At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes and manage teams for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a respected, design-led contractor with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible office location, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities across the UK and Ireland.
- Why this job: Make an impact on high-profile projects while promoting sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in construction or design and at least three years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Your new company HAYS is delighted to be working exclusively with a highly respected, design-led main contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join a business renowned for its commitment to quality, technical excellence and the delivery of outstanding construction projects across the United Kingdom and island of Ireland. With an impressive and diverse project portfolio, our client offers the opportunity to contribute to complex, high-profile schemes where innovative thinking, collaborative working and exceptional design management are central to successful delivery.
The position can be based from either the company's Belfast head office or its Dublin office, depending on the successful candidate, and will involve travel to construction sites throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Your New Role
Reporting to the Design Project Director, you will take responsibility for managing the overall design process across the projects allocated to you. You will appoint, manage and monitor consultants, designers and specialist subcontractors, ensuring that all contracted design deliverables are achieved while commercial opportunities are maximised and potential project risks are effectively controlled. You will also ensure that design information is coordinated and released in accordance with each project's construction programme and procurement schedule.
You will develop a detailed understanding of Employers' Requirements and performance specifications, identifying opportunities to enhance the detailed design, improve margins and reduce latent risk. Your responsibilities will include:
- Negotiating consultant appointments, scopes and fees
- Preparing design programmes and information release schedules
- Securing buy-in from the wider design and supply-chain team
- Monitoring progress throughout the life of each project
Working closely with project teams, clients, consultants and specialist subcontractors, you will review design information to ensure that it is clear, complete, fully coordinated, compliant with statutory requirements and aligned with the Employers' Requirements. You will organise and chair technical meetings during both the pre-construction and construction phases, manage technical queries, oversee RFI and document approval processes, and monitor planning, BCAR, sample approval and drawing-control requirements. You will attend client meetings and interviews, report on design development and information release, and provide clear technical guidance to clients and internal stakeholders.
You will also contribute to tender submissions, review tender drawings, support Estimating teams in identifying design gaps and risks, and provide technical and commercial assistance around design development, value engineering, potential variations and final accounts. Sustainability, quality and safe design will be important elements of your role. You will oversee BREEAM requirements, support the compilation of project handover information and help ensure compliance with relevant health and safety, quality and environmental management procedures. You will chair design meetings focused on eliminating or appropriately managing residual health and safety risks, while encouraging innovative and sustainable design solutions across the business.
As a senior member of the project team, you will additionally help develop the technical knowledge of construction colleagues through meetings and site inspections, maintain strong relationships with clients and consultants, promote effective communication and, where required, provide mentoring and people-management support.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful, you should possess a relevant construction or design qualification at degree, postgraduate certificate or MSc level, alongside a minimum of three years' experience and a strong working knowledge of construction projects. You will need experience of document management, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and producing clear, coherent and fully coordinated designs. Previous experience within a supervisory or organisational position in the construction industry is also required. You should be highly organised, detail-focused and confident in developing positive working relationships with clients and project stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills, effective troubleshooting ability, team-working capability and the ability to motivate others will be essential, together with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Professional membership of an appropriate organisation such as RIBA, ACE, APM or CIOB would be advantageous, as would knowledge of AutoCAD, Building Information Modelling, web-based information portals and relevant site-management or first-aid qualifications. Given the geographical reach of the company's projects, you should be comfortable travelling to sites and working away from home for periods when required.
What you'll get in return
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a truly design-led contractor and become involved in an outstanding portfolio of projects across the United Kingdom and island of Ireland. You will work within a technically accomplished, collaborative environment where design quality, innovation, sustainability and effective project delivery are genuinely valued. The role offers considerable variety and visibility, giving you the opportunity to influence projects from tender and pre-construction through to delivery and final handover. You will collaborate with experienced clients, consultants, designers and construction professionals while continuing to develop your knowledge of innovative construction methods, products and sustainable design practices. The position also offers a choice of Belfast or Dublin as your primary office location, depending on your circumstances.
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.
Design Manager (Progressive Contractor) in Newtownabbey employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
As a Production Operative at our company, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to excellence in manufacturing. We offer competitive benefits, a positive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in a thriving area, our workplace fosters a sense of community and pride in producing high-quality equipment that makes a difference.
Contact Details:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Progressive Contractor) in Newtownabbey
✨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, 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 (Progressive Contractor) at HAYS Specialist Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Progressive Contractor) in Newtownabbey
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
✨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!
