Principal Design Manager in London

Principal Design Manager in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management across projects, ensuring innovative and sustainable solutions.
  • Company: Join a family-owned construction company committed to excellence and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, pension, and unlimited learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of construction while building strong client relationships.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 12+ years in design management required.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your skills and potential.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

The Regional Design Manager provides leadership for all design management activities within a defined business unit or region, ensuring that project teams deliver design solutions that meet client expectations, statutory requirements and the Group's strategic objectives. The role oversees the regional design function, providing technical guidance and management to Senior Design Managers, Design Managers and Coordinators, while working closely with project directors, bid teams and operations. A key responsibility is to integrate Group design and sustainability standards into regional delivery, promoting innovation, risk reduction, value creation and collaboration. The Regional Design Manager represents the design function within the region, working in alignment with the Head of Design and Head of Sustainable Design to ensure consistency of approach, capability development and continuous improvement across the business.

At John Sisk & Son, we're more than a construction company, we're a family-owned business with a global reach, committed to building excellence in every project. We deliver trust, certainty and value to our clients while embracing innovation and shaping the future of construction.

Responsibilities
  • Strategic and Regional Leadership
  • Lead the design management function within the region, ensuring alignment with Group strategy and standards.
  • Oversee design input at bid, pre‐construction and delivery stages, ensuring risks are addressed and opportunities realised.
  • Contribute to business development through strong client and consultant relationships.
  • Represent the region in Group‐level design initiatives, knowledge sharing and policy development.
  • Design Management Oversight
    • Manage allocation and performance of design management resources across multiple projects.
    • Ensure design reviews are carried out effectively and outputs are technically robust, coordinated and compliant.
    • Provide input on buildability, MMC adoption, sustainability and digital engineering solutions.
    • Support the interrogation of design proposals to reduce risk, optimise safety and maximise value.
    • Lead consultant selection, engagement and performance management.
  • Risk, Compliance and Quality
    • Ensure regional projects comply with Group governance, statutory obligations and industry best practice.
    • Monitor design‐related risks and oversee mitigation strategies across projects.
    • Ensure consistency in delivery of quality, sustainability and safety outcomes.
    • Support the integration of EU directives, sustainability standards and digital solutions into design outputs.
  • People and Capability
    • Lead and mentor the regional design management team, ensuring capability and succession planning.
    • Oversee personal development plans, annual appraisals and objective setting for design staff.
    • Promote knowledge sharing, lessons learned and continuous improvement within the region.
    • Provide support and training to design and non‐design staff to strengthen delivery capability.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Act as the regional lead for design with clients, consultants, supply chain and industry bodies.
    • Represent the company in negotiations and presentations related to design and technical matters.
    • Build and maintain long‐term relationships with clients and consultants that align with Group values.
    • Provide expert input into tenders, proposals and project delivery reviews.
    Experience and Skills
    • Significant experience in managing design across multiple projects or a regional portfolio in construction.
    • Strong technical knowledge of design management processes, buildability and regulatory frameworks.
    • Proven ability to lead multi‐disciplinary teams and develop staff capability.
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
    • Strong problem‐solving, analytical thinking and decision‐making skills.
    • Commercial acumen with the ability to balance programme, cost and design quality considerations.
    Qualifications
    • Required: Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline, including professional qualification (RIBA, MCIOB, Engineers Ireland or equivalent).
    • Minimum 12 years' experience in design management within the construction industry.
    • Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in Design Management, Project Management or related subject. Experience in MMC integration, sustainability certification and digital engineering. Leadership training or professional development in management and strategy.
    Additional Information
    • Competitive salary
    • 26 days annual leave plus additional company days
    • Pension and benefits
    • Unlimited learning and development opportunities
    • Much more

    Our People and Recruitment Commitment: At Sisk Group our people are at the heart of our success. We offer the chance to work with purpose, build a career with no limits and be part of a great team. All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited contact or speculative CVs from unapproved agencies will not be accepted and no introductory fees will apply. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process. We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can stop talented candidates applying. You do not need to meet every criterion – your skills and potential matter. Don't hold back we want to hear from you. All recruitment materials comply with legal and regulatory requirements including the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Equality Acts UK and Ireland.

    Principal Design Manager in London employer: John Sisk & Son Ltd

    At John Sisk & Son, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business that values innovation and excellence in construction. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering unlimited learning opportunities and a commitment to employee development. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a focus on sustainability, we provide a rewarding environment for our team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
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    Contact Detail:

    John Sisk & Son Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Design Manager in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design events, and engage with professionals on platforms like 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

    Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design management projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your skills and experience.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design philosophy and sustainability goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our family at John Sisk & Son.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Manager in London

    Leadership
    Design Management
    Technical Knowledge of Design Processes
    Buildability Assessment
    Regulatory Frameworks
    Interpersonal Skills
    Communication Skills
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Analytical Thinking
    Decision-Making Skills
    Commercial Acumen
    Sustainability Standards Integration
    Digital Engineering Solutions
    Mentoring and Capability Development

    Some tips for your application 🫔

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in design management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Design Manager, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!

    Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Design Manager, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and managed design processes in the past. We love seeing examples of mentoring and developing talent.

    Highlight Your Technical Knowledge: We’re looking for someone with strong technical knowledge in design management. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that showcase your understanding of buildability, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family at John Sisk & Son!

    How to prepare for a job interview at John Sisk & Son Ltd

    ✨Know Your Design Management Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of design management processes, buildability, and regulatory frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past and how you can apply that experience to the role.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and mentor teams. Think about specific instances where you've developed staff capability or contributed to succession planning. This will demonstrate your fit for the leadership aspect of the Principal Design Manager role.

    ✨Align with Company Values

    Familiarise yourself with John Sisk & Son's commitment to building excellence and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and collaboration in design management.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    Think about your experiences in building long-term relationships with clients and consultants. Prepare to share how you've effectively communicated and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.

    Principal Design Manager in London
    John Sisk & Son Ltd
    Location: London

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