At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage design processes for exciting projects in Oxford, including high-end refurbishments.
- Company: Join a dynamic main contractor with a strong focus on quality and client relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with a commitment to delivering quality buildings.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on prestigious projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management or coordination, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
About the role:
Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Oxford office of this busy Southern Regional contractor to take the lead and manage the design process across a varied pipeline of projects in and around Oxford. The workload includes regular high-end refurbishment projects for Oxford University, including works within listed buildings, alongside several live and upcoming schemes. Current projects include a £3.5m student accommodation scheme at St John's College, due to commence on site later this month, a £1m children's home refurbishment in Oxford city centre which is currently on site, and a £2m town centre refurbishment and fire suppression scheme in Banbury, due to commence next month.
You will manage projects from preconstruction through to delivery, working closely with the relevant Project Managers and wider project teams to manage design development and buildability throughout the preconstruction and construction phases.
Duties will include:
- Management of the design development for projects;
- Appointment and management of consultant design team;
- Chairing regular design team meetings;
- Regular liaison with clients and stakeholders;
- Engagement with and managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
- Agreement of information required schedule; ensuring key dates are achieved;
- Dealing with local authorities to achieve planning permissions / discharge planning conditions;
- Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, Building Safety Regulations, etc;
- Identifying opportunities for effective value engineering where appropriate;
- Proactive issue resolution;
- Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the preconstruction and build process.
About the Company/Client/Project:
This opportunity is with the busy Oxford office of a larger main contractor group with several other offices across the South of England. The Oxford office has a turnover of circa £65m and a varied pipeline of refurbishment and new build work, including regular projects for Oxford University alongside schemes across Oxford and the surrounding area. The business has recently strengthened the Oxford operation with a new senior team, including a new Head of Construction and Regional Lead, providing an opportunity to join the office as it continues to develop. This business has a strong commitment to and focus on delivering quality buildings for clients, making the right decisions at each stage of the process and building positive relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain.
Requirements including certificates and qualifications:
Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, etc. You will have excellent communication and negotiation skills, strong planning and problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a hard-working, positive and proactive individual able to work well within a team dynamic. You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Main Contractor in a Design Coordination / Design Management role. High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.
Design Manager - Oxford employer: Fawkes & Reece London
Join a leading Tier 1 contractor in Central London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and high-energy environment while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and opportunities for further qualifications. Experience a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for ambitious professionals looking to make a difference in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Oxford
✨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 Fawkes & Reece London, 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 - Oxford at Fawkes & Reece London.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Oxford
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 Fawkes & Reece London
✨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!
