At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and coordinate design processes for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Leading Main Contractor with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Long-term freelance role, competitive day rate, and diverse project portfolio.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic construction environment.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and work on high-profile education and heritage projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or Site Engineer transitioning into design management.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
RG Set Square are working with a leading Main Contractor seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a growing portfolio of construction projects across the education, leisure, and heritage sectors.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded pre-construction and delivery team, playing a key role in managing and coordinating the design process from early-stage development through to project delivery.
Projects will include:
- Leisure Centres
- Schools and Academies
- Colleges and Universities
- Listed and Heritage Buildings
- Public Sector Construction Projects
You will work closely with internal pre-construction teams, clients, architects, consultants, local authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure designs are coordinated, compliant, and deliverable.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the design process throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases.
- Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and client stakeholders.
- Review and manage design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
- Liaise with local authorities, planning departments, and statutory bodies.
- Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
- Ensure designs meet client requirements, budget constraints, and build-ability objectives.
- Support bids, tenders, and pre-construction activities.
- Review technical submissions, design information, and construction documentation.
- Drive value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.
About You
We are keen to speak with candidates who have:
Essential
- Previous experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry.
- Experience working for a Main Contractor, Tier 1 Contractor, or large regional contractor.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and design management processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple design disciplines simultaneously.
- Experience working closely with architects, consultants, clients, and local authorities.
Desirable
- Experience delivering educational, leisure, public sector, or heritage projects.
- Knowledge of planning applications and statutory approvals.
- Construction-related qualification (HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent).
Alternative Backgrounds Considered
Our client is also open to considering ambitious Site Engineers who have recently moved into Design Management roles and are looking to further develop their career within construction design management. This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong site delivery background who understands build-ability and wants to progress within the design management function.
What's on Offer
- Long-term freelance opportunity with a major Tier 1 contractor.
- Diverse and interesting project portfolio.
- Opportunity to work on high-profile education, leisure, and heritage schemes.
- Collaborative and professional working environment.
- Competitive day rate.
RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Design Manager in Leeds employer: RG Setsquare
RG Setsquare is an excellent employer that values its employees by providing competitive pay rates and the opportunity for permanent positions with increased earnings. The work culture promotes safety and high standards, while also offering a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, especially in the vibrant community of Northampton. With the provision of a company van and a focus on teamwork, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Leeds
✨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 Leeds
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 RG Setsquare.
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 RG Setsquare 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 RG Setsquare
✨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 RG Setsquare. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
