Design Manager in Exeter

Design Manager in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and nurture design teams, manage projects, and drive innovation in engineering solutions.
  • Company: Join a top-25 engineering consultancy with exciting projects and a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, remote options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading design teams and managing complex engineering projects.
  • Other info: Access to major projects like High Speed 2 and Hinkley Point C.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Exeter, Ipswich, Salford, Speke, or Wymondham - remote working available, with occasional travel to the office required.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week - some flexibility on hours available if desired, just let us know when you speak to us.

What will you be responsible for?

  • Leading and nurturing multiple design teams across different locations, providing mentorship and fostering collaboration;
  • Managing programmes, budgets, and risks across complex project portfolios;
  • Building and maintaining strategic client relationships to support growth and service development;
  • Ensuring design outputs meet quality standards, regulations, and client expectations;
  • Driving innovation and improvement initiatives, enhancing our capabilities and efficiency.

What are we looking for?

  • You have experience leading and developing design teams, with a caring and supportive leadership style.
  • You’re skilled at managing programmes, budgets, and risks across complex engineering projects.
  • Excellent relationship‑building abilities and communication skills.
  • Delivered or delivering high‑quality engineering solutions in Building & Development, Transportation, or Water sectors.
  • Hold a full UK driving licence and can travel to our various team locations when needed.
  • Disability Confident.

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.

It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people.

We’re looking for Drainage and Water Design Manager to join our Design team based in Exeter, Ipswich, Salford, Speke, or Wymondham.

Kier Design is a top‑25 engineering consultancy, delivering a wide range of services across all sectors of the built environment, providing construction‑focused, innovative and sustainable solutions.

We have preferential access to Kier's £11bn+ project pipeline, including mega projects like High Speed 2 and Hinkley Point C, frameworks with national and local government and other public bodies, and a range of other interesting projects in every sector of the built environment.

Design Manager in Exeter employer: Inclusionmaking Kier

Kier Design is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and access to a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects, including major infrastructure initiatives, employees are empowered to lead design teams while making a meaningful impact in the built environment. Our commitment to inclusivity, as demonstrated by our Disability Confident status, ensures that all team members feel valued and supported in their professional journey.
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Contact Detail:

Inclusionmaking Kier Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Exeter

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design meetups, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss specific projects and how you led your teams to success.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex engineering projects and building client relationships.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Exeter

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Programme Management
Budget Management
Risk Management
Client Relationship Management
Quality Assurance
Innovation and Improvement Initiatives
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Engineering Solutions Delivery
Sector Knowledge (Building & Development, Transportation, Water)
Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing complex projects, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: We love a caring and supportive leadership style! In your application, share examples of how you've nurtured teams and fostered collaboration. This will help us see how you can contribute to our positive work culture.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention your experience in the Building & Development, Transportation, or Water sectors. We want to know about the high-quality engineering solutions you’ve delivered, so be specific!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Inclusionmaking Kier

✨Know Your Design Teams

Before the interview, take some time to research the design teams you’ll be leading. Understand their strengths and challenges, and think about how your leadership style can nurture collaboration and support their growth. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the people you'll be working with.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed programmes, budgets, and risks in previous projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your ability to handle complex engineering projects effectively.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

Excellent relationship-building skills are key for this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their projects and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps establish a connection, making you a memorable candidate.

✨Emphasise Innovation and Improvement

Think about how you can drive innovation within the design teams. Prepare to share ideas or past experiences where you’ve implemented improvements that enhanced capabilities and efficiency. This aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Design Manager in Exeter
Inclusionmaking Kier
Location: Exeter
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