At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for exciting construction projects, ensuring compliance and innovation.
- Company: Join Bowmer + Kirkland, a top family-run construction group with a strong commitment to staff development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and encourages growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven design management experience and a degree in a construction-related field.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Heage with regular travel to Derbyshire & Woking
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: This is a full time, permanent role 40 hours over 5 days per week
About Bowmer + Kirkland: 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.
The Role: 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. 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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
About you:
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.
Key Skills & Experience required:
- Proven experience in a design management role, within a main contracting environment
- Ideally candidates will have experience working on MoJ schemes, although experience in other sectors such as commercial or education also accepted.
- Experience of high value projects is also necessary
- 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
In return we offer:
- 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
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 in advance of an interview to discuss any adjustments that are required in order to support you in the process.
If you're interested in the role and would like to put yourself forward, please hit APPLY and attach your CV and Cover Letter.
Design Manager in London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and design sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Design Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects, especially those related to MOJ schemes. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Bowmer + Kirkland and their recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and the specific requirements of the Design Manager role. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Bowmer + Kirkland.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with MOJ projects and any relevant design management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and understanding of current regulations.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical design background and familiarity with BIM processes. We’re keen on candidates who can manage multidisciplinary teams and ensure compliance with building regulations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowmer And Kirkland Limited
✨Know Your Design Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Building Safety Act, CDM Regulations, and any other relevant statutory requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with design management but also understand the legal landscape that surrounds it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past. Highlight your experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing subcontractors. This will demonstrate your ability to take charge and ensure smooth project delivery.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about BIM processes and clash detection reviews. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you've used platforms like Viewpoint 4P in previous projects. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is both technically savvy and practical.
✨Engage in Collaborative Scenarios
Think of scenarios where you’ve worked collaboratively with clients and consultants. Be ready to discuss how you ensured effective communication and information flow. This will highlight your ability to foster teamwork and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
