Design Manager in Chelmsford

Design Manager in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design management process for a major high-rise residential project.
  • Company: Award-winning main contractor with a focus on innovative construction.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000 and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on technical excellence and stakeholder engagement.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in delivering landmark developments in Essex.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in design management with experience in RIBA Stage 5 projects.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

  • DESIGN MANAGER
  • Basildon, Essex
  • Salary to £65,000 pa

My client, an award winning main contractor, is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our project team on a major high-rise residential development in Basildon.

The project is currently in RIBA Stage 5 (Construction), making this an excellent opportunity for a proactive professional with strong technical and coordination skills to take ownership of the design management process through to completion.

Working closely with the Project Director, Construction Manager and commercial team, you will ensure design information is coordinated, issued on programme and fully aligned with construction activities to support successful project delivery.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing the design process during the construction phase, coordinating consultants, subcontractors and the site team to resolve technical issues and maintain programme certainty.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the design process throughout RIBA Stage 5, ensuring design information is delivered in line with the construction programme.
  • Coordinate architects, structural and MEP consultants, specialist subcontractors and client representatives.
  • Lead design coordination meetings, recording actions and driving issues through to resolution.
  • Review construction drawings, technical submissions and shop drawings to ensure buildability, compliance and coordination.
  • Manage RFIs, technical queries and design change requests, ensuring timely responses to avoid programme delays.
  • Coordinate the production, review and approval of subcontractor design packages.
  • Work closely with site management to resolve live construction and sequencing issues.
  • Ensure statutory approvals, Building Regulations and warranty provider requirements are incorporated into the design.
  • Maintain design trackers, drawing registers and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Identify design risks, clashes and opportunities for value engineering, working collaboratively with the commercial and construction teams.
  • Support quality assurance processes by ensuring design intent is accurately translated into construction.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
  • Candidate Requirements
  • Minimum

5 years' experience in a Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator or Design Coordinator role with a recognised main contractor.

  • Demonstrable experience delivering

RIBA Stage 5 construction projects , ideally within the residential sector.

  • Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing and buildability.
  • Experience coordinating architectural, structural, façade and MEP design packages.
  • Ability to interpret and review technical drawings, specifications and design documentation.
  • Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficient in common construction management and document control platforms.
  • Degree or HNC/HND qualified in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or a related discipline is desirable.

Desirable Experience

  • High-rise reinforced concrete frame residential developments.
  • Mixed-use or Build-to-Rent projects.
  • Design & Build procurement.
  • Experience managing design during live construction phases.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering one of Essex's landmark residential developments, taking ownership of the design management function during the most critical stage of construction while working alongside an experienced project delivery team.

Design Manager in Chelmsford employer: Marvin Recruitment

Join a dynamic and growing residential contractor that prioritises employee development and offers a collaborative work culture. As a Commercial Manager, you will not only lead significant high-rise projects but also benefit from mentorship opportunities and a clear path for career advancement. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring a rewarding and impactful work experience.

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Contact Details:

Marvin Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Chelmsford

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Marvin Recruitment, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Marvin Recruitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Chelmsford

Design Management
RIBA Stage 5 Experience
Technical Coordination
Construction Methodologies
Architectural Coordination
MEP Design Coordination
Buildability Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Marvin Recruitment

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!