Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester
Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester

Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Laing O'Rourke

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design processes for innovative prison infrastructure from concept to delivery.
  • Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in transformative public infrastructure and engineering.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a people-first culture with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on society by shaping secure and sustainable environments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in architecture or construction design management is essential.
  • Other info: Diverse backgrounds are welcomed; apply to be part of a collaborative team.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Designing for Purpose. Delivering with Precision.

Are you experienced in secure, compliant, or complex building environments – such as prisons, defence or major infrastructure? Do you thrive managing the design process from early concept to on-site delivery in a fast-paced, contractor-led setting? Ready to shape infrastructure that truly makes a difference? Join Laing O'Rourke as a Design Manager within our UK Ministry of Justice portfolio, where we're redefining modern custodial environments through DfMA, digital engineering, and collaborative design leadership.

The role: You'll coordinate design information across RIBA stages, ensuring it's complete, compliant, and buildable. Working closely with commercial and construction teams, you'll challenge, align and lead consultants to deliver efficient and innovative solutions in a highly regulated environment.

What you'll bring:

  • Background in Architecture or Construction Design Management
  • Experience on justice, defence, healthcare or modular projects (or strong transferable skills)
  • Knowledge of design review, compliance, stakeholder coordination and digital tools

Why Laing O'Rourke? You'll be part of an ambitious business delivering transformative public infrastructure, backed by world-class engineering, MMC innovation and a people-first culture. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and transferable experience who are passionate about design excellence and making a difference in the built environment. Apply today to help us deliver secure, smart and sustainable places that serve society.

Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester employer: Laing O'Rourke

Laing O'Rourke is an exceptional employer that champions a people-first culture, offering employees the chance to work on transformative public infrastructure projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Based in Sale, Manchester, our team benefits from a strong focus on innovation, professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the built environment, particularly within the justice sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity and excellence in design.
Laing O'Rourke

Contact Detail:

Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in secure and compliant building environments, especially in prisons and defence. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the architecture and construction design management fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who have experience in justice or modular projects.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed design processes from concept to delivery. Highlight any experiences where you’ve worked in fast-paced, contractor-led settings, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your familiarity with digital engineering tools and compliance standards relevant to the construction industry. Being able to speak confidently about these tools will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester

Architectural Design
Construction Management
Knowledge of RIBA Stages
Stakeholder Coordination
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
Digital Engineering Tools
Design Review Processes
Project Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration and Team Leadership
Experience in Secure Environments
Attention to Detail
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Settings
Strong Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in secure and complex building environments, particularly in prisons or similar sectors. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage the design process from concept to delivery.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design excellence and how your background aligns with the role. Mention your familiarity with RIBA stages and your experience in coordinating design information in regulated environments.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your knowledge of design review, compliance, and stakeholder coordination. Highlight any experience with digital tools and collaborative design leadership, as these are crucial for the role.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, reflecting your attention to detail, which is essential in the design management field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke

✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience

Make sure to highlight your background in architecture or construction design management, especially if you have experience with justice, defence, or healthcare projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed the design process from concept to delivery.

✨Understand the Regulatory Environment

Familiarise yourself with the compliance and regulatory aspects of designing for secure environments like prisons. Demonstrating your knowledge of these regulations will show that you can navigate the complexities of the role effectively.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working closely with commercial and construction teams, be ready to discuss your experience in leading and coordinating with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully aligned different teams towards a common goal.

✨Be Prepared to Discuss Digital Tools

As digital engineering and innovative solutions are key components of the role, make sure to mention any relevant digital tools or software you are proficient in. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage technology in the design process.

Design Manager - Architect - Prisons - Manchester
Laing O'Rourke
Location: Manchester
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