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- Tasks: Lead design across complex MOD/defence projects with precision and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading contractor in the defence sector with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a structured environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical environment where precision and compliance are key.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management within the MOD/defence sector and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead the design function across complex MOD / defence sector projects. This role requires a strong technical leader who can operate within secure, highly regulated environments — ensuring design delivery is compliant, coordinated, and aligned with both programme and commercial objectives.
The Role
- Lead the end-to-end design process across multiple MOD / defence projects
- Manage and coordinate internal design teams and external consultants
- Ensure all design outputs meet client specifications, security protocols, and compliance standards
- Oversee design programmes and ensure delivery milestones are achieved
- Drive design quality, buildability, and technical excellence
- Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and MOD requirements
- Manage design risks, including technical, programme, and security-related risks
- Lead the review and sign-off of all design documentation
- Maintain strict control of design information and document management processes
- Work closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure aligned delivery
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders in a secure environment
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within a main contractor environment
- Experience delivering projects within the MOD / defence sector
- Security clearance (SC level minimum) or ability to obtain clearance is essential
- Strong understanding of the full design lifecycle and project delivery
- Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work
- Strong technical understanding, including M&E, fire, and building regulations
- Experience managing consultants and multidisciplinary teams
- High level of attention to detail and ability to work within structured, regulated environments
- Strong communication and leadership skills
Why This Role
This is not a standard design role. You will be operating in an environment where:
- Precision matters
- Compliance is critical
- And delivery must be exact
You will be trusted to lead, influence, and ensure that every aspect of design is controlled, coordinated, and delivered to the highest standard.
Senior Design Manager in Harrogate employer: HLP Consulting
Contact Detail:
HLP Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the MOD and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed design teams and delivered projects in regulated environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led design processes and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in MOD/defence projects and any relevant security clearances. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how you ensured compliance and quality in a regulated environment.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can manage teams and build strong relationships with stakeholders, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at HLP Consulting
✨Know Your Design Lifecycle
Make sure you brush up on the full design lifecycle and project delivery processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed design projects in the MOD or defence sector, highlighting your understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is critical in this role, prepare to talk about your experience with security protocols and relevant legislation. Bring examples of how you've ensured design outputs meet client specifications and compliance standards in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong communication and leadership skills. Think of specific instances where you've led multidisciplinary teams or managed external consultants. Be ready to explain how you built relationships with stakeholders in a secure environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to M&E, fire, and building regulations. Brush up on these areas and be prepared to discuss how you've driven design quality and buildability in your past projects, ensuring all design risks were managed effectively.