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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 construction solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 35 days leave, private health insurance, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Join a team where your design expertise shapes impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in a main contractor environment required.
- 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 in St Albans 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 in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your portfolio ready! Showcase your best projects and highlight your experience managing design processes. A well-organised portfolio can really set you apart during interviews, so make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common questions related to design management and be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in past projects. Mock interviews with friends or colleagues can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to submit your CV and get noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Main Contractor Design Manager in St Albans
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 external consultants, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the position.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your application, focus on your proven experience in the construction design process. We want to see how you've successfully led projects from pre-construction to completion, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate straightforward communication!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone Project Source
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate the design process from pre-construction to completion. Be ready to discuss how you've led similar projects in the past, focusing on your ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your experience with external consultants and how you ensured high-quality design outputs while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Brush up on your knowledge of digital document management systems like Aconex or Procore. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to manage workflows and ensure compliance with regulations in previous roles.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills, as you'll need to convey complex design concepts clearly. Think about how you can demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities during the interview.
