Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes for diverse projects, from schools to commercial developments.
- Company: Join a family-owned contractor with a strong UK reputation and modern approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and extensive healthcare benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment focused on career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager with strong technical and leadership skills.
- Other info: Work on exciting projects across the South West with a focus on client satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Taunton
Company: Leading Tier 1 Contractor
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 + Benefits
Benefits: Car or Car Allowance, Bonus, Pension, Healthcare and more extensive benefits
The Company
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 an experienced Design Manager or Senior Design Manager to deliver a diverse portfolio including Office developments, Schools / Education, MOD, and 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. 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
Senior Design Manager in Taunton employer: Buildforce Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Buildforce Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design and construction events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Senior Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience managing design processes and leading teams. Share specific examples of projects you've successfully delivered, especially in sectors like education or healthcare.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of building design processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve mitigated risks and managed change control in past projects. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior 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 tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership and coordination skills, and how you've successfully managed projects in the past.
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 application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buildforce Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Design Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the RIBA stages and how they apply to the projects you'll be managing. Being able to discuss these processes confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can lead a team through each stage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you coordinated with consultants and other stakeholders to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to manage projects independently and lead a team.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and their approach to design and delivery. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs, especially regarding client satisfaction and long-term relationships. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your technical understanding of building design and construction processes. Brush up on recent projects you've worked on and be prepared to discuss the technical aspects in detail. This will showcase your expertise and reassure them of your capability to handle complex projects.
