At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design teams on exciting multidisciplinary building projects and ensure top-notch quality.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a forward-thinking company committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in dynamic locations across the UK with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the built environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or Engineering and experience in design management required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Location/s: Bristol, Leeds, Plymouth, Cambridge, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, London; UK
Overview Of The Role
The Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the design process on multidisciplinary buildings projects, ensuring design solutions are fully integrated, buildable, and aligned to programme, cost and quality requirements. Working closely with Project Managers and technical discipline leads, the role focuses on design leadership, coordination, and technical assurance, particularly within Design & Build and contractor‑led delivery environments.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Design leadership & coordination
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across all project stages
- Develop and manage the design brief, ensuring clarity on scope, interfaces and deliverables
- Coordinate design outputs across internal teams, contractors and external consultants
- Design planning & integration
- Develop and manage the design programme, aligned with overall project delivery plans
- Support the integration of design, procurement and construction activities
- Work with Project Managers to ensure alignment between design progression and project milestones
- Technical assurance & compliance
- Oversee design reviews, technical assurance processes and quality checks
- Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, codes and client requirements
- Monitor design risks and manage technical issues throughout the lifecycle
- Stakeholder engagement
- Act as the primary point of coordination for design‑related matters
- Engage effectively with clients, contractors and stakeholders to resolve design challenges
- Support clear communication of design intent and changes across the project team
- Risk, value & commercial alignment
- Identify and manage design and technical risks, supporting mitigation strategies
- Support alignment of design solutions with project cost, programme and commercial objectives
- Work collaboratively with commercial and delivery teams to ensure design outputs are deliverable within agreed budgets
- Contribute to value engineering and optimisation of design solutions
- Leadership & collaboration
- Support and mentor design teams, promoting a collaborative and high‑performing environment
- Contribute to bid and early‑stage project development activities where required
Candidate Specification
Essential Requirements
- Degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering or a related discipline
- Experience in design management within the buildings or built environment sector
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and managing design interfaces
- Experience in Design & Build and/or contractor‑led delivery environments
- Good understanding of:
- Design coordination and integration
- Technical assurance and compliance
- Project risk management
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable Requirements
- Experience working on large or complex buildings projects across sectors (e.g., defence, health, aviation, education)
- Experience on secure or regulated projects
- Chartered status (or working towards) in a relevant discipline
- Understanding of UK design standards and statutory requirements
- Security clearance (or eligibility to obtain clearance for project‑specific roles)
Please be advised that offers for this role are conditional upon obtaining the appropriate level of Security Clearance.
UK Immigration Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.
Equal Opportunity
Mott MacDonald is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and is an equal opportunity employer.
Locations Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Plymouth, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds
Contract Type Permanent
Work Pattern Full Time
Market Buildings
Discipline Project programme and commercial management
Job Reference 14670
Recruiter Contact Andrea Gaffney
Design Manager in Birmingham employer: Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across multiple UK locations including Bristol, Leeds, and London. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities for professional development and mentorship in design management. Employees benefit from engaging in multidisciplinary projects that not only challenge their skills but also contribute to meaningful outcomes in the built environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in design management and multidisciplinary teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design management and how it aligns with our key responsibilities. We want to see how you can lead and coordinate design teams effectively!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your skills! Use specific examples from your past projects that showcase your design leadership, technical assurance, and stakeholder engagement. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to address all the essential requirements mentioned in the job description without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your design principles and the latest trends in architecture and engineering. Being able to discuss how these apply to multidisciplinary projects will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around design coordination, technical assurance, and compliance. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed design risks or resolved complex design challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've mentored team members or fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by preparing to talk about how you've engaged with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders in the past. Highlight any successful strategies you've used to resolve design-related issues and ensure everyone is on the same page.
