Job Title: Deign Manager (Pre-Development) Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 plus package Location: Wakefield The opportunity A well-established residential developer is looking for a Pre-Development Design Manager to join its Technical team. You'll take charge of a portfolio of housing sites, steering each one from early feasibility through planning and technical design to a construction-ready position. You'll work closely with the Land and Commercial teams, helping to shape how sites are appraised, designed and delivered. This is a hands-on role with real ownership, suited to someone who enjoys keeping several projects moving at once. What you'll be doing Leading multiple residential sites at the same time, from initial site review and feasibility through to planning, technical design and pre-construction Reviewing architectural and engineering proposals, spotting constraints, risks and opportunities, and making sure designs are practical, buildable and in line with the wider development strategy Appointing and managing external architects, engineers, planning consultants and other advisers, holding them to deadlines and deliverables Overseeing the planning process alongside internal teams and consultants, tracking progress and conditions and addressing potential delays early Building and maintaining detailed pre-construction programmes, including milestones, dependencies and critical-path activities Keeping trackers, risk registers and action logs up to date, and reporting on progress, risks and decisions needed to senior management Supporting the Land team on new opportunities and acquisition decisions, and working with Commercial to keep design proposals in line with budgets, cost plans and appraisalsWhat we're looking for A background in residential development, housebuilding or a closely related sector A solid understanding of the planning process, including applications, policy and site constraints Good working knowledge of both architectural and engineering disciplines, with the ability to review and coordinate design information Proven experience managing several sites at once and producing and running pre-construction programmes Commercial awareness, including viability, cost implications, value engineering and how design decisions affect returns Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence challenging constructively A highly organised, detail-focused and proactive approach, comfortable in a fast-paced environmentSuitable backgrounds Experience with a developer, housebuilder or a consultancy working with residential developers is ideal. Candidates from architectural, engineering, technical development management or residential pre-construction backgrounds will also be considered, provided they can show the planning knowledge, project management ability and broad technical understanding needed. Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business
Design Manager (Pre-Development) in Wakefield employer: Calibre Search
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Pre-Development) in Wakefield
✨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 Calibre Search, 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 (Pre-Development) at Calibre Search.
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 Calibre Search
✨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!
