At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for high-profile education projects from start to finish.
- Company: Award-winning national contractor with a focus on quality and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; experience in Design Management.
Our client is an award-winning national main contractor with operations across the UK, delivering high-quality projects across the commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors. Due to continued growth and a strategic expansion into the Department for Education (DfE) sector, they have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join their Midlands division. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in establishing and growing the business's presence within the education sector, supporting the delivery of high-profile DfE projects from pre-construction through to successful completion. Manage the design process from tender stage through to project completion. Develop and implement project-specific Design Management Plans in line with company procedures. Coordinate the appointment, management and performance of consultants and external design teams. Ensure design proposals meet client expectations, statutory requirements, programme objectives and commercial targets. Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance and value engineering opportunities are maximised. Chair and participate in design team meetings, maintaining effective communication between all project stakeholders. Assist in managing design risk through regular reviews, workshops and project risk registers. Oversee the Request for Information (RFI) process and technical document control procedures. Develop and maintain detailed design programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved. Work collaboratively with commercial and construction teams to manage design changes and project risks. Maintain alignment with project cost plans throughout the design development process. Support design verification and technical approval processes. Mentor and support Design Coordinators and Document Controllers where applicable. Coordinate the production of Health & Safety Files, Operation & Maintenance Manuals and project handover documentation. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and the wider project team.Degree qualified in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline. Valid CSCS Card. Proven experience in Design Management within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 Main Contractor. Experience working on projects with construction values ranging from £5m - £50m. Good knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes. Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost. Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills. Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across various stages of the project lifecycle.Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Car allowance or company vehicle. Pension scheme. Private healthcare. Ongoing professional development and training. Clear career progression within a nationally recognised contractor
Design Manager - Education in Birmingham employer: PSR Solutions
Join a leading construction firm that prioritises employee development and offers a dynamic work culture. As an Assistant Estimator, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive training programme, all while contributing to high-profile projects worth over £250m. With a focus on career progression and a supportive team environment, this role is perfect for those eager to grow their skills in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Education in Birmingham
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from PSR Solutions who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Education in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at PSR Solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to PSR Solutions. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSR Solutions
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at PSR Solutions.
