Design Manager – Regional D&B Construction Contractor * c£70k - £80k (Dependent on Experience) * 5k Car Allowance * Additional Benefits The Company My client is an East Midlands based independent construction contractor with longstanding customer relationships stretching back over two decades. These projects consist of New Builds and Refurbishments, primarily in the residential and commercial sectors, carried out on a Design & Build basis. The Design Manager Role They are extremely busy going into 2027 and require a Design Manager / Technical Lead to provide design and technical support for the delivery of a wide variety of projects, in the multi-occupancy residential sector (Care Homes, Student Accommodation, Multi-Storey Apartments, etc.) Typical projects are valued from approximately £5m to £15m, based in the Northwest, Cheshire and Staffordshire areas. Key Roles & Responsibilities: * Review the design resource and plan for workload, managing the team workload. * Liaise with internal / external resource as appropriate. * Develop the design function to consistently improve and be better than any competition. To initiate innovation & best practice at every opportunity. * To develop a relationship with the client and project management team. * To develop the design programme and design information flow and ensure that these are incorporated into the overall project programme. * To review project design inputs, processes and outputs on a regular basis ensuring compliance with contract requirements and that any necessary corrective actions are undertaken as required. Ensure Due Diligence is correctly carried out. * To research for current trends, materials, design ideas, to be able to offer alternative solutions and challenge where appropriate. * To manage design change controls, ensuring that changes are recorded and communicated to the relevant team members and organisations. * To work in collaboration with the project team and client, client’s advisors and appointed consultants. * Ensure our HSQE standards, operating processes, company policies and all legislative requirements are understood, implemented and adhered to at all times. * Ensure compliance by the Company and all design consultants and designing sub-contractors with the CDM regulations. * Design and record the scope of duties of each design consultant and designing sub-contractor, ensuring that these are included in the relevant appointment and sub-contract documents. * Manage the design relationship between the Company, customer, design consultants, designing sub-contractors and statutory bodies acting as the point of contact on all design matters. * Review with client where improvements can be learned, always strive to do better. The Successful Design Manager * As the position is about managing a design team within key accounts you should be able to provide competency as a design lead and have relevant design qualifications. * This role is open to Design Managers / Architectural Leads working for Consultancies / Design Practices as well as those currently working as inhouse Design Managers for construction contractors. * Excellent client service focus and previous client facing experience. * A thorough working knowledge of all current design methods, techniques and practices is essential. * An ability to influence and manage resource, clients and other disciplines will need to be demonstrated as will the management of programmes and costs
Design Manager – Regional D&B Construction Contractor employer: Build People
As a Commercial Estimator in our dynamic team, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, dental insurance, and access to an Employee-Owned Trust scheme after just 12 months, we are committed to fostering a rewarding environment for our employees. Join us in a location that values innovation and collaboration, where your contributions directly impact our success and your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager – Regional D&B Construction Contractor
✨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 Build People, 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 – Regional D&B Construction Contractor at Build People.
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 Build People
✨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!
