Design Manager

Design Manager

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management for high-end infrastructure projects, ensuring timely communication and collaboration.
  • Company: Join a leading firm known for delivering exceptional infrastructure projects across the country.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, matched pension scheme, 26 days holiday, and private healthcare.
  • Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while growing your skills in design management and project leadership.
  • Qualifications: Architectural background with design management experience or a desire to transition into this role.
  • Other info: Ideal for those passionate about design processes and eager to influence project success.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

Job Description

Design Manager – Major Infrastructure & Environmental Upgrade Programme

The OpportunityI am working with a Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Design Manager to support a high‑profile, multi‑year environmental infrastructure upgrade project. This large linear scheme spans more than 20km and involves significant civil engineering, environmental mitigation and multi‑stakeholder coordination.As Design Manager, you will oversee and coordinate multiple design consultancies to ensure technical designs are aligned, compliant and deliverable. You will work closely with the Project Manager and wider delivery team to manage design progress, interface resolution, approvals, risk mitigation and technical governance throughout the project lifecycle.Role OverviewThis role is central to ensuring coherent, buildable and compliant designs are produced across numerous engineering disciplines. You’ll be the key interface between design partners, the construction team, landowners and environmental stakeholders—ensuring all design outputs support safe and efficient delivery.Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate the activities of external design consultancies across civil, environmental and infrastructure disciplines.
  • Manage the design programme, ensuring design deliverables are completed on time and aligned to construction needs.
  • Oversee design reviews, technical approvals, assurance processes and design risk assessments.
  • Identify and resolve design conflicts, clashes and interfaces across multiple work fronts.
  • Coordinate design responses to technical queries from the project team and contractors.
  • Ensure design outputs comply with relevant legislation, standards, CDM regulations, environmental commitments and client requirements.
  • Support stakeholder engagement, including landowners, planning bodies and environmental agencies.
  • Work closely with the Project Manager to align design decisions with budget, schedule and delivery constraints.

Requirements

  • Experience as a Design Manager or similar within civil engineering, utilities, water infrastructure or linear construction projects.
  • Strong understanding of multi‑disciplinary design processes and deliverables.
  • Proven background coordinating design consultancies and managing design progress.
  • Knowledge of CDM Regulations, design‑stage risk management and technical assurance.
  • Ability to manage multiple design streams and resolve technical issues proactively.
  • Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with consultants, contractors and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Training

  • Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related discipline or comparable.
  • Experience working on water, environmental or regulated infrastructure schemes.
  • Experience with design management tools, digital collaboration platforms or Common Data Environments (CDEs).
  • CSCS

Ideal Candidate ProfileYou will be an organised and detail‑driven engineering professional who can manage multiple design disciplines, build strong relationships with external consultancies and maintain rigorous technical oversight. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment and be confident leading design coordination discussions with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.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. # 4761074

Design Manager employer: Hays

Our client is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to high-end infrastructure projects across the central belt. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, they offer a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and effective communication among teams. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive healthcare coverage, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in design management.
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Contact Detail:

Hays Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the architecture and design management fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to the Design Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in design management. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed design processes. Highlight your communication skills and how you effectively collaborated with stakeholders, as these are crucial for the Design Manager position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s previous projects and their approach to design management. Tailoring your conversation to reflect an understanding of their work can set you apart and show your genuine interest in joining their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Design Management
Architectural Knowledge
Project Management
Stakeholder Communication
CDM Regulations Implementation
Safe by Design Principles
Cost Management in Design
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Collaboration with Consultancies
Understanding of Commercial Building Projects
Professional Accreditation in Architecture or Civil Engineering

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your architectural background and any relevant design management experience. Focus on projects that align with the company's focus on high-end infrastructure, particularly in commercial buildings.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design management and how your skills can contribute to the success of their projects. Mention specific experiences where you effectively communicated with stakeholders or managed design processes.

Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to CDM and Safe by Design. Provide examples of how you've implemented these in past projects to ensure safety and compliance in design.

Show Willingness to Learn: Emphasise your eagerness to grow in the role of Design Manager. Mention any relevant training or professional accreditations you are pursuing or plan to pursue, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

✨Showcase Your Architectural Background

Make sure to highlight your architectural background during the interview. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those related to commercial buildings like schools or healthcare facilities, as this aligns with what the company is looking for.

✨Emphasise Communication Skills

Since the role requires effective communication with various stakeholders, be prepared to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in past projects. This could include leading design team meetings or resolving design issues on-site.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Interest

Express your interest in the project management aspect of design. Share experiences where you managed design processes or collaborated with project managers, showing that you are keen on the overall project lifecycle rather than just the design itself.

✨Familiarity with Safety Regulations

Be ready to discuss your knowledge of CDM and Safe by Design principles. Highlight any experience you have in implementing these safety measures within design teams, as this is crucial for the role.

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