Design Manager – Major Civil Engineering / Defence Infrastructure Location: Plymouth, Devon Salary: £75,000 – £80,000 + Bonus + Benefits Package The Opportunity An established UK civil engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a major defence infrastructure programme at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth. The programme involves significant investment in the redevelopment and modernisation of Royal Navy facilities, including marine structures, dock refurbishments, reinforced concrete works, operational buildings and associated infrastructure. This is a long-term opportunity to work on technically complex civil engineering projects within a secure, operational naval environment. The Role As Design Manager, you will oversee the coordination and delivery of design packages, working closely with construction teams, consultants and project stakeholders. Key responsibilities include: Managing the design process through pre-construction and construction. Coordinating multidisciplinary consultants across civil, structural, marine and M&E disciplines. Reviewing designs to ensure technical compliance, buildability and programme requirements. Managing design changes, technical queries and associated risks. Identifying value engineering opportunities and cost-effective solutions. Ensuring design information is delivered to support procurement and construction activities. About You We are looking for an established Design Manager with a strong background in major civil engineering projects, ideally gained with a principal contractor. Essential requirements: Proven experience as a Design Manager on large-scale civil engineering projects. Must live within commuting distance of Devonport Dockyard or be willing to relocate. Must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance. Experience managing design consultants and complex, multidisciplinary design packages. Strong technical understanding, commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills. What's On Offer? £75,000 – £80,000 basic salary Annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package. Long-term involvement in a major UK defence infrastructure programme. Technically challenging civil engineering projects with an established contractor. Genuine opportunities for career progression. Interested? If you're an experienced Design Manager looking to work on a substantial programme of civil engineering works in Plymouth, get in touch for a confidential discussion
Design Manager in Devonport employer: Girling Jones Ltd
Join one of the UK's largest and most established construction groups as a Pre-Construction Director in Bristol, where you'll lead a talented team and shape the future of regional projects. With a strong emphasis on collaborative client relationships and sustainable construction, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and influence within a supportive work culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package while working in a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Devonport
✨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 Girling Jones Ltd, 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 at Girling Jones Ltd.
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 Girling Jones Ltd
✨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!
