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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for exciting residential projects and ensure top-notch delivery.
- Company: Established contractor with a strong reputation in residential retrofit and regeneration.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, car allowance, travel expenses, pension, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on significant residential schemes.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in residential projects is essential.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities with a long-term project pipeline.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established main contractor with an annual turnover of circa £200m, delivering high-quality residential and regeneration schemes across the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team on a flagship residential retrofit and regeneration project in Oxford, set to run over the next two years.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process from pre‑construction through to project completion, ensuring coordination, compliance, and delivery in line with programme and budget. You will play a key role in managing consultant teams, driving design solutions, and supporting site delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate the design process across all project stages
- Liaise with clients, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure design alignment
- Review and manage design information to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations
- Identify and mitigate design risks and buildability issues
- Support the project team in delivering programme milestones
- Drive value engineering and innovative design solutions
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Design Manager on residential projects (essential)
- Strong understanding of retrofit and/or regeneration schemes (desirable)
- Main contractor background preferred
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple design packages and deadlines effectively
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary of £70,000 - £85,000
- £6,000 car allowance
- Travel expenses covered
- Pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Long‑term project pipeline with a reputable contractor
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing contractor on a significant, long-term residential scheme with strong career progression prospects. If you're an experienced Design Manager looking for your next challenge in Oxford, we'd like to hear from you.
Design Manager in Oxford employer: The Labour Group
Contact Detail:
The Labour Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend design and construction events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those related to residential retrofit and regeneration. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to design management and project delivery. Think about how you can relate your past experiences to the specific requirements of the role, especially around managing consultant teams and driving innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, including the Design Manager position in Oxford. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with residential projects and any specific work you've done on retrofit or regeneration schemes. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your management skills and how you’ve successfully coordinated design processes in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Design Manager, communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively liaised with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. We want to see that you can manage relationships and keep everyone on the same page.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Labour Group
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand your past projects, especially those related to residential retrofit and regeneration. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed design processes, and the outcomes of your efforts.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your communication skills, particularly in managing consultant teams and ensuring design alignment. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about compliance, design risks, and buildability issues. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous projects. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Value Engineering Knowledge
Value engineering is crucial in design management. Be prepared to share examples of innovative design solutions you've implemented that saved costs or improved project efficiency. This will show your potential employer that you can drive value in their projects.