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 education projects 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 relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past projects and how you’ve successfully managed design processes. Real-life examples can make a huge difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of DfE-funded projects and Design & Build procurement. Being well-versed in these areas will show you’re the right fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities waiting for talented Design Managers like you. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
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 with education projects and any relevant skills that match the job description. 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 design management, especially in education projects, to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Coordination Skills: Since the role involves managing various teams and stakeholders, make sure to highlight your coordination and communication skills in your application. We love seeing how you’ve successfully led teams 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 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 thoroughly understand the education projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to design delivery and coordination.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage various stakeholders, from consultants to subcontract designers. Discuss how you’ve successfully coordinated teams and maintained communication throughout the design process.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Risk Management Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about how you identify and manage design risks. Share specific instances where your proactive approach helped mitigate issues during the construction lifecycle, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage in Design Team Discussions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your thoughts on design processes. This shows your enthusiasm for collaboration and your understanding of the importance of effective team meetings in delivering successful projects.