At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for exciting education projects across London.
- Company: Join a top-tier contractor known for high-quality project delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a secure role, career progression, and enhanced benefits like private healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector with a strong pipeline of projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management within education and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join one of the UK’s leading Tier 1 Main Contractors, renowned for delivering high-quality projects across a broad range of sectors. With a strong and growing pipeline of Education and DfE projects across the UK, our client is expanding their design management function and is seeking an experienced Principal Design Manager to lead their Education division.
The Role
As Principal Design Manager, you will play a key leadership role, managing and coordinating the design process across multiple Education projects, primarily based in London. Working closely with internal teams, external consultants, and subcontractors, you will ensure that practical, compliant design solutions are developed, coordinated, and delivered on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design process from pre‑construction through to project delivery across multiple Education/DfE schemes
- Act as the primary point of contact between the client, consultants, and construction teams
- Manage design programmes, risk registers, and statutory/design compliance
- Drive design quality, buildability, and value engineering where appropriate
Requirements
- Proven experience in Design Management within the Education sector
- Previous experience working for a Main Contractor (Tier 1 preferred)
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects and complex stakeholder groups
- Confident leader with excellent communication and coordination skills
What’s in It for You?
- Secure, long‑term pipeline of Education projects
- Clear career progression and development support
- Enhanced benefits package including: Travel expenses, Private healthcare for you and your partner
This is an excellent opportunity to join a financially secure contractor with a strong reputation and a robust pipeline of work ahead. To find out more about this Principal Design Manager opportunity, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV or contact Francesca Cainelli at our London office on 020 7288 016.
Principal Design Manager employer: Fawkes & Reece
Join a leading name in Tier 1 Main Contracting, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a strong financial position and a diverse pipeline of projects across healthcare, residential, education, and commercial sectors, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development. Be part of a supportive team that prioritises employee well-being and fosters a rewarding environment for meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in design management within education. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and successes in design management. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your capability to lead multiple education projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication skills. Being able to articulate your experience and approach to managing complex stakeholder groups is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design management, especially within the Education sector, and showcase any relevant projects you've led.
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. Mention your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed multiple projects in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Principal Design Manager, communication is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and how you've effectively managed client relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key Education projects the company is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their design processes and any recent successes or challenges they've faced. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Design Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design processes and coordinated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've driven design quality and compliance in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical knowledge in design management, especially within the Education sector. Brush up on relevant regulations, compliance standards, and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the company's future projects, their approach to design quality, or how they support career development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
