At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management on complex projects and mentor design teams.
- Company: Join JC Virtual PMs, a remote-first consultancy with a global reach.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and professional membership fees covered.
- Other info: Diverse projects across the globe with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape innovative projects while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 8 years of design management experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 59270 - 72442 £ per year.
Lead design management on complex, multi-disciplinary projects and mentor our design managers.
About JC Virtual PMs
JC Virtual PMs (JC.VPMS LTD) is a UK-based virtual consultancy delivering project management, design management, BIM, information management and document control. We work with SMEs and other clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, bringing joined-up project, design and information management to projects that need more than a freelancer but less than a large consultancy. We are remote-first and growing.
About the role
You will lead design management on our larger and more complex commissions, owning the design programme and making sure the design team delivers a coordinated, compliant and buildable information set. You will report to the Associate Design Manager, mentor Design Managers and Assistant Design Managers, and act as a senior point of contact for clients on design matters. The step up from Design Manager is complexity and leadership: wider stage coverage (RIBA Stages 1–5), higher-risk compliance, and checking other people's work.
Key responsibilities
- Lead design management across RIBA Stages 1–5 on multiple concurrent projects
- Own the design programme, Design Responsibility Matrices and Information Required Schedules
- Chair design reviews and coordination workshops, and resolve design conflicts
- Review deliverables against Employer's Requirements, Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022 where applicable
- Manage design risk, change and value engineering with the project manager and cost consultant
- Oversee BIM and information processes on your projects in line with ISO 19650
- Mentor and quality-check the work of Design Managers and Assistant Design Managers
What we're looking for
Essential
- Around 8 years' design management experience in consultancy, contractor or client-side roles
- Deep knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work, Building Regulations and CDM 2015
- Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary design teams on complex projects
- Experience of design and build and traditional procurement
- Right to work in the country where you will be based
Desirable
- Awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the golden thread
- Strong working knowledge of BIM workflows and ISO 19650
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or similar, or equivalent experience
- Professional membership (RIBA, CIOB, RICS, APM or equivalent), chartered or working towards
How we work
Remote-first: you work from your home base, with occasional client meetings or site visits when a project needs them. Our clients and teams span the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, so we agree working hours that overlap with each project's time zones. We work in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint and Outlook) and our own project controls and HR platforms for timesheets, reporting, leave and expenses. This role is open as an associate on a day rate or on an employed basis, full-time or part-time. Tell us which suits you. We resource against confirmed client commissions, so start dates follow project mobilisation. We will be open about timing from our first conversation.
What we offer
- Remote, flexible working, full-time or part-time
- Competitive salary or associate day rate, benchmarked to your location and experience. We will discuss pay with you before your interview
- Professional membership fees covered for employed team members
- Exposure to a diverse portfolio of UK and international projects
- A clear career path, with Associate Design Manager as your next step
- A supportive, collaborative team with a focus on professional growth
- The chance to help shape and grow a forward-thinking virtual consultancy
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to apply or interview, just tell us. We do not ask about your pay history.
Senior Design Manager employer: JC Virtual PM
JC Virtual PM fosters a remote-first culture that encourages flexibility and collaboration among its employees. With clear pathways for advancement into senior leadership roles, the company supports professional growth while engaging in diverse international projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from JC Virtual PM who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at JC Virtual PM!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to JC Virtual PM. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at JC Virtual PM
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at JC Virtual PM.
