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.
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 Plymouth employer: Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across various UK locations including Bristol, Leeds, and London. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company promotes collaboration and innovation within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that design managers are supported in their professional development while working on impactful projects. The inclusive culture and commitment to quality make Mott MacDonald a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in design management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at local events. 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 skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects. When you land that interview, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Plymouth
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 the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can lead and coordinate design teams effectively!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about specific projects where you’ve managed multidisciplinary teams or tackled design challenges. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially in Design & Build environments!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed design interfaces or resolved technical issues, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Be ready to share instances where you've mentored others or fostered collaboration within a team. Highlighting your leadership style can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders in previous projects. Being able to articulate your approach to resolving design challenges will showcase your ability to navigate complex project environments.
