Design Manager – Circa £60m+ New-Build Education Scheme – Leading National Tier 1 Main Contractor Kingdom Search Limited is recruiting a Design Manager for a leading national Tier 1 main contractor. The project is a circa £60m+ new-build education scheme in West Essex (M11 corridor), with a programme of around two years. Job title: Design Manager – Education – Tier 1 Main Contractor (Perm or Freelance) Location: East Midlands (head office) / West Essex (site) Salary: £60,000–£65,000 + package (Perm) / £400–£450 per day (Freelance), NEG DOE Job type: Permanent (long-term freelance also considered) Start: ASAP The Role You'll be the standalone Design Manager on the project, reporting directly to the Director. Pre-construction is well advanced and the project moves into delivery in the next few months. You'll take design management from pre-construction through to completion. Location & Travel Permanent candidates must live within a daily commute of the contractor's East Midlands head office. You'll also need to be happy to travel to site and lodge nearby during the week, with expenses paid. Freelance candidates can be based more flexibly, as long as they're happy to travel to the East Midlands head office and the West Essex site as required. Weekly Pattern Monday at head office Tuesday to Thursday on site, with overnight stays on Tuesday and Wednesday for lodging candidates Friday at head office or working from home Package Permanent: £60,000–£65,000 + package (NEG DOE) Freelance: circa £400–£450 per day, Ltd or CIS (NEG DOE), long-term What the Client Is Looking For Design Manager or Senior Design Manager experience with a main contractor (essential) Strong Design Coordinators who are ready to step up will be considered, as long as they're confident running a large scheme on their own Experience managing the consultant team, subcontractor design, design programmes, RFIs and information release, from pre-construction through to delivery Openness to learning the contractor's standardised system-build design approach. Full support is given, which is why regular head office time is part of the role. Education or DfE experience is advantageous but not essential. Experience on DfE frameworks would be a bonus. A confident, organised communicator who can hold their own with consultants, subcontractors and the delivery team How to Apply Apply via CV-Library or email your CV to (url removed). Please include: Your home postcode Whether you're looking for permanent or freelance work Your salary or day rate expectations Your availability or notice period Shortlisted candidates may be invited to record a short optional video introduction to send with their CV. Kingdom Search Limited is a specialist construction recruitment consultancy, recruiting freelance and permanent professionals nationwide
Design Manager in Derby employer: Kingdom Search
Join a leading Tier 1 main contractor renowned for its commitment to excellence in the construction industry, particularly in delivering large-scale education projects. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a significant £70m new build in Hounslow while working alongside a dedicated team of professionals. Enjoy competitive rates, long-term project stability, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through educational infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Derby
✨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 Kingdom Search, 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 Kingdom Search.
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 Kingdom Search
✨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!
