At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design management across exciting construction projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Respected Oxford-based main contractor with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression opportunities, and exposure to varied projects.
- Other info: Work on prestigious projects in education, healthcare, and more.
- Why this job: Join a newly created role and develop your career in design management.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of construction information and good communication skills.
Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 DOE + package
Location: Oxford / Oxfordshire
Role: Design Coordinator / Assistant Design Manager
Progression: Opportunity to develop into Design Management
Hays are working with a respected Oxford-based main contractor who are looking to appoint a Design Coordinator into a newly created role within their technical and design team. This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to move their career forward and gain exposure to a broad range of construction projects, from early-stage design coordination and preconstruction through to live project delivery.
The business delivers a varied mix of design and build, refurbishment, restoration and new build schemes, working across sectors such as education, commercial, healthcare, heritage, arts and culture, sport and leisure, residential and public sector projects. Their work is often centred around technically challenging schemes, live environments and prestigious regional clients, including universities, colleges, schools, local authorities, healthcare providers, private clients and public sector organisations.
This role would suit someone who is already working as a Design Coordinator, Assistant Design Manager, Technical Coordinator, Architectural Technician, Design Technician or Assistant Project Manager, and is looking to progress within a main contractor environment.
The opportunity
This is a newly created role, offering the chance to join a growing design function within a contractor that can provide genuine progression. You will be working closely with Project Managers, Design Managers, Quantity Surveyors, site teams, architects, engineers and specialist subcontractors to ensure design information is properly coordinated and issued in line with programme requirements. The role will give you exposure across design reviews, technical queries, buildability, drawing management, consultant coordination, subcontractor design information and live project support. For someone who enjoys technical detail, problem-solving and working as part of a wider project team, this is a strong opportunity to develop towards a more senior design management role.
What the role will involve
- Supporting the design management process across new build, refurbishment and technically challenging projects
- Coordinating drawings, design information, technical submissions and project documentation
- Working with architects, engineers, consultants and specialist subcontractors
- Helping manage design queries, RFIs and information flow between design and site teams
- Reviewing design information for buildability, coordination issues and programme impact
- Supporting preconstruction teams with design input, technical information and consultant coordination
- Attending design meetings and ensuring actions are followed through
- Working closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams throughout the project lifecycle
- Helping ensure design information is accurate, coordinated and issued on time
- Supporting the delivery of projects across education, commercial, heritage, healthcare and refurbishment sectors
What they are looking for
The client is open to speaking with candidates from a range of technical and design backgrounds, providing you have a strong understanding of construction information and a genuine interest in progressing within design management. You will need to be organised, technically aware and confident communicating with different people across the project team. The role will suit someone who can work well with drawings, design information and technical detail, while also understanding how design decisions impact programme, cost, quality and delivery on site. You do not need to be the finished article, but you should be ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within a contractor that can give you exposure, support and long-term progression.
Candidate background
The client is open to speaking with candidates from a variety of technical and design-led backgrounds. This could include someone already working in design coordination, assistant design management, technical coordination, architecture, BIM, site management or specialist subcontractor coordination. You may currently be working for a main contractor, developer, consultancy, architectural practice or specialist trade contractor. The key requirement is a strong understanding of construction information, good communication skills and the ability to work closely with design, commercial and site teams. This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to move into a more rounded design management position, gain exposure to technically challenging projects and progress within a respected regional contractor.
Why this role should appeal
- £45,000 - £55,000 DOE
- Newly created role within the design team
- Clear opportunity to progress into a senior design role
- Exposure to varied projects across Oxfordshire and the wider region
- Opportunity to work on education, commercial, heritage, healthcare and refurbishment schemes
- Work with prestigious regional clients and technically interesting projects
- Support from experienced operational, commercial and design teams
- Chance to join a contractor known for quality, repeat business and long-term client relationships
How to Apply
If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at Hays Southampton for a confidential conversation.
Design Manager in Oxford employer: Hays Construction and Property
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Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Oxford
✨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 Hays Construction and Property, 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 Hays Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Oxford
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 Hays Construction and Property
✨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!
