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- Tasks: Lead and manage the design process from pre-tender to project completion.
- Company: Established main contractor with a strong pipeline of work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exposure to landmark projects, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape design quality and project delivery in a dynamic construction setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Design Manager in a Tier 1 Contractor environment.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: City Of London
Industry: Building and Construction
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience)
Our client is a well-established main contractor. With a strong and growing pipeline of work, they are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team. This is a key role within the business, offering the opportunity to influence design strategy from early pre-tender stage through construction and final handover.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across the full project lifecycle, ensuring design solutions are compliant, buildable, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership & Coordination: Lead and manage the design process from pre-tender through to post Practical Completion. Act as the central point of contact for all design-related matters across the project lifecycle.
- Technical, Commercial & Programme Control: Manage the production, review, and timely issue of design information in line with construction programmes. Identify and mitigate design risks, clashes, and compliance issues early. Champion value engineering and buildability within high-rise and mixed-use developments. Maintain and update design responsibility matrices, trackers, and consultant deliverables schedules. Ensure all designs meet technical, regulatory, and contractual requirements, including Building Regulations and fire safety standards.
- Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Liaise closely with clients, planning authorities, consultants, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams. Support coordination between design and construction teams to ensure seamless delivery. Contribute to lessons learned, technical reviews, and post-completion documentation.
About You
- Proven experience as a Design Manager within a Tier 1 Contractor environment.
- Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, from tender stage through to post-PC and handover.
- Technically confident with strong coordination and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience gained within cut and carve projects is advantageous.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Exposure to landmark residential and mixed-use developments.
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping project delivery and design quality.
- Supportive, collaborative, and professional working environment.
Design Manager employer: Daniel Owen
Contact Detail:
Daniel Owen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects. When you’re in interviews, don’t just talk about your experience—bring visual examples to the table. It’ll make you stand out and show you mean business.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out directly—even if they’re not advertising a Design Manager role. A well-timed email can open doors and show your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
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 what we're looking for!
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 your design leadership and stakeholder management skills that relate to our job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! We’re looking for someone who understands compliance, buildability, and can manage design risks. Make sure these skills are front and centre in your application.
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 get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daniel Owen
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate your experience managing the design process from pre-tender to post-completion. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led design coordination and how you tackled challenges along the way.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on relevant technical standards, regulations, and compliance issues that are crucial in the building and construction industry. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of Building Regulations and fire safety standards will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of examples where you've successfully liaised with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. Prepare to discuss how you managed stakeholder expectations and facilitated collaboration between teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
✨Highlight Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share instances where you've identified and mitigated design risks or clashes. Discuss your approach to value engineering and how you've ensured designs are both compliant and buildable, especially in high-rise and mixed-use developments.