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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 education and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise as a Design Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific education projects you've worked on, highlighting your role in design delivery and how you managed risks and changes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your coordination skills! During interviews, emphasise how you've successfully managed teams and stakeholders in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to lead design processes effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have a range of exciting opportunities for Design Managers in the education sector. It’s a great way to get noticed and land that dream job!
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 this role involves managing various teams and stakeholders, make sure to highlight your coordination and communication skills. We love seeing how you've successfully led design processes in previous roles!
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, subcontract designers, and internal teams in past projects. 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. This will show that you’re not just experienced but also knowledgeable about current practices.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage stakeholders and handle design risks. Think of specific instances where you’ve had to navigate complex stakeholder relationships or mitigate design risks. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in a live construction environment.
