At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting refurbishment and building improvement projects.
- Company: Join a top UK construction contractor known for high-profile projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong knowledge of building regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a leading UK Tier 1 construction contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering complex, high-profile projects across the country. Due to a major programme of refurbishment and building improvement works in Birmingham, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager or Senior Design Manager to join their established project team.
Your new role
As Senior Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across a complex programme of refurbishment, remediation and upgrade works within an existing occupied building. Working closely with project, commercial, planning and delivery teams, you will ensure design solutions are compliant, buildable and aligned with programme requirements while minimising disruption to ongoing operations.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the design process for refurbishment, remediation and building improvement works
- Managing multidisciplinary design teams across architectural, structural and MEP disciplines
- Driving design development from feasibility through to construction
- Coordinating works within a live, occupied operational environment
- Managing design programmes and ensuring information is released in line with construction requirements
- Providing technical input across fire safety, compliance and building modernisation works
- Managing consultants, specialist subcontractors and external design partners
- Reviewing existing building constraints and developing practical, buildable solutions
- Ensuring designs meet current Building Regulations and Building Safety Regulator requirements
- Working closely with project, commercial and planning teams to identify and mitigate design risks
- Liaising with statutory authorities, building control and key project stakeholders
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiencies and continuous improvement
The role will initially require four days per week on site in Birmingham, with greater hybrid working flexibility available once the project has progressed through its initial mobilisation period.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, you will have:
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within construction
- Strong refurbishment, remediation, building improvement or major maintenance experience
- Experience delivering projects within occupied or live operational environments
- A strong understanding of Building Regulations and building safety requirements
- Experience with fire safety improvements and compliance-led construction works
- Strong knowledge of the challenges associated with upgrading and modifying existing buildings
Design Manager (Birmingham) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
Hays Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for SEN SLD/PMLD teachers in the Hounslow/Hillingdon area. With access to exclusive vacancies, ongoing professional development, and a dedicated consultant to guide your career, you will find ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a community that values inclusivity and fosters both personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Birmingham)
✨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 Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers, 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 (Birmingham) at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Birmingham)
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 Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
✨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!
