At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes on high-value projects, from tender to construction.
- Company: Join Tilbury Douglas, a top UK building and infrastructure company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape innovative designs and make a real impact across diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Proven design management experience in complex construction projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join our Building team, supporting projects across the West Midlands. This is a key role responsible for managing the design process on complex, high-value projects from tender stage through to the start of construction. You will play a critical role in shaping project outcomes, with the autonomy to influence design strategy, client engagement, and technical solutions from the earliest stages. Working closely with clients, consultants, and internal teams, you will drive innovative, cost-effective design solutions that support successful project delivery across sectors including education, healthcare, and custodial.
- Lead and manage the design process from tender through to construction, ensuring alignment with programme, cost, and quality requirements.
- Develop and coordinate innovative, buildable, and cost-effective design solutions in collaboration with consultants and subcontractors.
- Act as the primary interface with clients and the design team, managing relationships and expectations throughout the pre-construction phase.
- Drive value engineering and risk management, identifying opportunities to optimise design and improve project outcomes.
- Oversee design team performance, information flow, and tender deliverables to ensure a robust and competitive submission.
You will be a technically strong and commercially aware construction professional with a proven track record in design management within a main contractor environment.
- Significant experience managing design on complex construction projects from tender through to delivery.
- Strong technical construction knowledge, including current Building Regulations and sustainable design standards.
- A solid understanding of site operations, buildability, and project risks, supported by site-based experience.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing subcontractor design packages.
- Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Proficiency in MS Office; experience with planning or estimating software.
Competitive salary and car allowance, ~26 days annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 3 days, additional long service leave at 3, 7, and 10 years, private medical insurance (with option to extend to family), life assurance and pension matched up to 8%, enhanced family leave policies, flexible and agile working (role dependent), Employee Assistance Programme, including financial advice, payment of professional membership fees, access to “Perks at Work” discount platform, flexible benefits including critical illness cover, dental insurance, travel insurance, cycle to work scheme, and retail vouchers.
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering vital projects across sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water, and environment. We are proud to hold Investors in Diversity status. This role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
Design Lead - to be a manager in Birmingham employer: Tilbury Douglas
Tilbury Douglas is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Building team across the West Midlands. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive while contributing to impactful projects in diverse sectors such as education and healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design and construction events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure you have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best design projects. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your role in each project. We want to see your creativity and problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design philosophy and recent work. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing examples of how you've managed design processes in the past. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t hesitate to follow up after applying; it shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Design Lead role. Highlight your design management experience, especially on complex projects, and don’t forget to mention your technical knowledge of current Building Regulations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Talk about your experience managing design processes and how you’ve driven innovative solutions in past projects.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've managed relationships and expectations with clients and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tilbury Douglas
✨Know Your Design Process Inside Out
Make sure you can clearly articulate your experience managing the design process from tender to construction. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve influenced design strategy and client engagement, showcasing your ability to drive innovative solutions.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on current Building Regulations and sustainable design standards. Be prepared to discuss how your technical expertise has helped you navigate complex construction projects and how it can benefit the company’s objectives.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since this role involves managing relationships with clients and internal teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your communication prowess.
✨Prepare for Value Engineering Discussions
Understand the principles of value engineering and be ready to discuss how you’ve identified opportunities to optimise design in past projects. This shows that you’re not just about aesthetics but also about delivering cost-effective solutions.
