Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 70000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Foresight Search Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting new build projects in Bristol and Devon.
  • Company: Top-tier UK main contractor with a strong reputation and regional presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Join a stable team with clear progression opportunities and impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Design Manager in Tier 1 contracting with strong RIBA knowledge.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a secured pipeline of work and long-term growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.

A leading Tier 1 UK main contractor with an excellent reputation as a top employer and strong regional presence across the South West. The business delivers complex new build projects typically ranging from £25m to £70m+ across Residential Apartments and new build Office space (typically all RC Frame or Cut and carve) sectors. With a secured pipeline of work and repeat clients, this is a stable and growing regional team offering clear long-term progression.

An opportunity for an experienced Design Manager with proven Tier 1 main contractor experience as well as experience on Cut and Carve or new build office/apartments - to take ownership of the design process on 2 schemes. Working closely within the Regional Design and operational teams, you will manage design through RIBA Stages 4 & 5, ensuring coordination, compliance and programme alignment across consultants, subcontract designers and client stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading and chairing design team meetings
  • Managing drawings, specifications and contract documentation
  • Carrying out technical and buildability reviews
  • Managing design programmes and information release schedules
  • Driving value engineering and risk mitigation
  • Coordinating BREEAM, Part L and statutory submissions
  • Managing Building Control and planning condition approvals
  • Controlling design change and RFIs
  • Leading client design workshops and managing approvals
  • Supporting construction teams through delivery and handover

The Person:

  • Experience as a Design Manager within a Tier 1 national or established regional main contractor
  • New build RC / cut and carve experience
  • Strong RIBA Stage 4 & 5 knowledge
  • Experience on projects £25m+
  • Commercial awareness within a Design & Build environment
  • Confident communicator able to manage consultants and client relationships

The Reward:

  • £70,000 – £75,000 salary
  • Car allowance and full benefits package
  • Flexible working structure
  • Long-term South West pipeline
  • Clear progression within a leading Tier 1 contractor

For more information on this Design Manager Bristol opportunity, contact Foresight Search.

Senior Design Manager in Bristol employer: Foresight Search Ltd

As a leading Tier 1 main contractor with a strong regional presence in the South West, this company is renowned for its commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture. With a focus on complex new build projects and a secured pipeline of work, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and clear pathways for career progression, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Bristol and Devon.
Foresight Search Ltd

Contact Detail:

Foresight Search Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work, especially in new build residential apartments and office spaces. This will help you stand out and show your genuine interest.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Design Manager. Highlight your knowledge of RIBA Stages 4 & 5 and your ability to manage design processes effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Design Management
RIBA Stages 4 & 5 Knowledge
Technical and Buildability Reviews
Value Engineering
Risk Mitigation
BREEAM Coordination
Building Control Management
Planning Condition Approvals
Client Relationship Management
Commercial Awareness
Project Management
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Document Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with Tier 1 contractors and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving new builds or cut and carve.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, like managing design processes through RIBA Stages 4 & 5.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Design Manager, you'll need to manage relationships with clients and consultants. Use your application to demonstrate your confident communication style and how you've successfully led design team meetings in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!

How to prepare for a job interview at Foresight Search Ltd

✨Know Your RIBA Stages

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RIBA Stages 4 and 5. Be ready to discuss how you've managed design processes in previous roles, especially in relation to compliance and coordination with consultants and stakeholders.

✨Showcase Your Project Experience

Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on, particularly those valued at £25m or more. Highlight your experience with new build and cut and carve projects, and be ready to explain your role in driving value engineering and managing design changes.

✨Communicate Confidently

As a Design Manager, strong communication skills are key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you've led design team meetings and managed client relationships in the past.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research the company’s reputation and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with a leading Tier 1 contractor in the South West.

Senior Design Manager in Bristol
Foresight Search Ltd
Location: Bristol

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