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- Tasks: Lead design teams and manage projects from concept to completion across various sectors.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor with a strong UK presence and family-owned values.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonuses, healthcare, and more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse projects while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager with strong technical and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Ongoing training and clear career progression opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Company: Leading Tier 1 Contractor
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 + Benefits
Benefits: Car or Car Allowance, Bonus, Pension, Healthcare + more extensive benefits
You will be joining a well-established, financially robust company with deep roots in the UK market and a strong reputation built over many decades. The business is family-owned and operated, blending traditional values with a modern, forward-thinking approach to design and delivery. It has grown into one of the most successful privately held contractors in the country, working across a wide range of sectors including commercial, education, healthcare, defence, residential and more.
With a broad geographic footprint and regional teams nationwide, the organisation combines local delivery capability with the backing and expertise of a national contractor, delivering projects from smaller programmes to complex, high value builds. A strong focus on client satisfaction and repeat business underpins its long-standing relationships with key public and private sector clients.
The Role
We are seeking experienced Design Managers to deliver a diverse portfolio including Office developments, Schools / Education, MOD, Student Accommodation projects across the South West. These roles are suited to individuals operating at Design Manager level, capable of independently managing the design process on their own projects from pre-construction through to completion. My client will also consider more experienced Design Managers who are able to oversee two concurrent projects within the same sector.
Investment in people is central to the culture, with ongoing training, development opportunities and a clear commitment to career progression.
Key Requirements
- Proven Tier 1 or Main Contractor experience
- Currently operating at Design Manager level or above
- Strong technical understanding of building design and construction processes
- Experience delivering projects in one or more of the listed sectors
- Ability to manage your own projects independently
- Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills
- For senior candidates: demonstrable experience overseeing multiple projects concurrently
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate the design process through all RIBA stages
- Lead design team meetings and manage consultant performance
- Work closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, and Site teams to de-risk projects
- Manage design programmes, information release schedules, and change control
- Identify and mitigate design and technical risks
- Support procurement and construction activities with robust technical input
- Maintain strong communication with internal and external stakeholders
Design Manager in Bristol employer: Buildforce Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Buildforce Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design and construction events, or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure to have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your projects in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent works, so you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Design Managers like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align 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 our team. Share specific examples of your leadership and communication skills, and how they’ve helped you deliver successful projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires a strong technical understanding of building design and construction processes, make sure to highlight these skills in your application. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise clearly!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buildforce Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you can confidently discuss the RIBA stages and how you've managed design processes in your previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you led design teams and coordinated with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading design teams and managing consultant performance. Highlight instances where your leadership made a significant impact on project outcomes, especially in complex builds.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and approach to design and delivery. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs, particularly their focus on client satisfaction and investment in people.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical knowledge of building design and construction processes. Expect questions that assess your ability to identify and mitigate design risks, and be ready to provide examples from your past experiences.
