At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and coordinate design processes for exciting construction projects in education and leisure.
- Company: Leading Main Contractor with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Long-term freelance role, competitive day rate, and diverse project portfolio.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a professional environment.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make an impact on high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or ambitious Site Engineers looking to transition.
Freelance Design Manager
Location: Leeds
The Opportunity
RG Set Square are working with a leading Main Contractor seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a growing portfolio of construction projects across the education, leisure, and heritage sectors.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded pre-construction and delivery team, playing a key role in managing and coordinating the design process from early-stage development through to project delivery.
Projects will include:
- Leisure Centres
- Schools and Academies
- Colleges and Universities
- Listed and Heritage Buildings
- Public Sector Construction Projects
You will work closely with internal pre-construction teams, clients, architects, consultants, local authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure designs are coordinated, compliant, and deliverable.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the design process throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases.
- Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and client stakeholders.
- Review and manage design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
- Liaise with local authorities, planning departments, and statutory bodies.
- Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
- Ensure designs meet client requirements, budget constraints, and build-ability objectives.
- Support bids, tenders, and pre-construction activities.
- Review technical submissions, design information, and construction documentation.
- Drive value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.
About You
Were keen to speak with candidates who have:
Essential
- Previous experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry.
- Experience working for a Main Contractor, Tier 1 Contractor, or large regional contractor.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and design management processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple design disciplines simultaneously.
- Experience working closely with architects, consultants, clients, and local authorities.
Desirable
- Experience delivering educational, leisure, public sector, or heritage projects.
- Knowledge of planning applications and statutory approvals.
- Construction-related qualification (HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent).
Alternative Backgrounds Considered
Our client is also open to considering ambitious Site Engineers who have recently moved into Design Management roles and are looking to further develop their career within construction design management.
This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong site delivery background who understands build-ability and wants to progress within the design management function.
Whats on Offer
- Long-term freelance opportunity with a major Tier 1 contractor.
- Diverse and interesting project portfolio.
- Opportunity to work on high-profile education, leisure, and heritage schemes.
- Collaborative and professional working environment.
- Competitive day rate.
RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Design Manager in Leeds employer: Construction
Danny Sullivan Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the vibrant Burgess Hill area. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and safety, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Leeds
✨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 Construction, 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 at Construction.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Leeds
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 Construction
✨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!
