At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a landmark £60m school project in Birmingham.
- Company: Join a top-tier contractor known for delivering impactful education projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a mix of office and site work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your design management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management, preferably with DfE school projects.
The predicted salary is between 62500 - 62500 € per year.
A permanent position with a Tier 1 main contractor offering a salary of £60,000-£65,000 plus car/car allowance. The base location is the Derby office, with an expected working pattern of approximately 3 days per week on site in the West Midlands and 1 day per week in the Derby office.
The company has a strong national presence and an excellent reputation for delivering complex, high-value education and public sector schemes. They invest in their people and offer genuine long-term career development.
An immediate requirement has arisen for a Design Manager to join the team on a landmark £60m new build school project in Birmingham, West Midlands. You will be the sole design lead on the project, working closely with a Senior Design Manager and a Regional Design Manager. This is a hands-on, client-facing role where you will own the design process from pre-construction through to completion.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the design process on a large-scale DfE school project
- Coordinate with design consultants, the client team and internal stakeholders
- Manage RFIs, design information schedules and drawing registers
- Identify and resolve design risk, clashes and buildability issues
- Support pre-construction and procurement activities as required
- Report into Senior and Regional Design Management as part of a wider support structure
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience as a Design Manager on large-scale main contractor projects
- Recent, demonstrable DfE school project experience is a strong preference
- Comfortable operating as the lead design contact on a project with senior support
- Able and willing to be based from a Derby office with regular travel to a Birmingham, West Midlands region site
- Strong communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Degree or HND in a relevant construction or engineering discipline preferred
- You must be happy to provide verifiable work references
If you do not have DfE school experience, the company works with a number of leading main contractors on various design management roles nationwide.
The Package:
- Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 (dependent on experience)
- Car allowance or company car
- Permanent position with an established, financially stable contractor
How to Apply:
If you have strong DfE education sector experience and are looking to join a leading Tier 1 contractor on a high-profile school programme, please apply with your up-to-date CV and contact details (including postcode).
Design Manager - Construction - Midlands (DfE Schools) employer: Kingdom Search
Join a highly regarded Tier 1 main contractor based in Derby, known for its commitment to employee development and a strong pipeline of DfE-funded projects. With a focus on delivering high-value education schemes, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and offers competitive benefits, including a car allowance and flexible working arrangements. This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager to lead impactful projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Construction - Midlands (DfE Schools)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss your past projects, especially any DfE school experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've tackled design challenges and led teams successfully.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities with top-tier contractors who value their employees and offer great career development.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Construction - Midlands (DfE Schools)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with DfE school projects and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, don’t just list your previous roles. Share specific examples of your achievements as a Design Manager, especially on large-scale projects. This helps us understand your impact and capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t overcomplicate things!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. 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 Kingdom Search
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specifics of the DfE school projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss your role in detail, including challenges faced and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and commitment to the education sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading the design process. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in coordinating with various stakeholders. Think about times when you successfully managed conflicts or facilitated collaboration among teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about design risk management, RFIs, and buildability issues. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you approach these challenges. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, ensure you listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you value the conversation and are engaged.
