Design Manager in Manchester

Design Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management for exciting construction projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team with a strong pipeline of diverse projects across the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative designs while collaborating with talented professionals.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management and a solid understanding of construction processes.
  • Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on sustainability and client satisfaction.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Department: Design Management / Pre-Construction

Location: UK (Project-based with office support)

Reporting To: Project Lead / Senior Management Team / Directors

Company Overview

With a strong and secure pipeline of work extending into 2026/27, the business continues to deliver a diverse portfolio of high-quality projects across multiple sectors. Current and forthcoming projects include hotel extensions and façade replacements, new build residential developments, heritage refurbishments, and major pre-construction opportunities across the UK.

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen to join a collaborative, professional Design Management Team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading and managing design activities across bids and live projects, ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective, and aligned with client objectives from project inception through to completion and customer care.

Current & Upcoming Projects Include:

  • Hotel Extensions & Façade Replacements - Farnborough, Solihull, Warrington & Leeds (£10m)
  • New Build Residential - Stockport (£55m)
  • Heritage Refurbishment - 5* Hotel, Bath (£35m)
  • New Build Residential - Liverpool (£45m)
  • Pre-Construction Opportunities - Operational, Design Management & Estimating Project Manager - Customer Care Department

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all aspects of Design Management for live bids and construction projects throughout the full project lifecycle.
  • Provide design leadership from project inception through to handover and customer care.
  • Influence design development to enhance buildability, programme certainty and cost efficiency.
  • Manage Net Zero, sustainability, energy and carbon objectives, supporting both client and business commitments.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with supply chain partners to develop optimal and innovative delivery solutions.
  • Manage compliance with CDM Regulations, planning conditions and statutory/regulatory approvals.
  • Compile, negotiate and manage Consultant and Sub-Contractor Appointments and Design Responsibility Matrices in collaboration with the in-house legal team.
  • Contribute to supply chain interviews, subcontract procurement and specialist technical appraisals.
  • Prepare Contractors Proposals and Employers Requirements documentation.
  • Provide technical support for RFIs and design-related queries.
  • Manage third-party consents and statutory approvals.
  • Build, maintain and develop strong client relationships.
  • Support employee development through active involvement in the Building Student Programme.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

  • Proven track record in Design Management within the construction industry.
  • Experience managing the full project lifecycle from pre-construction to completion.
  • Strong working knowledge of construction techniques, sequencing, methodologies and delivery processes.
  • Excellent understanding of Building Regulations, industry standards and best practice guidance.
  • Commercial and contractual awareness.
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary internal and external teams.

Key Attributes

  • Excellent communication skills with confidence to challenge, influence and solve problems.
  • Highly organised, methodical and able to manage competing priorities.
  • Strong presentation skills, both written and verbal.
  • High level of attention to detail while maintaining a strategic overview.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively across departments and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
  • Capable of meeting demanding deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

Design Manager in Manchester employer: RG Setsquare

As a Design Manager with us, you'll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that values innovation and sustainability in delivering high-quality projects across the UK. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through active involvement in diverse projects, from hotel extensions to heritage refurbishments, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have the resources to thrive in your career. Join us in a role where your expertise will directly influence the success of exciting projects, all within a company that prioritises a strong pipeline of work and a commitment to excellence.
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Contact Detail:

RG Setsquare Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend design and construction events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Show Off Your Portfolio

Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along or have it ready to share digitally. We want to see how you’ve tackled design challenges and delivered successful projects!

✨Ace the Interview

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to discuss specific examples. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their design management skills and how they can contribute to our success!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly!

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

Design Management
Project Lifecycle Management
Construction Techniques
Building Regulations
Commercial Awareness
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Presentation Skills
Attention to Detail
Interpersonal Skills
Team Collaboration
Client Relationship Management
Sustainability Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design activities and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about design management and how you can contribute to our projects. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.

Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on notable projects, don't hesitate to showcase them! Include details about your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the project's success. We love seeing real-world examples of your work.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at RG Setsquare

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the projects mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of hotel extensions, residential developments, and heritage refurbishments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their current and upcoming projects.

✨Showcase Your Design Management Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your proven track record in design management. Be ready to discuss how you've led design activities, influenced design development, and ensured compliance with regulations in past projects. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the full project lifecycle effectively.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

Since the role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Share specific instances where your excellent communication skills helped resolve issues or enhance collaboration, showcasing your ability to liaise effectively across departments.

✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Sustainability

With a focus on Net Zero and sustainability, it's crucial to express your understanding of these objectives. Discuss any relevant experience you have in managing energy and carbon goals in previous projects. This will align you with the company's commitment to sustainable practices and show that you're forward-thinking.

Design Manager in Manchester
RG Setsquare
Location: Manchester

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