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For Companies 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 with a background in education projects.
- 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
Contact Detail:
Skilled Careers 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, especially those who have worked on education projects. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed. Highlight your role in design delivery and how you tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in education design and construction. Being knowledgeable about current practices will show you're passionate and committed to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
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 and delivering education projects, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education projects and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects you've worked on that relate to the education sector. We want to see your proven track record in managing design delivery effectively.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skilled Careers
✨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 industry practices.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to design risk management, programme control, and change control. Think of specific instances where you had to manage these aspects in your projects. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
