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

Design Manager - Prisons - Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 48000 - 72000 Β£ / 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 development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on society by shaping secure and sustainable environments.
  • Qualifications: Background in Architecture or Construction Design Management is essential.
  • Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants with transferable skills.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ 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 - Prisons - Manchester employer: Laing O'Rourke

Laing O'Rourke is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, offering employees the chance to work on transformative public infrastructure projects in a dynamic and innovative environment. Based in Sale, Manchester, with opportunities to engage in meaningful work across the Humber region, we provide robust career development pathways, a commitment to design excellence, and the chance to make a significant impact in the built environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity and collaboration while delivering secure and sustainable solutions.
Laing O'Rourke

Contact Detail:

Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific design processes used in secure environments like prisons. Understanding the unique challenges and regulations in this sector will help you stand out during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in the justice or defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and make connections that could lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your experience with digital engineering and collaborative design tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in past projects, as they are crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Laing O'Rourke's recent projects and initiatives in the Ministry of Justice portfolio. Being knowledgeable about their work will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to their mission.

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

Architectural Design
Construction Design Management
Knowledge of RIBA stages
Stakeholder Coordination
Compliance Management
Digital Engineering Tools
Project Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Experience in Secure Environments
Understanding of Modular Construction
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in secure and complex building environments, particularly in prisons or similar sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in managing 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 ability to work collaboratively with commercial and construction teams.

Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your knowledge of design review, compliance, and stakeholder coordination. If you have experience with digital tools or modular projects, make sure to include that as well, as it is highly relevant to the position.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a design management role.

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 is a key aspect of the role, make sure you are up-to-date with the latest design tools and technologies. Be ready to talk about how you've used digital tools in past projects to enhance efficiency and innovation.

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