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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate design processes from pre-construction to project completion.
- Company: Dynamic main contractor with a focus on innovative design management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 35 days leave, private health insurance, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Join a team where your design leadership can shape exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in a main contractor environment is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for long-term career progression.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Main Contractor Design Manager to join a full-time, permanent role, predominantly office-based and will involve leading and coordinating the design process across projects from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring alignment with programme, budget, and technical requirements.
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Salary: £55,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (typically 08:30 to 17:30 with a 1-hour lunch break, flexibility available)
Start Date: ASAP
Working Arrangement: Office-based, with potential work-from-home options following successful integration
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and management of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
- Ensure the project design aligns with the agreed brief, budget, and programme
- Appoint and manage external consultants, ensuring design information is produced to a high standard
- Collaborate closely with the Senior or Lead Design Manager and wider project team to deliver design milestones efficiently
- Coordinate and oversee multi-disciplinary consultant teams, including architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, façade consultants, M&E consultants, and relevant subcontractor design packages
- Manage and monitor design review processes, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, planning requirements, and warranty conditions
- Oversee the discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building control requirements
- Manage design information and workflows using common data environments such as Aconex, Procore, or Asite
- Identify and manage design-related risks, proposing practical solutions as issues arise
- Maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
- Support construction teams by ensuring timely issue of accurate and buildable design information
- Attend design meetings and undertake occasional site visits where required
Requirements:
- Proven experience working as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment
- Strong understanding of the construction design process from pre-construction to delivery
- Experience managing and coordinating external consultant teams
- Familiarity with digital document management systems
- Confident communicator with strong organisational and coordination skills
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously
What’s Offered:
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to up to 35 days with length of service
- Competitive pension scheme via salary sacrifice
- Private health insurance
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Permanently, full-time position with long-term progression potential
Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending their most up-to-date CV.
Main Contractor Design Manager employer: Cornerstone Project Source
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Project Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Main Contractor Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects and design processes. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table as a Main Contractor Design Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing design processes and coordinating teams. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Main Contractor Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Main Contractor Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes and working with multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, don’t just list your previous roles; showcase specific projects where you’ve led design processes from pre-construction to completion. We love seeing real examples of your work and how you’ve tackled challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone Project Source
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate your experience with the construction design process from pre-construction to delivery. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you led the design process and how you ensured alignment with budget and programme.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and coordinated external consultant teams. Highlight your ability to maintain strong working relationships and how you’ve navigated challenges in multi-disciplinary environments.
✨Familiarity with Digital Tools
Brush up on your knowledge of digital document management systems like Aconex, Procore, or Asite. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these tools to manage design information and workflows effectively.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills, as being a confident communicator is key for this role. Think about how you can convey complex design concepts clearly and how you’ve handled stakeholder communications in past projects.
