Design & Cost Optimisation Lead – 12-Month FTC in London

Design & Cost Optimisation Lead – 12-Month FTC in London

London Temporary 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Funky Pigeon

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design optimisation for store fit-outs, focusing on cost reduction and compliance.
  • Company: Join WHSmith, a leading retail brand with a commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: 12-month contract with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders in a dynamic retail environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and enhancing store designs.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design development and project management is essential.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

WHSmith is seeking an experienced Design Development Manager to optimise store fit-outs across formats, focusing on M&E, HVAC, electrical, and related packages.

You’ll drive cost reduction, standardisation and scalable delivery while ensuring health and safety compliance.

You will bridge design development, procurement, and project delivery, working with a wide range of stakeholders to convert opportunities into measurable commercial benefits.

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Design & Cost Optimisation Lead – 12-Month FTC in London employer: Funky Pigeon

WHSmith is an excellent employer, particularly for those seeking a rewarding role in the vibrant environment of an airport. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer competitive benefits including a pension scheme, paid annual leave, and exclusive discounts, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Join us in making every journey better, as we continue to expand our presence in exciting locations and provide exceptional service to our customers.

Funky Pigeon

Contact Details:

Funky Pigeon Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design & Cost Optimisation Lead – 12-Month FTC in London

Get Your Foot in the Door

Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.

Leverage Community Connections

Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.

Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio

Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Funky Pigeon.

Apply Directly at Construction Sites

Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Funky Pigeon appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.

We think you need these skills to ace Design & Cost Optimisation Lead – 12-Month FTC in London

Design Development
Cost Optimisation
M&E (Mechanical and Electrical)
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Electrical Systems
Health and Safety Compliance
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!

Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.

Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Funky Pigeon know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.

Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Funky Pigeon is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon

Show Off Your Safety Knowledge

In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.

Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios

Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.

Flexibility is Key

Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!

Highlight Your Previous Experience

Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.