At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Design Management team for exciting commercial fit-out projects.
- Company: A leading contractor in commercial fit-out with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, executive benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a robust pipeline of projects and long-term career prospects.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and make a significant impact on design management.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Design Management within the construction sector and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 155000 - 165000 £ per year.
A leading commercial fit-out main contractor is looking to appoint a Design Director to join its senior leadership team. The company delivers a broad range of commercial office fit-out and refurbishment projects across London and the South East, working with occupiers, developers and asset managers. With a strong pipeline of secured work, they are seeking an experienced design leader to take responsibility for the Design Management function across the business.
The Role
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the Design Management team and provide oversight across the project portfolio, ensuring design is managed effectively from pre-construction through to project completion.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing the Design Management team across the business.
- Providing support and direction to Design Managers working across multiple projects.
- Overseeing design programmes, consultant coordination and design risk management.
- Working closely with Operations, Commercial and Pre-Construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
- Maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and other key stakeholders.
- Driving consistency and best practice across design management processes and procedures.
- Supporting tender submissions and pre-construction activities when required.
- Mentoring and developing Design Managers at all levels.
- Contributing to wider business planning and operational improvement initiatives.
Requirements
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- A strong background in Design Management within the commercial fit-out, refurbishment or wider construction sector.
- Experience leading Design Management teams and managing Design Managers across a project portfolio.
- A track record of delivering complex commercial fit-out projects, including schemes valued in excess of £30m–£40m.
- Strong consultant management and stakeholder engagement experience.
- The ability to provide leadership and technical support across multiple projects.
- A practical and solutions-focused approach to project delivery.
- Good commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between design, procurement, programme and construction.
- Experience gained with a recognised fit-out contractor or main contractor.
Package
£155,000 - £165,000 basic salary (potential flexibility for the right individual). Annual bonus. Executive benefits package. Senior leadership position within an established and growing commercial fit-out contractor. Opportunity to influence the development of the Design Management function. Long-term career prospects within a business with a strong order book and continued growth plans.
Design Director in Slough employer: Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd
Join a leading commercial fit-out contractor in London, where you will be part of a dynamic senior leadership team dedicated to delivering high-quality projects. With a strong focus on employee development, the company offers an executive benefits package, annual bonuses, and the opportunity to shape the Design Management function while working in a collaborative and innovative environment. This role not only promises competitive remuneration but also long-term career growth within a thriving business that values its people and their contributions.
Contact Details:
Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director in Slough
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
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Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Michael Taylor Search & Selection Ltd.
