Design Manager – Oxfordshire An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join a successful, family-run Design & Build, Construction and Fit-Out contractor delivering technically challenging projects across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality refurbishment and fit-out projects, with a particularly strong presence across the science, laboratory and commercial workplace sectors. Projects range from specialist laboratory and research environments through to high-specification office fit-outs and technically demanding commercial refurbishments, with values ranging from smaller works through to approximately £15 million. With a strong pipeline of work, the business is looking to appoint a Design Manager who can take ownership of the design process and work closely with clients, consultants and delivery teams from pre-construction through to completion. This would particularly suit someone with experience delivering technically complex fit-out projects where M&E services, specialist installations and coordination between multiple design disciplines are critical. Design Manager – The Role As Design Manager, you will manage and coordinate the design process across projects, ensuring information is technically compliant, buildable and issued in accordance with the programme. You will work closely with clients, architects, consultants, M&E engineers, specialist subcontractors and internal pre-construction and delivery teams to ensure the design develops smoothly through to construction. Design Manager – Responsibilities * Manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion. * Coordinate architectural, M&E and specialist subcontractor design information. * Manage consultants, architects, engineers and other design stakeholders. * Review design information for buildability, compliance and coordination. * Develop and manage design programmes against key project milestones. * Identify potential design risks and resolve issues before they impact delivery. * Lead and attend design team meetings with clients and consultants. * Support procurement and construction teams with technical information. * Manage design changes throughout the project lifecycle. * Ensure information is issued accurately and in accordance with programme requirements. Design Manager – About You * Previous experience as a Design Manager or within a similar technical/design coordination position. * Strong understanding of the construction and fit-out design process. * Experience within laboratory, life sciences, commercial office or technically complex fit-out projects would be highly advantageous. * Good understanding of M&E coordination, particularly within services-heavy environments. * Candidates from a Design & Build contractor, main contractor, M&E consultancy, engineering consultancy or architectural background will be considered. * Confident managing multiple consultants, subcontractors and stakeholders. * Strong technical, organisational and communication skills. * Comfortable working across both pre-construction and live project delivery. Design Manager – What's on Offer * Salary circa £80,000 - £95,000 depending on experience. * Excellent benefits package. * Projects valued up to approximately £15 million. * Technically challenging laboratory, science and commercial office projects. * Strong pipeline of work across Oxfordshire and the surrounding region. * Join an established, successful family-run contractor. * Supportive and collaborative working environment. * Genuine opportunity to make an impact within a growing business. This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager who enjoys technically challenging projects and wants to work across specialist laboratory, science and high-quality commercial fit-out environments. Please click apply or contact Alex at One Way on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion
Design Manager in Abingdon employer: One Way Resourcing
Join a leading employer in the civil engineering sector, where your skills as a Shuttering Carpenter will be valued and rewarded. With a strong commitment to health and safety, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering long-term opportunities on major infrastructure projects in Kettleton. Enjoy competitive rates and the chance to work with advanced formwork systems while being part of a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Abingdon
✨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 One Way Resourcing, 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 One Way Resourcing.
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 One Way Resourcing
✨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!
