At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the design process for high-value construction projects.
- Company: Join Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building and infrastructure company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working 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 like education and healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and a degree in a construction-related discipline required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
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 (13446) in Warrington employer: Tilbury Douglas
Tilbury Douglas is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior Design Leader in the vibrant city of Northampton. With a focus on professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills through various training opportunities while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The company's commitment to excellence in complex construction projects across diverse sectors ensures that you will be part of meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (13446) in Warrington
✨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 Tilbury Douglas, 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 Design Manager (13446) at Tilbury Douglas.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (13446) in Warrington
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 Tilbury Douglas
✨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!
