At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting construction projects and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Dynamic Tier 2 construction firm with ambitious growth plans and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a people-first environment.
- Why this job: Join a team that values collaboration and craftsmanship while making a real impact in construction.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager and knowledge of UK construction methods required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: High Wycombe (Head Office) & Regional Sites
Project Portfolio: New Build, Fit-Out & Refurbishment, Social Housing and Spec developments (£1m - £30m)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Company
They are a regional based Tier 2 with ambitious growth plans and are targeting framework opportunities in education, care, health, MOD, MOJ and local authority schemes. They deliver exceptional new build, fit-out, and refurbishment projects across London and the Home Counties and want to grow the M4 corridor patches. Founded on core values of collaboration, clear communication, and high-quality craftsmanship, their mission is simple: to create client relationships for life. They pride themselves on providing a supportive, team-focused environment where their people are given the trust, authority, and resources needed to succeed.
The Role
They are seeking an experienced and proactive Design Manager to join the team based out of their High Wycombe office. In this role, you will lead and coordinate the design process across two-stage tenders, Design & Build (D&B), and traditional procurement routes. Working closely with external design teams, site delivery operations, and clients, you will ensure designs are buildable, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-Construction & Tendering: Lead the design management process during tender and pre-construction stages, identifying value engineering opportunities, design risks, and buildability challenges.
- Design Coordination: Manage relationships with architects, structural engineers, M&E consultants, and specialist sub-contractors to drive clear design release schedules.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs comply with relevant Building Regulations, statutory approvals, planning conditions, and client requirements.
- Information Flow: Implement robust Information Release Schedules (IRS) and manage RFI processes to ensure site teams always work from current, fully coordinated information.
- BREEAM & Sustainability: Work alongside project teams to embed sustainable practices and ensure target environmental standards (BREEAM/Net Zero goals) are met.
- Commercial Support: Collaborate closely with Commercial Managers and Estimators to control design change costs and value management.
What They Are Looking For
- Experience: Proven track record as a Design Manager (or Senior Design Coordinator) within a UK regional main contractor.
- Sector Expertise: Experience delivering projects (£1m-£30m) across commercial, education, healthcare, or residential sectors.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Design & Build procurement, modern construction methods, and building regulations.
- Software Skills: Proficiency in design management platforms, BIM models, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Qualifications: Degree/HNC in Construction Management, Architecture, Building Surveying, or Civil Engineering (CIOB/RIBA membership is desirable).
- Location: Must be within reasonable commuting distance of High Wycombe and regional project sites across the M4 corridor and Home Counties patch.
What They Offer
- Competitive Salary & Package: Generous base salary + car allowance / company car + pension scheme.
- Work-Life Balance: Hybrid flexible working opportunities balancing site, office, and home working.
- Supportive Environment: A people-first culture focused on personal development and employee wellbeing.
- Career Growth: Opportunities to lead high-profile regional projects and progress within a growing business.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Design Manager in High Wycombe employer: Randstad Construction and Property
Randstad Construction and Property is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. With competitive pay, weekly earnings, and the opportunity for temp-to-perm roles, you will find a rewarding career path while enjoying a great work-life balance in the beautiful city of Oxford. Join our dedicated team and take advantage of our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction.
Contact Details:
Randstad Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in High Wycombe
✨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 Randstad Construction and Property, 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 Randstad Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in High Wycombe
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 Randstad Construction and Property
✨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!
