Design Manager Location: Liverpool (L2) Sector: Main Contracting / Construction Project: Grade II* Listed Building Refurbishment The Company Our client is an established and progressive main contractor delivering design and build construction projects throughout London and the wider UK. Operating across the commercial, residential, hospitality and mixed-use sectors, they provide a comprehensive range of construction services from pre-construction and design development through to project delivery, handover and post-occupancy. With a strong focus on quality, collaborative working and client satisfaction, the business has developed a reputation for delivering practical construction solutions while maintaining programme and budget commitments. The company places considerable value on its workforce, offering a supportive working environment alongside opportunities for professional development and career progression. The Role Our client is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to oversee the design process on a major refurbishment project in Liverpool. The project involves the full refurbishment of a Grade II* listed former bank building, transforming the property into a combination of office, hospitality and event space. The successful candidate will take responsibility for coordinating the design process, managing external consultants and ensuring that design information is properly developed, reviewed and issued to support the successful delivery of the project. Key Responsibilities * Managing the appointment and coordination of external design consultants, including associated documentation, professional indemnity insurance and collateral warranties. * Reviewing and checking working drawing packages produced by external consultants. * Coordinating architectural, structural, landscape and specialist design information. * Identifying and resolving technical and design-related issues arising during construction. * Attending site meetings and reporting on design progress and outstanding issues to the Head of Pre-Construction. * Reviewing alternative construction methods, materials and technical details to improve buildability, quality, cost efficiency and long-term performance. * Obtaining and coordinating specialist supplier drawings and securing the necessary consultant approvals. * Liaising with structural engineers to ensure coordination between structural and architectural design information. * Coordinating ground investigation and remediation reports where required. * Managing planning condition discharges and liaising with the relevant local planning authorities. * Liaising with Building Control to secure the necessary approvals and discharge building regulation requirements. * Coordinating with highways authorities in relation to Section 278, 38 and 104 agreements. * Managing liaison with Party Wall surveyors and obtaining relevant approvals. * Coordinating acoustic and sound insulation requirements, including Robust Details certification and sound testing where applicable. * Ensuring design drawings and updated technical information are issued to the relevant departments and site teams. * Attending departmental development and design review meetings. The Ideal Candidate * Previous experience working as a Design Manager within a main contractor or construction environment. * Experience managing external consultants and multidisciplinary design teams. * Strong technical knowledge of construction design, drawing coordination and technical approvals. * Experience with refurbishment and complex construction projects. * Listed-building or heritage refurbishment experience would be advantageous. * Knowledge of planning conditions, Building Regulations and statutory approvals. * Strong communication, coordination and problem-solving skills. * Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain design progress in line with project requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join an established contractor and take responsibility for the design coordination of a substantial and interesting refurbishment project in Liverpool
Design Manager in Liverpool employer: Recco
Recco is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Central London, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and communication are key. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Our commitment to maintaining a supportive culture allows you to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while working on vital cladding remediation projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Liverpool
✨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 Recco, 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 Recco.
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 Recco
✨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!
