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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 relevant events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Design Manager role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best education projects and design processes. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Design & Build procurement and the specific challenges in education projects. Being well-versed in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing design processes, especially in education projects. We want to see how you've led teams and coordinated with stakeholders, so don’t hold back on those details!
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 in the education sector and how you’ve tackled challenges in design delivery.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your strong coordination and stakeholder management skills. We’re looking for someone who can handle the pressure of live construction projects, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
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.
