Design Manager in Manchester

Design Manager in Manchester

Manchester Freelance 57704 - 70528 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Randstad Construction & Property Careers

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design coordination for a major high-rise residential project in Manchester.
  • Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovative residential developments.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible freelance contract, and opportunity to shape iconic buildings.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-rise living while navigating exciting new regulations.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in high-rise projects and strong understanding of Building Safety Act.

The predicted salary is between 57704 - 70528 £ per year.

Freelance Design Manager - High-Rise Residential

Location: Manchester

Rate: £450 per day

Contract: Freelance (Long-term)

Are you an experienced Design Manager with a proven track record in high-rise residential projects? We are urgently seeking a Freelance Design Manager to spearhead the design coordination on a major new high-rise apartment development in the heart of Manchester. As the construction industry adapts to the latest Building Safety Act (BSA) regulations, we need a technically sharp specialist who is fully conversant with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway process. You will be instrumental in navigating the project's design through these critical regulatory milestones, ensuring total compliance and driving the scheme toward successful delivery.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Leading and managing the design coordination for a complex, multi-storey residential project.
  • Taking ownership of the design program through the new BSA Gateway process (specifically Gateways 2 and 3 for Higher-Risk Buildings).
  • Liaising closely with architects, structural engineers, and specialist subcontractors to ensure all design information is fully compliant, coordinated, and delivered on time.
  • Mitigating design-related risks and ensuring all fire safety and structural regulations are rigorously embedded into the design phase.
  • Working closely with the commercial and operational teams to ensure design solutions are buildable and cost-effective.

What We Need From You:

  • Extensive experience working as a Design Manager on high-rise residential/apartment projects in the UK.
  • Demonstrable, hands-on experience and a strong understanding of the Gateway process and the latest Building Safety Act requirements for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
  • A background in architecture, engineering, or site management prior to moving into design management is highly desirable.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to confidently chair design team meetings and challenge external consultants.
  • Excellent technical knowledge of modern methods of construction, facades, and high-rise fire safety regulations.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Design Manager in Manchester employer: Randstad Construction & Property Careers

As a leading employer in the marine civil engineering sector, we offer our Site Managers a dynamic work environment at a regional port, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive work culture, ensuring that you can thrive while contributing to impactful projects in a live maritime facility. With competitive rates and a focus on safety and innovation, we provide a rewarding career path for those looking to make a difference in the industry.

Randstad Construction & Property Careers

Contact Details:

Randstad Construction & Property Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Manchester

Join Local Construction Groups

Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.

Show Off Your Work

Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!

Network at Construction Events

Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.

Utilise Online Freelance Platforms

Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Manchester

Design Coordination
Building Safety Act (BSA)
Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway Process
Fire Safety Regulations
Structural Regulations
Leadership Skills
Technical Knowledge of Modern Methods of Construction

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Randstad Construction & Property Careers.

Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.

Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Randstad Construction & Property Careers know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Construction & Property Careers

Showcase Your Project Portfolio

For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!

Know Your Tools and Techniques

Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Practical Questions

During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.

Pitch Your Rates and Work Style

As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Randstad Construction & Property Careers. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!