At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage design projects for telecoms infrastructure across the UK.
- Company: Clarke Telecom, a top provider of wireless telecoms network services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the telecoms industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing design teams and strong leadership skills required.
Manchester (Hybrid) ┃Full-time┃37.5 hours per week
Clarke Telecom is seeking an experienced and motivated Design Manager to lead our Design function, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality telecoms infrastructure design programmes across the UK.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced telecoms or infrastructure professional with strong leadership capabilities looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in driving programme performance, managing design delivery, and developing high-performing teams.
The Role
As a Design Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership and management of Design Projects throughout the department, ensuring key milestones, delivery targets, quality standards and client expectations are consistently achieved.
Working closely across internal departments, clients and external suppliers, you will oversee the production and quality assurance of design deliverables, manage programme performance, forecasting and resource planning, and support the continuous improvement of operational processes.
You will play a key role in ensuring data accuracy, programme visibility and reporting, whilst driving a culture of accountability, quality and continuous improvement across the Design team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Design function to ensure delivery against programme targets, SLA’s and client expectations.
- Oversee the production and QA of GA, DD and associated design deliverables to ensure high standards of accuracy and quality.
- Drive programme performance, forecasting and resource planning to ensure efficient delivery across all workstreams.
- Manage internal teams and external suppliers to ensure delivery commitments are achieved safely, on time and within budget.
- Ensure effective use of Sitetracker and internal systems to maintain programme visibility, data integrity and accurate reporting.
- Support the resolution of technical, operational and delivery issues whilst managing programme risks and dependencies.
- Promote strong Health & Safety, compliance and SHEQ standards across all design activities.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders and operational teams.
- Identify and implement process improvements and value engineering opportunities to enhance delivery performance and efficiency.
- Provide leadership, mentoring and development support to Design Leads, Project Engineers and wider team members.
- Monitor and manage NCR trends, driving right-first-time delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure all company policies, procedures and operational processes are adhered to at all times.
- Provide regular reporting into the Head of Design.
- Ensure Design maintains a healthy H&S scorecard with clients.
What We're Looking For
- Experience managing design or delivery teams within a telecoms, infrastructure or operational delivery environment.
- Experience managing programme performance against client SLA’s, delivery targets and forecast commitments.
- Experience overseeing the production and QA of GA, DD and associated technical deliverables.
- Experience using Sitetracker and internal delivery systems to manage programme visibility, forecasting and reporting.
- Experience managing internal teams, external suppliers and stakeholder relationships.
- Experience driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency and delivery performance.
- Experience managing commercial performance, resource utilisation and programme margin.
- Experience managing risks, dependencies, escalations and operational issues within a fast-paced delivery environment.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety, SHEQ and compliance requirements.
- Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- IOSH Managing Safely or similar.
- Experience working across multiple client frameworks or regions.
- Knowledge of structural, civils and electrical engineering.
- Experience contributing towards strategic planning or resource forecasting.
- Exposure to client scorecard management and performance reviews.
- Advanced Excel or reporting capability beyond standard delivery tools.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Ability to influence, challenge and drive accountability.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation ability.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Commercially aware with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
- Strong stakeholder and client management skills.
- Ability to identify risks, dependencies and improvement opportunities.
- Strong organisational and planning capability.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to support, mentor and develop team members.
- Positive attitude towards continuous improvement and self-development.
- Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively across functions.
- Proficient in Sitetracker and Microsoft Office applications.
Please note that Clarke Telecom does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must already have the legal right to work and be fully compliant to work in the UK.
About Us
Clarke Telecom is a leading provider of end-to-end wireless telecoms network infrastructure services. We manage every aspect of a project, ensuring that each site is optimised to its full potential. As technology evolves, so do our services, allowing us to stay at the forefront of the industry and remain the UK’s premier wireless telecommunications infrastructure provider.
In addition, Clarke Connect, our dedicated division, specialises in providing tailored connectivity solutions to meet the growing demands of modern communication networks. Together, Clarke Telecom and Clarke Connect work seamlessly to deliver innovative and reliable services to our clients.
Design Manager in Manchester employer: Clarke Telecom
Clarke Telecom is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where experienced professionals can thrive in the fast-paced telecoms industry. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement while ensuring that our team members are supported in delivering high-quality projects across the UK. Our commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with a culture that values teamwork and technical expertise, makes Clarke an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Manchester
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Manager role you’re after at Clarke Telecom.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Clarke Telecom a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Clarke Telecom.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Manager at Clarke Telecom, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Clarke Telecom a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Clarke Telecom specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarke Telecom
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Clarke Telecom, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Clarke Telecom want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
