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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage design processes for diverse construction projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Established regional contractor with a strong reputation and diverse project portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and long-term career stability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with direct access to decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in design management and strong knowledge of relevant contracts.
- Other info: Inclusive environment valuing diversity and equality of opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Welshpool, Powys (hybrid – office, site & remote)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience + benefits
About the Role
We are a well-established regional main contractor with a turnover of £20m, delivering diverse public and private sector projects across the Midlands. Our project portfolio spans from smaller technical schemes (circa £500k) through to larger, complex developments of up to £7m.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to take ownership of our design function across both pre-construction and live projects. This is the most senior design role within the business, carrying responsibility for setting standards, managing risk, and ensuring consistent design delivery across our varied portfolio. This role suits a seasoned contractor-side Design Manager who can scale their approach—providing proportionate design control on smaller schemes whilst leading robust coordination on larger, more complex projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to practical completion
- Take overall responsibility for design coordination under JCT Design & Build and NEC contracts
- Act as the senior point of contact for external consultants, designers and specialist subcontractors
- Ensure design solutions are appropriate, compliant and commercially aligned across projects ranging from £500k to £7m
- Chair and lead design team and technical coordination meetings
- Review, interrogate and challenge design information to ensure:
- Buildability and constructability
- Cost and risk control
About You
- Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager within a main contractor environment
- Strong working knowledge of JCT Design & Build and NEC forms of contract
- Proven ability to manage and coordinate design on projects of varying scale and complexity
- Practical, delivery-focused mindset with strong construction knowledge
- Commercially aware and confident in managing design risk and change
- Able to operate as the senior design authority, providing clear direction to consultants and project teams
- Comfortable working autonomously and engaging directly with senior management
- Degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline
- Chartered status or working towards chartership (CIOB, RIBA, ICE or similar)
What We Offer
- A senior, trusted role with genuine influence over design delivery
- Varied workload across multiple sectors and project sizes
- Direct access to Directors and decision-makers
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Long-term career stability within a growing regional contractor
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We are managing this recruitment process directly and are not working with recruitment agencies for this position. Agency submissions will not be considered.
Senior Design Manager in Welshpool employer: SWG Group
Contact Detail:
SWG Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Welshpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their design processes and recent work. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your ability to manage design risk and coordinate complex projects, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Welshpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with JCT Design & Build and NEC contracts, as well as any relevant projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage design processes effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Design Manager, you'll be leading teams and coordinating with various stakeholders. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully led design teams and managed complex projects in your 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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWG Group
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the company undertakes. Familiarise yourself with their portfolio, especially those ranging from £500k to £7m. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Master the Contracts
Since the role involves managing design under JCT Design & Build and NEC contracts, brush up on these contract types. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated these frameworks in past roles, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, you'll be leading teams and coordinating with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively led design teams and managed external consultants. Highlight your ability to chair meetings and drive design coordination to ensure project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
The interviewers will want to see that you can manage design risks and changes effectively. Think of specific instances where you identified potential issues and implemented solutions. This will showcase your practical, delivery-focused mindset and reassure them of your capability to handle complex projects.
