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- Tasks: Lead design delivery on complex projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading contractor with a strong project team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, flexible working, and private medical.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in design management and innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re working with a leading contractor seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their senior project team. This role will take ownership of design delivery across complex projects from tender through to construction completion. You’ll lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring solutions are safe, cost-effective, buildable, and aligned with client requirements. A strong focus on value engineering, risk management, and stakeholder engagement is key.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage design from bid stage through to construction delivery
- Lead coordination of internal teams, consultants, and subcontractors
- Ensure compliance with CDM and industry standards
- Drive value engineering and innovative design solutions
- Oversee design programmes, deliverables, and information flow
- Chair design meetings and resolve technical/interface issues
- Support BIM and digital delivery across projects
About you:
- Proven experience in design management on large-scale projects (£10m+)
- Background in water, process, or similar engineering sectors
- Strong technical construction knowledge with a focus on buildability
- Experience across both tender and delivery phases
- Degree-qualified (engineering/construction related)
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Experience with DfE required
What’s on offer:
- Competitive salary + car allowance
- Flexible/agile working
- Private medical & enhanced pension
- Generous annual leave + additional benefits
Should you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to call Nicky Harris RGB Recruitment Exeter.
Design Lead - to be a manager employer: RGB Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RGB Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design and construction events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with value engineering and stakeholder engagement, as these are crucial for the role. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your portfolio! If you’ve led successful projects, make sure to highlight them during interviews. Bring along visuals or case studies that demonstrate your design management skills and how you’ve tackled complex challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the process, so make sure to check it out regularly.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design across large-scale projects and your technical construction knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share examples of how you've successfully led design teams and delivered innovative solutions in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong stakeholder management is key, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Mention any relevant experiences where you’ve effectively engaged with clients or resolved technical issues.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at RGB Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those over £10m. Be ready to discuss your role in design management, how you handled challenges, and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Lead, you'll be managing teams and coordinating with various stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, how you resolve conflicts, and your approach to ensuring compliance with industry standards.
✨Emphasise Value Engineering Experience
Since this role focuses on value engineering, come prepared with specific instances where you implemented innovative design solutions that saved costs or improved efficiency. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about technical aspects of design management, including CDM compliance and BIM processes. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you've applied them in past projects to show your expertise.