At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design activities for fire remediation and re-cladding projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading main contractor known for delivering complex refurbishment schemes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, gym discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available for junior team members in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and knowledge of fire safety regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading main contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its team in Hertfordshire, specialising in fire remediation, façade remediation and re-cladding projects across Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business delivering technically complex refurbishment and remediation schemes, where you will play a key role leading the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
The successful candidate will take full technical responsibility for allocated projects, managing and coordinating the design process to ensure compliance, programme certainty and successful project delivery. You will provide technical support during tender stages and work closely with consultants, subcontractors and operational teams throughout construction. Previous experience delivering major refurbishment, fire remediation and re-cladding projects is highly advantageous. This role may also include mentoring or line management responsibilities for junior design team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate design activities from tender through to construction completion.
- Manage façade remediation and re-cladding design packages on Higher-Risk Buildings.
- Provide technical support during pre-construction and tendering phases.
- Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors and project delivery teams.
- Ensure designs comply with current building regulations, fire safety legislation and industry standards.
- Manage design programmes using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
- Review technical submissions, RFIs and consultant design information.
- Drive design coordination and resolve technical issues efficiently.
- Support procurement and construction teams with buildability and sequencing input.
- Utilise Common Data Environments such as Viewpoint for Projects and Fieldview.
- Support BIM and digital design coordination processes.
Essential
- Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor or specialist façade/cladding environment.
- Strong background delivering fire remediation, façade remediation or re-cladding projects.
- Experience working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
- Detailed understanding of major construction methods including RC frames, structural steel, timber and masonry.
- Experience supporting single and two-stage tender processes.
- Working knowledge of JCT, PPC and NEC contracts.
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, procurement and design coordination.
- Experience using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
- Familiarity with BIM processes and Common Data Environments.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
Desirable
- Membership of a professional body such as CIOB, RICS, RIBA or ICE.
- Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management, Health & Safety or Environmental disciplines.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Life cover equivalent to 2x annual salary.
- Employee discount schemes and gym membership discounts.
- Cycle to work and holiday purchase schemes.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Employee referral programme.
- Access to wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes.
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, technically challenging remediation projects.
Locations
Design Lead - to be a manager in Devon, Plymouth employer: Skilled Careers Ltd
Join a leading main contractor in Hertfordshire as a Design Manager, where you will be at the forefront of delivering complex fire remediation and re-cladding projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers ongoing professional development, a competitive salary, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Enjoy unique benefits such as gym membership discounts, cycle to work schemes, and access to wellbeing support, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager in Devon, Plymouth
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Skilled Careers Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Lead - to be a manager at Skilled Careers Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skilled Careers Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
