Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design management function and oversee multiple projects in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a respected Tier 1 contractor with a strong regional presence and excellent client relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus scheme, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the design function and influence regional strategy in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management, leadership skills, and knowledge of BIM and sustainability.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression within a high-performing team.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a highly respected Tier 1 main contractor operating within the East of England, delivering complex projects across the education, healthcare, public sector and civic markets. The business has a strong regional presence, an excellent forward order book and a collaborative reputation built on long-standing client and supply-chain relationships. With a growing workload secured through key frameworks and negotiated opportunities, the company is investing in strengthening its senior leadership team.
Your new role
As Head of Design Management, you will lead the Design Management function for a well-established regional business. Reporting directly to the Area Director, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, performance and development of the design team. Your role will span pre-construction and delivery, with key responsibilities including:
- Leading and line-managing Design Managers across multiple projects
- Resource planning, recruitment and capability development of the design function
- Shaping design strategy and approach during bids, PCSAs and second-stage procurements
- Managing consultant engagement and design programmes through all relevant RIBA stages
- Promoting strong collaboration between design, commercial, operations and SHEQ teams
- Ensuring design governance, compliance, quality and risk management standards are met
- Representing the design function at senior leadership and business reviews
This is a leadership position, combining strategic oversight with hands-on input where required. The role is office-based with regular site visits across the region.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced Senior or Principal Design Manager ready to step into a head-of-function role, or an existing Head of Design seeking a strong regional remit. Key requirements include:
- Significant experience working for a Tier 1 / major main contractor
- Proven delivery across education, healthcare and public sector schemes (£10m-£50m+)
- Strong background in two-stage (PCSA) design & build procurement
- Demonstrable leadership and line-management capability
- Confidence managing consultant teams and stakeholder relationships
- Sound knowledge of BIM, digital design processes and sustainability, including BREEAM and embodied carbon considerations
- Ability to operate effectively in both work-winning and delivery environments
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) and professional membership desirable
You will be a clear communicator, comfortable operating at senior management level, and able to influence outcomes across multiple disciplines.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- A competitive salary in line with a senior leadership role
- Car allowance, bonus scheme and comprehensive benefits package
- The opportunity to sit within the Senior Management Team, influencing regional strategy
- A stable, growing business with a strong pipeline and repeat work
- A collaborative, inclusive culture that genuinely invests in its people
- The chance to shape and develop the design function as the region continues to grow
This role offers genuine long-term career progression within a high-performing regional business.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Design Management in Chelmsford employer: Hays Construction and Property
Contact Detail:
Hays Construction and Property Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design Management in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design management events, and engage with professionals on platforms like 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
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in design management. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in sectors like education and healthcare. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make an impact in design management.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design Management in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Design Management role. Highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing complex projects, especially in education and healthcare sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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. Share specific examples of your leadership and design management experience, and don’t forget to mention your passion for collaboration and innovation.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like successful project completions or improvements in design processes. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Construction and Property
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of projects the company has delivered, especially in education, healthcare, and public sectors. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their project portfolio and how you can contribute to future successes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design Management, your leadership capabilities are crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in managing design teams, resource planning, and developing talent. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact on project outcomes.
✨Understand the Design Governance Framework
Brush up on design governance, compliance, and risk management standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure these standards are met in your projects, as this will show your understanding of the responsibilities that come with the position.
✨Communicate Your Collaborative Approach
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you successfully worked with commercial, operations, and SHEQ teams. Emphasise your ability to foster strong relationships and how this has led to successful project delivery in the past.