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- Tasks: Lead the design process for exciting fit-out projects in London.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading fit-out division.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare cover, and travel cover.
- Why this job: Shape innovative spaces and grow your own design team.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 85000 £ per year.
Our client's Fit Out Division is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Design Manager to support the continued growth of our London fit out business. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in tender support, pre-construction strategy, and project delivery, with the scope to develop and grow your own design team as the division expands.
The Role
As Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing the design process during tender, pre-construction, and early delivery stages, ensuring that projects are technically robust, commercially viable, and fully coordinated prior to site start.
You will work closely with the estimating team, commercial managers, project managers, MEP managers, and external consultants, providing technical leadership and design assurance across multiple fit out schemes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process during tender and pre-construction
- Support bid submissions with:
- Design strategy
- Technical reviews
- Value engineering solutions
Project Exposure
- Commercial office fit out (CAT A / CAT B)
- Life sciences and laboratory fit out
- Healthcare and hospital environments
- High-spec, technically complex interiors
- Fast-track London projects
About You
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Pre-Construction Design Manager within the fit out or interiors sector
- Preferable experience on life science, laboratory, or healthcare fit out projects
- Strong understanding of both architectural and MEP coordination
- Confident working across tender and live project environments
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ambition to help build and lead a design function within a growing division
Qualifications & Experience
- Relevant construction, design, or engineering qualification
- Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and design standards
- Experience working with Tier-2 / specialist fit out contractors preferred
O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Pre-Construction Design Manager employer: O'Neill & Brennan
Contact Detail:
O'Neill & Brennan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the Pre-Construction Design Manager role. Highlight your skills in managing design processes and working with various stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pre-Construction Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes, especially in fit-out projects, and showcase any relevant qualifications that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role and how you can contribute to our growing design function.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Design Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders in past projects. This will show us that you can handle the coordination required in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you receive updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at O'Neill & Brennan
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of projects the company has worked on, especially in commercial office fit outs and healthcare environments. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their project exposure and how you can contribute to their design process.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of architectural and MEP coordination. Prepare to discuss specific examples where you’ve managed design risks or provided technical leadership in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the complexities of their projects.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing design strategies or stakeholder management. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, making it easier for the interviewers to see your potential fit.
✨Express Your Ambition to Lead
The role involves growing an internal design team, so it’s important to convey your ambition and vision for leadership. Share your ideas on how you would build and lead a design function within the division, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
