At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate design teams on exciting multidisciplinary building projects.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a forward-thinking company committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with competitive pay and career growth.
- Other info: Work in dynamic locations across the UK with a focus on collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the built environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or Engineering and experience in design management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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 Bristol 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 collaborative culture that encourages innovation and mentorship, ensuring that design managers can thrive in their roles while contributing to impactful multidisciplinary projects. Employees benefit from a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in the built environment sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design-related events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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! When you land that interview, bring along a well-organised portfolio showcasing your best design projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your design leadership and technical skills, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for design managers and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss how you've managed multidisciplinary teams and tackled design challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about joining us. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design management and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about design management and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, be sure to mention your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully coordinated with others to achieve project goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you’re well-versed in the design process, especially in multidisciplinary environments. Brush up on how to lead and coordinate design teams, as this will be a key focus in your interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Assurance Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with technical assurance and compliance. Highlight specific examples where you've overseen design reviews or managed quality checks to ensure standards are met.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think of examples where you’ve successfully engaged with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. Demonstrating your communication skills and ability to resolve design challenges will set you apart.
✨Understand Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with project risk management strategies. Be ready to talk about how you’ve identified and managed design risks in past projects, and how you can support mitigation strategies in this role.
