At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery on major infrastructure projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Leading main contractor known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and clear progression pathways.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of impactful infrastructure projects and shape early-stage decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or Coordinator with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has opened for a Design Manager to join a leading main contractor delivering major infrastructure projects across the Midlands. This role stands out because it places the Design Manager at the centre of early-stage decision‑making, buildability strategy, and multidisciplinary coordination on high‑value schemes.
About the role
As a Design Manager, you'll take ownership of design delivery across complex civils and infrastructure projects ranging from £20m-£150m in value. You'll work closely with preconstruction, engineering, and delivery teams to ensure designs are buildable, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial targets. You'll be part of an established design function with strong technical support and a collaborative team structure. You must be based in the Midlands and have proven experience working for a main contractor.
Responsibilities
- Lead design coordination across multiple disciplines during preconstruction and delivery
- Drive buildability, risk reduction, and value engineering from early stages
- Manage design programmes, information flow, and key design deliverables
- Facilitate communication between designers, clients, subcontractors, and delivery teams
Requirements
- Experience working as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator within a main contractor
- Based in the Midlands, with good knowledge of regional project delivery
- Strong understanding of design processes, construction methodology, and multidisciplinary coordination
- Ability to challenge design, manage risk, and influence early‑stage decisions
- Excellent communication skills and confidence working with internal and external stakeholders
This contractor is known for delivering flagship infrastructure schemes across the UK, with a reputation for innovation, collaboration, and long‑term career development.
What's on offer
- Competitive salary and car/car allowance
- Hybrid working and flexible arrangements
- Private healthcare, pension, and enhanced benefits package
- Clear progression pathways within a growing design leadership team
Design Manager in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the infrastructure sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and your ability to manage design delivery effectively. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your understanding of design processes and multidisciplinary coordination.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working closely with various teams, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can clearly articulate their thoughts and collaborate effectively with others.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Design Processes
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of design processes and construction methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in terms of buildability and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've facilitated communication between teams or resolved conflicts in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to multidisciplinary coordination and design delivery. Review key concepts and be prepared to explain how you've driven value engineering and risk reduction in your past projects.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading design coordination, be ready to share your experiences in managing teams and driving projects forward. Discuss specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes.