Design Manager

Design Manager

Freelance Home office (partial)
Randstad

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design for a major infrastructure project and manage site surveys.
  • Company: Dynamic firm focused on landmark civils schemes with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and long-term freelance opportunity.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Take charge of a critical project phase and make impactful decisions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing enabling works designs and interpreting survey data.

Freelance Design Manager (Enabling Works & Surveys)

Rate: Competitive Day Rate - Inside of IR35

Duration: Long-term

Location: Hybrid (3 days WFH / 2 days Liverpool office & site)

Looking for a solid, long-term freelance contract on a massive civils scheme where you actually have a say in how things are run? This is it. My client is gearing up for the critical Enabling Works phase of a landmark infrastructure project in the North. We need a heavy-hitting freelance Design Manager to grab the reins and get the site ready for the main construction phase. You'll be working directly as the right-hand to the project's Technical Lead, meaning you're right in the thick of the decision-making, not just pushing paper in a corner.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Enabling Works Design: Managing the design for all the critical prep work - think utility diversions, temporary works, site clearance, and access roads.
  • Survey Support: Overseeing and coordinating all the essential site surveys (geotechnical, topo, utilities) and making sure that data is successfully baked into the designs.
  • Target Costing: Working closely alongside our commercial and pricing teams to help build, refine, and lock down a realistic Target Cost for the works.
  • Tech Lead Support: Keeping the Technical Lead in the loop, managing design risks, and solving engineering headaches before they ever hit the site.

Requirements:

We need a self-starter who can plug in and hit the ground running from day one without needing their hand held.

The Background: You're an established freelance Design Manager with plenty of major UK civils or infrastructure experience under your belt.

The Specialty: You've specifically managed enabling works designs before and know exactly what it takes to get a mega-project off the ground.

The Know-How: You understand how to interpret survey data and know your way around estimating and Target Cost development (if you know NEC contracts inside out, that's a massive bonus).

The Setup: You're organized enough to drive things forward independently on your 3 remote days, and ready to collaborate face-to-face during your 2 days in Liverpool.

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

Design Manager employer: Randstad

As a leading player in the infrastructure sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a hybrid working model that allows for flexibility between home and our Liverpool office, we prioritise employee well-being while providing opportunities for professional growth on landmark projects. Join us to make a tangible impact in the industry, where your expertise as a Design Manager will be valued and your contributions will shape the future of major civils schemes.

Randstad

Contact Details:

Randstad Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for freelance Design Manager roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential clients or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with enabling works designs and how you've tackled challenges in past projects. This will set you apart from the competition.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a project that excites you, don’t wait for the job to be posted. Reach out directly to the company through our website and express your interest. A little initiative can go a long way!

Tip Number 4

Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts and target costing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a good fit, but the perfect fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Design Management
Enabling Works Design
Survey Coordination
Geotechnical Knowledge
Utility Diversions
Temporary Works Management
Site Clearance Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with enabling works and any major civils projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills 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 this freelance gig. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enabling works design and the specific requirements of the project. Familiarise yourself with the types of utility diversions, temporary works, and site clearance processes that are crucial for this role.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those involving major UK civils or infrastructure. Highlight your hands-on experience managing designs and how you've tackled challenges in past roles to demonstrate your capability.

Be Ready to Collaborate

Since this role involves working closely with the Technical Lead and other teams, be prepared to discuss how you approach teamwork and communication. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in fast-paced environments.

Understand the Numbers

Brush up on your estimating and Target Cost development skills. Be ready to explain how you interpret survey data and how it influences your design decisions. If you have experience with NEC contracts, make sure to mention it!