At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a major commercial fit out project in Manchester.
- Company: Established commercial fit out contractor with exciting projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and involvement from pre-construction to completion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a substantial project and take ownership of design coordination.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in commercial fit out or refurbishment.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester City Centre
Salary: Circa 65,000 per annum + Car Allowance
About you
If you are an experienced Design Manager who has worked on large commercial fit out projects and enjoys being involved from the early stages of a scheme through to delivery, this could be a really good opportunity for you. You will be joining an established commercial fit out contractor who has secured a substantial project in Manchester City Centre. The scheme involves approximately 40,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space, with a construction value of around 10m to 12m. The project is currently in pre-construction, with work expected to commence on site during Q1 2027. This is an opportunity to get involved early, helping to coordinate the design process and ensuring the project is properly prepared before construction begins.
Ideally, you will have experience working on multimillion-pound commercial fit out projects. Previous experience of laboratory fit outs or technically complex environments would be beneficial, although this is not essential.
Your experience
You will need previous experience working as a Design Manager within the construction industry, ideally with a background in commercial fit out, refurbishment or design and build projects. You should be comfortable managing the design process on substantial projects, working closely with architects, consultants, subcontractors and the wider project delivery team. Your experience should include:
- Managing and coordinating the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery.
- Working on large commercial fit out or refurbishment schemes.
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information.
- Coordinating architects, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
- Managing design programmes and ensuring information is issued in line with project requirements.
- Identifying design risks and resolving technical issues before they affect progress on site.
- Attending design meetings with clients and the wider project team.
- Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure designs meet project requirements and budgets.
Experience working on laboratory fit outs, specialist workspaces or technically demanding commercial environments would be advantageous.
The role
You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process on a major Manchester City Centre fit out project. With the scheme currently in pre-construction, you will have the opportunity to become involved before work starts on site, helping to ensure the design is coordinated and ready for delivery. You will work closely with the project management team, consultants and subcontractors, ensuring design information is accurate, coordinated and issued in accordance with the construction programme. As the project progresses, you will continue to manage design-related matters, resolve technical queries and support the successful delivery of the scheme. This could be a particularly good opportunity for a Design Manager who enjoys being involved in a substantial project from the outset and wants to take ownership of the design coordination process.
What's on offer
- Salary circa 65,000 per annum.
- Car allowance.
- Opportunity to work on a 10m–12m commercial fit out project.
- Involvement from pre-construction through to completion.
- A substantial Manchester City Centre scheme combining office and laboratory space.
- Opportunity to join an established commercial fit out contractor.
If you are an experienced Design Manager looking for your next opportunity in Manchester, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Design Manager employer: Rogers McHugh Recruitment
Join our dynamic team as a Painter & Decorator, where your skills will be valued in a supportive and collaborative work environment. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that prioritises punctuality and teamwork, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨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 Rogers McHugh Recruitment, 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 Rogers McHugh Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
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 Rogers McHugh Recruitment
✨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!
