At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination for exciting projects in the Ministry of Justice.
- Company: Join Bowmer + Kirkland, a top family-run construction group in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value projects while mentoring future designers.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and a strong technical background required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Heage (regular travel to Derbyshire & Woking)
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Full time, permanent (40 hours per week)
About Bowmer + Kirkland
Since its establishment in 1923 Bowmer + Kirkland has grown to become one of the most successful privately‑owned, family‑run construction groups in the UK. We hold Investors in People accreditation and are Scheme Partners of the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Role Overview
As Design Manager you will lead the coordination and delivery of design on projects based at HMP Foston Hall and HMP Coldingley. Your responsibilities include driving safety in design, embedding buildability and health & safety risk mitigation, overseeing BIM coordination, and supporting tendering, value engineering and pre‑construction activities. You will maintain a high level of technical and commercial awareness, engage in client meetings, mentor junior team members, and contribute to lessons‑learned forums.
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
- Engage in client meetings and lead proactive design‑based communication
- Participate in lessons learned and best practice forums
- Mentor junior design team members and support their CPD development
Key Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in a design management role within a main contracting environment
- Experience working on Ministry of Justice schemes is preferred; other sectors such as commercial or education are also acceptable
- Experience with high‑value projects
- Strong technical design background with a degree (or equivalent) in a construction‑related discipline
- Solid understanding of current regulations (Building Safety Act, CDM, Building Regulations, etc.)
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing specialist subcontractors
- Skilled in BIM processes and platforms such as Viewpoint 4P
- Proactive, organised, confident communicator
- Capable of managing a range of project types, tight deadlines and complex design scopes
Benefits
- 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
Equal Opportunity
Bowmer + Kirkland are an equal opportunities employer. We are a disability confident employer and actively encourage applicants covered under the Equality Act to apply. We welcome applicants and will make reasonable adjustments to support you through the interview process.
Design Manager employer: Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd.
Bowmer + Kirkland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private health insurance, and a commitment to training, employees are empowered to grow within the company while contributing to meaningful projects in the construction sector. Located in Heage with opportunities for travel, this family-run firm fosters a collaborative environment where innovation and safety in design are at the forefront.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd., to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd..
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
