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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design activities for large-scale projects and innovate construction methods.
- Company: Join a leading UK main contractor with a focus on education, residential, and justice sectors.
- Benefits: Up to £70,000 salary, flexible working, and a full benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction and influence a £1.2bn framework portfolio.
- Qualifications: Experience in architectural design and a passion for transitioning into management.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Derby (Flexible / Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Full Package
Sector: Education, Residential, Justice (MoJ)
Employer: Leading UK Main Contractor
Framework Value: £1.2bn+
The Opportunity
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading UK main contractor for a Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager to join their central frameworks team in Derby. This role is ideally suited to an Architectural Technologist (or Senior Technologist / Architectural Designer) who is looking to transition into a main contractor design management role, gaining exposure to large-scale frameworks and complex, multi-sector projects. You’ll sit at the heart of pre‑construction, helping shape design strategy across £1.2bn of secured and upcoming work, while playing a key role in innovation, R&D, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The Role
- Lead and coordinate design activity during bid and pre‑construction stages
- Translate architectural and technical design into buildable, cost‑effective solutions
- Manage and challenge external architectural and engineering consultants
- Drive standardisation and repeatable design solutions across multiple frameworks
- Support the development of MMC, off‑site, and platform‑based designs
- Review drawings, specifications, and technical information for compliance and buildability
- Work closely with pre‑construction, estimating, commercial, and delivery teams
- Contribute to design strategy, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement
About You
This role would suit someone with:
- A background as an Architectural Technologist / Senior Architectural Technologist or currently working with a main contractor in a design role
- Strong technical design knowledge and understanding of construction detailing
- Experience working through RIBA Stages 2‑4 (and ideally into delivery stages)
- An interest in moving into a main contractor / Design Manager role
- Awareness or hands‑on experience of MMC, DfMA, or standardised design (desirable, not essential)
- Confidence coordinating multiple stakeholders and design disciplines
- A practical, problem‑solving mindset focused on buildability
What’s on Offer
- Up to £70,000 salary + full benefits package
- Flexible / hybrid working, office base in Derby
- Clear pathway from technical design into senior design management
- Opportunity to influence design across a £1.2bn framework portfolio
- Exposure to innovation, R&D, and modern construction methodologies
- Long‑term career progression within a leading, stable contractor
Pre Construction Design employer: Map Talent
Contact Detail:
Map Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre Construction Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend having a few questions ready about their approach to design management and MMC. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Pre Construction Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager role. Highlight your background in architectural technology and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving large-scale frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your experience makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your interest in innovation and modern construction methods!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires strong technical design knowledge, be sure to include specific examples of your work with construction detailing and compliance. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and challenge external consultants effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Map Talent
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your architectural and technical design knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you can translate complex designs into buildable solutions, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with RIBA Stages 2-4. Discuss any projects where you’ve managed design activities or coordinated with multiple stakeholders, as this will show your capability in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand Modern Methods of Construction
Familiarise yourself with MMC, DfMA, and standardised design practices. Even if you don’t have hands-on experience, showing a genuine interest and understanding of these methodologies can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their approach to innovation and R&D within the frameworks team. It shows you’re engaged and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.