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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery for exciting education projects across Kent and the South East.
- Company: Reputable main contractor with a strong focus on education sector projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term work pipeline, and supportive teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with a well-structured team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in the education sector and strong coordination skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Kent
Sector: Education
Contract Type: Permanent
The Opportunity
We are working with a reputable main contractor delivering a strong pipeline of DfE-funded education projects across Kent and the wider South East. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to take ownership of design delivery across new-build and refurbishment education schemes. This role would suit a Design Manager currently working for, or recently employed by, a main contractor with demonstrable experience delivering education projects through the full design and construction lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to completion
- Coordinate consultants, subcontract designers, and internal project teams
- Manage design risk, programme, and change control
- Chair and contribute to design team meetings
- Ensure design information is issued in line with construction requirements
- Support tender and pre-construction activities where required
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Design Manager working for a main contractor
- Strong background delivering education projects (DfE)
- Good understanding of Design & Build procurement
- Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working on live construction projects
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary or day rate (depending on contract type)
- Long-term pipeline of education work
- Opportunity to work with an established contractor with repeat DfE frameworks
- Supportive and well-structured design and delivery teams
Interested? If you are a Design Manager with education sector experience and a main contractor background, or if you know someone suitable, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Design Manager employer: Skilled Careers Ltd
Contact Detail:
Skilled Careers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Design Manager role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best education projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your design management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing design processes for education schemes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in managing design processes, especially in education projects. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Design Manager role. Share specific examples of your past work and how it relates to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Coordination Skills: Since this role involves coordinating various teams and stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in this area. We love seeing how you’ve successfully managed design risks and changes in previous projects!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skilled Careers Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the specific education projects the company has worked on. Be ready to discuss your own experience in delivering similar projects and how you managed the design process from start to finish.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to coordinate various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed consultants and subcontract designers in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand Design & Build Procurement
Brush up on your knowledge of Design & Build procurement methods. Be prepared to discuss how this approach impacts project delivery and how you’ve applied it in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to design risk management and change control. Think about specific instances where you had to manage these aspects and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making.
