At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for construction projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a well-established main contractor in Paddock Wood, Kent.
- Benefits: Earn up to £80,000 plus a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects and drive innovative design solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Design Manager in the construction industry.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
- 13th August, 2026
- Design Manager
Location
Paddock Wood, Kent
Salary
Up to £80,000 per annum + package
Sector
Construction / Main Contracting
Employment Type
Full-time
The Opportunity
Hill Mc Glynn are currently working with an established main contractor who are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their team, based from their offices in Paddock Wood, Kent.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager who is confident taking full ownership of the design process and has a proven track record of running their own construction projects.
Working closely with pre-construction, commercial and operational teams, you will manage the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery, ensuring information is coordinated, compliant and issued in line with programme requirements.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for the design management of your own projects, coordinating consultants, subcontractors and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
Key responsibilities will include
- Taking full responsibility for the design management of allocated projects.
- Managing the design process from pre-construction through to completion.
- Developing and managing design programmes and information release schedules.
- Coordinating architects, engineers, specialist subcontractors and external consultants.
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information to identify design issues and buildability concerns.
- Chairing design team meetings and ensuring actions are progressed.
- Managing RFIs, design changes and technical queries.
- Ensuring design information is delivered in accordance with the construction programme.
- Working closely with site and commercial teams to identify and resolve design-related risks.
- Monitoring consultant and subcontractor design performance.
- Ensuring designs comply with contractual, statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting procurement by ensuring design packages are sufficiently developed and coordinated.
- Identifying opportunities for value engineering and improved buildability.
- Maintaining accurate design records and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Design Manager who can confidently take ownership of projects and manage the design process with minimal supervision.
Previous experience running your own construction projects as a Design Manager is essential for this position.
You will ideally have
- Proven experience working as a Design Manager within the construction industry.
- A strong track record of independently managing the design function on your own projects.
- Experience working for a main contractor would be highly advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of the construction process from pre-construction through to completion.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
- Strong understanding of design programmes, technical information and construction sequencing.
- The ability to identify and resolve design, buildability and coordination issues.
- Good knowledge of relevant building regulations and construction standards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple design priorities.
- A relevant construction, architectural, engineering or design qualification would be advantageous.
What's on Offer?
- Salary up to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Competitive benefits package in addition to the basic salary.
- Based from the Paddock Wood, Kent office.
- Opportunity to join an established main contractor.
- Responsibility for managing your own projects from a design perspective.
- Exposure to projects through both pre-construction and delivery stages.
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
Interested?
If you're an experienced Design Manager with a proven track record of successfully running your own construction projects, Hill Mc Glynn would like to hear from you.
For further information about the role, company and project portfolio, please apply today and a member of the Hill Mc Glynn team will be in touch.
Design Manager in Kent employer: Hill McGlynn Recruitment
Join a well-established construction company in Whitstable that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With competitive pay and ample career development opportunities, you will thrive in an environment that prioritises support and teamwork, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Kent
✨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 Hill McGlynn 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 at Hill McGlynn Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Kent
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 Hill McGlynn 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!
