, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure to bring a well-organised selection of your previous work that highlights your design process and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand Bowmer + Kirkland's Values
Research Bowmer + Kirkland thoroughly before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their projects, values, and company culture. This will help you tailor your answers to align with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your leadership and teamwork skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a team, resolve conflicts, and deliver successful design projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. You might ask about the design team's current projects or how they measure success in design management.
