Design Manager

Design Manager

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design process for a £45 million Student Accommodation project and drive innovation.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking construction firm committed to quality and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student living spaces while honing your design management skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in a construction-related field and 3 years of design management experience required.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on best practices and innovative solutions.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Title: Design Manager (Dry Lining)

Location: London

Working Pattern: 4 days in the office / 1 day from home

Start Date: ASAP

Overview:

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist interior and façade contractors, delivering technically complex, design-led schemes across the commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. The company is recognised for its expertise in drylining, suspended ceilings, partitions, façades, and bespoke interior finishes, working with major main contractors and developers on prestigious London projects.

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design coordination process on a high-end residential scheme with luxury spa facilities, managing internal and external stakeholders and ensuring design intent, technical compliance, and buildability are achieved. You’ll lead coordination across multiple disciplines including drylining, suspended ceilings, and façade interfaces, ensuring seamless project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Review all design information to understand project requirements (K10, K40, Fire Strategy, Acoustic Strategy, detailing, etc.).
  • Review contract documents to define design responsibilities and scope.
  • Liaise with architects, main contractors, building control, and consultants through design meetings and workshops.
  • Coordinate and integrate design information with other trades such as MEP, joinery, and façades.
  • Work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure compliance with system requirements, develop specifications, and produce technical detailing.
  • Produce technical submittals, fabrication drawings, and supporting documentation.
  • Set up and manage the design deliverables schedule, tracking progress against the programme.
  • Oversee the issuing, tracking, and recording of project RFIs and design variations.
  • Ensure all designs comply with current Building Regulations and British Standards.
  • Attend site to review areas requiring technical input and resolve buildability challenges.
  • Support estimating and commercial teams with technical queries and design clarifications.
  • Identify and communicate design risks, opportunities, and the commercial implications of design changes.
  • Mentor and support design coordinators, sharing technical expertise and developing best practices.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of design department procedures and technical standards.

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in drylining, suspended ceilings, and façade systems, ideally within high-end residential or commercial fit-out.
  • Strong technical understanding of construction detailing, sequencing, and design coordination.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience leading internal design teams and liaising directly with clients, consultants, and contractors.
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD beneficial but not essential.

Design Manager employer: Cavendish Professionals

As a leading employer in the construction sector, we offer our Design Manager an exciting opportunity to lead a significant £45 million Student Accommodation project in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and professional development ensures that employees are supported in their growth while working alongside talented teams dedicated to delivering high-quality results. With a strong focus on compliance and best practices, we foster a culture of excellence where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
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Contact Detail:

Cavendish Professionals Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best design projects and showcases your ability to manage the design process. A strong portfolio can speak volumes about your skills and experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation and ensure compliance in their design processes.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Design Management
Project Coordination
Statutory Compliance
Problem-Solving Skills
Risk Management
Collaboration
Bid/Tender Process Support
Sustainability Practices
Analytical Skills
Decision-Making Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Health & Safety Knowledge
IT Literacy
Microsoft Office Proficiency

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 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 how you've driven innovation and resolved design issues in past projects. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Professionals

✨Know Your Design Process

Make sure you can clearly articulate the design process from pre-construction to delivery. Be ready to discuss how you've managed design information in past projects and how you ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've proactively resolved design issues in previous roles. Highlight your ability to provide innovative solutions and how you’ve collaborated with teams to overcome challenges.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be leading design meetings, practice explaining complex design concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to discuss how you keep clear records and actions from meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of design management. Be ready to discuss how you assess risks and opportunities during the bid/tender process and how you collaborate with procurement and site teams for practical designs.

Design Manager
Cavendish Professionals
Location: London
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