Design Manager

Design Manager

Full-Time 52000 - 78000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design coordination for exciting construction projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
  • Company: Dynamic main contractor specialising in residential and commercial construction across the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and clear career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale projects while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management; experience in design or project management required.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with diverse projects and excellent growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.

Stride Recruitment are urgently recruiting a Design Manager to coordinate and manage all design-related aspects of construction projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality and specifications for a main contractor specialising in residential and commercial construction across the UK, based in London.

What's on offer:

  • £62,000 – £75,000, potentially more for senior-level PMs on large/high-value projects in London
  • Car or Car Allowance
  • Hybrid working with flexible working approach
  • Career advancement: The company provides opportunities for advancement, with some roles seen as a "rare opportunity due to low staff turnover," suggesting career progression paths.
  • Impactful projects: You can contribute to meaningful projects in the civil engineering and water sectors, which are often large-scale and impactful.
  • Diverse projects: Depending on the specific role, you may work on a variety of projects, such as a recent £14 million lab for a university.

Key responsibilities:

  • Coordination: Manage communication and workflow between various design disciplines (architects, structural engineers, MEP, etc.).
  • Client Liaison: Act as the main design point of contact, translating client needs into buildable plans and managing expectations.
  • Technical Oversight: Review drawings and specifications for buildability, compliance (health & safety, legislation), and cost-effectiveness (value engineering).
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate design-related risks and errors that could impact cost or schedule.
  • Documentation: Maintain records, ensuring design information is timely, accurate, and meets project standards.
  • Pre-construction Focus: Heavily involved in the pre-construction phase to resolve issues before site work begins.

Academic qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree (BSc, HND, or HNC) in a relevant discipline such as:
  • Architecture
  • Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Construction Management or Building Studies
  • Some senior roles may benefit from a Master's degree or require specific professional body membership (e.g., CIOB, RIBA, ICE, or CIAT).
  • Several years of experience (often a minimum of 3-6 years, or 10+ for senior roles) within the construction industry, specifically in a design or project management function.
  • Previous leadership experience, as the role involves managing a team of designers and coordinating various consultants and subcontractors.
  • Experience in managing the design process through all project stages (e.g., RIBA Plan of Work stages).
  • A strong understanding of different client procurement routes, such as Design & Build contracts.
  • Thank you for taking the time to review this position and if you are interested please submit your most up to date CV to be contacted by Sam Day @ Stride.

    Design Manager employer: Stride

    Stride Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary range of £62,000 – £75,000, along with flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for career advancement in the vibrant city of London. Employees benefit from engaging in impactful projects within the civil engineering and water sectors, while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and low staff turnover.
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    Contact Detail:

    Stride 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 connections in the construction and design sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your portfolio! As a Design Manager, your work speaks volumes. Make sure to have a well-organised portfolio that showcases your best projects. Highlight your role in each project and the impact you made. This will help you stand out during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on common design management scenarios and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled challenges in past projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that Design Manager role!

    We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

    Design Coordination
    Client Liaison
    Technical Oversight
    Risk Management
    Documentation Management
    Pre-construction Planning
    Team Leadership
    Project Management
    Understanding of RIBA Plan of Work
    Knowledge of Design & Build Contracts
    Communication Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Budget Management

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing design processes and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

    Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage design-related aspects effectively. We love seeing impactful projects that you've contributed to, so don't hold back!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!

    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’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Stride

    ✨Know Your Projects

    Before the interview, dive deep into the types of projects the company has worked on. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially in residential and commercial construction. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their work.

    ✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills

    As a Design Manager, you'll need to manage communication between various design disciplines. Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully coordinated teams or resolved conflicts. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

    ✨Understand Client Needs

    Be ready to discuss how you translate client needs into actionable plans. Think of specific instances where you managed client expectations and delivered results. This shows that you can be the main design point of contact and effectively liaise with clients.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Brush up on your technical knowledge related to design compliance, health & safety legislation, and value engineering. Expect questions that assess your ability to review drawings and specifications. Being well-prepared will showcase your expertise and confidence in the field.

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