At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the design process for high-value construction projects.
- Company: Join Tilbury Douglas, a top UK building and engineering firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values innovation and individual differences.
- Why this job: Shape innovative designs and make a real impact in diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong technical construction knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
We are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join our Building team, supporting projects across the North West. 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.
Key Duties
- 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.
About You
You will be a technically strong and commercially aware construction professional with a proven track record in design management within a main contractor environment. You will bring:
- 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 (e.g. BREEAM/Passivhaus).
- 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.
- Analytical problem-solving ability and sound decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office; experience with planning or estimating software (e.g. Powerproject, Causeway) is desirable.
- A degree in a construction-related discipline is essential. Professional membership (e.g. CIOB) is desirable.
What We Can Offer You
- 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.
- 2 volunteering days per year.
- 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.
Who We Are
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. Our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages innovation and celebrates individual differences. We are proud to hold Investors in Diversity status.
Please note: we do not hold a sponsorship licence. This role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. We look forward to receiving your application.
Design Manager in Manchester employer: Tilbury Douglas
At Tilbury Douglas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wigan that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and professional development opportunities, all while promoting a culture of inclusivity and support. Join us to make a meaningful impact on high-value projects across the North West, where your expertise will be valued and your career can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design and construction events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you land that interview, bring along examples of your past projects. Highlight your role in managing design processes and how you’ve driven innovative solutions. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle design challenges or client interactions. Practise your responses so you can confidently showcase your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in a Design Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing design processes and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align 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. Share specific examples of your past successes in design management and how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires strong technical construction knowledge, make sure to mention your familiarity with current Building Regulations and sustainable design standards. We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date with industry trends!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tilbury Douglas
✨Know Your Design Process
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.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on current Building Regulations and sustainable design standards like BREEAM or Passivhaus. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects, especially in relation to buildability and project risks.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships with clients and design teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decisions at various levels throughout the pre-construction phase.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Anticipate questions that test your analytical problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in design management and how you optimised design solutions to improve project outcomes.
