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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting commercial projects from design to delivery in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading national contractor committed to regional success and staff development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and long-term career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on meaningful projects without long-distance travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local developments while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Hays Construction are delighted to be working in partnership with a leading UK national contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager for their well‑established and busy Inverness office. Due to continued growth and a strong local pipeline, this contractor is looking to strengthen their regional team with a Design Manager who is passionate about delivering high‑quality commercial projects across the Highlands and North of Scotland.
Your New Role
As Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of a range of attractive local commercial schemes, working closely with pre‑construction, commercial and on‑site delivery teams. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing the design process from tender through to handover
- Coordinating consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
- Ensuring design solutions meet technical, programme and commercial requirements
- Reviewing and managing design risk, buildability and compliance
- Supporting bid submissions and value engineering exercises
- Maintaining strong relationships with clients and the wider project team
Projects are predominantly local commercial developments, offering the opportunity to see schemes through from inception to completion while avoiding long‑distance travel.
What You'll Need to Succeed
To be considered for this role, you will ideally have:
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator within a main contracting environment
- A background in commercial or mixed‑use construction projects
- Strong technical knowledge of construction methods and design management processes
- The ability to communicate confidently with consultants, clients and site teams
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach to design coordination
What You'll Get in Return
This role offers the opportunity to join a stable, forward‑thinking contractor with a genuine commitment to regional delivery and staff development. Benefits include:
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance
- A strong pipeline of secured local projects
- Long‑term career progression within a national business that values its people
- A collaborative and supportive working environment based in Inverness
If you're a Design Manager looking for a long‑term opportunity with a national contractor delivering meaningful local projects, we'd like to hear from you. Apply now or contact Hays Construction for a confidential discussion about this role and other opportunities across the Highlands and North of Scotland.
Design Manager in Highlands employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Highlands
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your past projects and how you tackled challenges. This is your moment to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the Design Manager role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to match their values and projects. Research the contractor’s recent work and mention how your experience aligns with their goals. It shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your CV and connect you with the right opportunities in the Highlands and North of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Highlands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in commercial or mixed-use construction projects, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for design management and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the role to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be coordinating with various stakeholders, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this ability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the types of commercial projects the contractor has worked on. Be ready to discuss similar projects you've managed and how your experience aligns with their portfolio.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with consultants, clients, and site teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain strong relationships.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
The job description highlights a proactive approach to design coordination. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show that you're not just aware of potential issues but also capable of finding effective solutions.
✨Understand the Local Market
Since this role involves working on local commercial developments, familiarise yourself with the Highlands and North of Scotland construction market. Being knowledgeable about regional trends and challenges can set you apart from other candidates.