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- Tasks: Lead design coordination for architectural and façade packages on a significant redevelopment project.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Opportunities for growth, collaboration, and making a real impact.
- Other info: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the core of our culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of secure estate design with a focus on quality and safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or Engineering, with 5+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Be part of a project that really matters. We're looking for an experienced and driven Design Manager with expertise across architectural and façade packages to join our delivery team on the highly significant HMP Grendon redevelopment project. This is your opportunity to shape the design of a complex, high-security scheme where technical excellence, coordination, and innovation are key. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the design is robust, compliant, buildable, and aligned to an ambitious programme - all while championing quality and safety.
What you'll be doing
- Lead the design coordination of architectural & façade packages from concept through to handover.
- Ensure all design information is complete, coordinated, compliant, and delivered in line with LOR design management procedures.
- Drive design reviews, manage design queries, and maintain a collaborative approach across disciplines and stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Lead/Senior Design Manager to plan, monitor and report against the design programme.
- Support construction teams with technical queries, buildability reviews and quality assurance activities during delivery.
- Manage statutory compliance, risk and opportunity, change control and alignment with LOR governance and assurance processes.
- Engage with designers, supply chain partners and the client to ensure the project achieves its technical, safety, and performance benchmarks.
- Bring forward continuous improvement and innovation, contributing to LOR's strategy for design excellence.
What you'll bring
- A degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
- Chartered status (or working towards it) with a relevant professional body (desirable).
- 5+ years' experience managing design for complex projects, ideally with façades/architectural packages.
- Experience working across different procurement routes and project stages.
- The ability to work independently - planning, reviewing and managing design requirements with confidence and clarity.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to chair meetings and influence outcomes.
- A proactive mindset: adaptable, solutions-focused, digitally literate, and committed to continuous improvement.
Why join us?
At Laing O'Rourke, you'll be part of a team where innovation, sustainability, digital engineering and technical excellence are at the heart of everything we do. You will have opportunities to grow, lead, collaborate and contribute to a project that makes a genuine long-term impact. And as always, we're committed to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – ensuring everyone can bring their best, be themselves, and thrive.
Ready to shape the future of secure estate design? If you're motivated by technical challenge, inspired by complex multi-disciplinary delivery, and ready to take ownership of architectural and façade design on a flagship project – we'd love to hear from you.
Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - Prisons in England employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - Prisons in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the specific project you'll be working on. We want you to show your passion for the HMP Grendon redevelopment project and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in managing design for complex projects makes you the perfect fit for this role. We believe confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. We’re all about making connections, so keep that communication flowing!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - Prisons in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in architectural and façade design. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Design Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your 5+ years of experience managing complex projects. We’re particularly interested in any examples where you’ve led design coordination or tackled technical challenges, especially in high-security environments.
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and manage design queries effectively. This is key for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the HMP Grendon redevelopment project. Understand its significance, the challenges it faces, and how your role as a Design Manager can impact its success. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with architectural and façade packages in detail. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve led design coordination, tackled compliance issues, or driven innovation. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the complexities of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your communication skills and any experiences where you’ve influenced outcomes in meetings or design reviews.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding design queries and buildability reviews. Think of specific instances where you’ve overcome challenges in previous projects, and be ready to discuss your thought process and solutions.