At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery for exciting education projects from start to finish.
- Company: Reputable main contractor with a strong focus on education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term projects, and supportive teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the education sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in education projects is essential.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a solid pipeline of work.
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 experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your background aligns with their needs, especially in managing design processes for education schemes.
✨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, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
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 the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes, especially in education projects. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work in education projects and how you’ve successfully managed design teams.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your coordination and stakeholder management skills. We love seeing how you’ve navigated challenges in live construction projects, so be sure to include those experiences in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 how your experience aligns with their past and current projects, especially in the DfE sector.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to coordinate various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design processes and collaborated with consultants and subcontractors in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨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 navigated challenges in past projects. This shows you’re not just experienced but also knowledgeable about industry practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding design risk and change control. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve had to manage these aspects and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.