At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes from pre-construction to completion on diverse projects.
- Company: Established regional contractor with a strong portfolio and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and long-term career stability.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Welshpool, Powys (hybrid – office, site & remote)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Circa £70K, commensurate with experience + benefits + car allowance
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
- Manage design risk, design change processes and information release schedules
- Work closely with Commercial and Construction teams to ensure design intent is delivered on site
- Support procurement of design-led and specialist packages
- Oversee handover information, as-built records and O&M documentation
- Develop and maintain proportionate design management procedures suitable for projects of all scales
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
SWG Group is an excellent employer that offers a dynamic work environment where you can take full ownership of your projects and enjoy direct access to decision-makers. With a competitive salary, car allowance, and performance bonuses, along with support for MRICS and MCIOB qualifications, we prioritise employee growth and development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for professionals in Mid and North Wales, the West Midlands, and Cheshire looking for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Welshpool
✨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 SWG Group, 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 Senior Design Manager at SWG Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Welshpool
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 SWG Group
✨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!
