At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design function and manage daily office activities in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Specialist construction business delivering innovative building solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on exciting construction projects.
- Qualifications: Advanced AutoCAD skills and experience in construction or related sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Reports to: Directors
About Our Client
Our client is a specialist construction business delivering building solutions, facades, airspace developments and technical consultancy across the UK. They provide services from feasibility and design through to project delivery for residential, commercial and public sector projects.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, highly organised Design Office Manager to lead the design function, manage daily office activity, support project teams, oversee drawing production, and ensure accurate technical information is issued on programme. The successful candidate will have strong AutoCAD skills and experience in construction, façade, architectural, engineering or building services sectors. This key role links design, estimating, project management and site delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Management
- Manage design office activity, drawing production, revisions and document control.
- Coordinate design programmes against project milestones.
- Manage consultants, architects and specialist designers where required.
- Support planning, building control and technical submissions.
- AutoCAD & Technical Design
- Produce and review detailed AutoCAD drawings.
- Ensure drawings meet regulations, standards and project specifications.
- Resolve technical design issues and maintain drawing standards.
- Support design solutions for construction, façade and building envelope projects.
- Project Coordination
- Liaise with project, contracts and site teams.
- Attend design meetings and provide technical support.
- Monitor design progress, risks and deadlines.
- Office & Team Management
- Lead and support the Design Office team.
- Allocate workloads and monitor performance.
- Improve processes, quality and efficiency.
- Maintain design records, documentation and project files.
- Assist with recruitment, training and development.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Advanced AutoCAD proficiency.
- Experience as a Design Office Manager, Senior CAD Technician, Design Coordinator or similar.
- Background in construction, facades, roofing, cladding, architecture or engineering.
- Strong construction drawing and technical detailing knowledge.
- Excellent organisation, project coordination and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple live projects.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Revit, BIM or other design package experience.
- Knowledge of façade systems, rainscreen cladding or building envelope construction.
- Understanding of Building Regulations and industry standards.
- Design team management experience.
- HNC/HND or Degree in Construction, Architectural Technology, Engineering or related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Detail-oriented, quality focused and proactive.
- Solution driven with strong leadership skills.
- Commercially aware and able to work in a fast-paced project environment.
- Positive, collaborative and professional.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and company pension.
- Career progression within a growing construction group.
- Professional development and training.
- Collaborative, supportive working environment.
To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your design management, AutoCAD and construction sector experience.
Design Office Manager in Norwich employer: Highbury Recruitment
Our client is an exceptional employer located in Norwich, Norfolk, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that fosters professional development and career progression within the growing construction sector. As a Design Office Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative environment where your leadership skills and technical expertise are valued, while also enjoying the unique advantage of working on diverse projects across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Office Manager in Norwich
✨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 Highbury 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 Office Manager at Highbury Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Office Manager in Norwich
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 Highbury 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!
