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- Tasks: Lead innovative design processes for exciting industrial and logistics projects.
- Company: Join STRABAG UK, a forward-thinking leader in construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects from concept to construction readiness.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction, Architecture, or Engineering; proven design management experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
STRABAG UK’s Build Sub Division is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Design Manager to join our Preconstruction team, supporting the successful delivery of industrial and logistics projects across the UK. The role sits at the heart of our project development phase, where you will lead and coordinate the design process from early concept through to construction readiness, ensuring innovative, cost‑effective and buildable solutions are achieved.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design process during work‑winning and pre‑construction stages
- Review and interpret Employer’s Requirements (ERs), contractor proposals, and tender documentation
- Develop and manage the Design Responsibility Matrix (DRM)
- Prepare and manage the Design Deliverables Schedule aligned with the tender programme
- Establish clear design management protocols and communication structures
- Manage RFI processes during tender stage
- Ensure design deliverables support procurement strategy and early package engagement
- Appoint, brief and manage external design consultants during bid stage
- Chair and coordinate design team meetings
- Ensure effective communication between estimators, planners, commercial, and operational teams
- Interface with client technical teams, statutory authorities, and key stakeholders
- Represent the contractor in client design meetings
- Ensure designs comply with Planning conditions, Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, Fire strategy and Building Safety requirements, Relevant British Standards and codes
- Lead design risk reviews and ensure risks are identified, mitigated, and priced appropriately
- Review and challenge consultant proposals to ensure Buildability, Cost efficiency, Programme alignment, Temporary works considerations, Health & safety integration
- Coordinate design reviews, clash detection, and BIM integration (where applicable)
- Work closely with Estimating to ensure design solutions align with cost plans
- Identify value engineering opportunities
- Quantify and articulate design risk within tender submissions
- Ensure scope gaps are identified and clarified pre‑contract
- Support bid settlement and client interviews with technical input
- Align design deliverables with procurement schedules
- Identify long‑lead design elements
- Support early engagement with key subcontractors and specialists
- Facilitate design input from supply chain partners
- Ensure structured and complete design handover to the project delivery team
- Provide clarity on design assumptions, qualifications, and outstanding risks
- Assist in transition from PCSA to construction phase where applicable
- Identify process improvements within pre‑construction design management
- Support development of design management best practice within the business
- Contribute to lessons learned reviews post‑tender and post‑project award
Qualifications
- Degree in Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline
- Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor, ideally in Industrial or Logistics/Build projects
- Management skills and confidence when dealing with staff, clients, figures, design issues and programmes
- Strong understanding of pre‑construction processes, design management, and procurement routes
- Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction standards
Desirable: Member of CIOB / ICE
Design Manager (Pre-Construction) in Solihull employer: Strabag
Contact Detail:
Strabag Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Pre-Construction) in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Design Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and management experiences. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in pre-construction processes and design management. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Design Managers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Pre-Construction) in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes, especially in industrial and logistics projects, to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Talk about your understanding of UK Building Regulations and your experience with design management protocols to catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
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 during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strabag
✨Know Your Design Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of design management processes, especially in the context of pre-construction. Be ready to discuss how you've led design processes in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to STRABAG UK’s projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Employer's Requirements
Before the interview, take time to review typical Employer’s Requirements (ERs) and contractor proposals. Being able to interpret these documents and discuss them confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about UK Building Regulations, design risk reviews, and cost-effective solutions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated these areas, as this will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed teams and facilitated meetings in the past. Highlight any experience you have in liaising with clients and stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the role.