At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a design team to deliver innovative cleanroom projects across various sectors.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing design and build specialist contractor with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape design standards and work on technically challenging projects internationally.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years of design experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The Role
Would you like to join a rapidly growing design and build specialist contractor delivering technically challenging projects across the UK and internationally?
Working across the life sciences, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors, our client designs, manufactures and constructs innovative, high-specification cleanrooms and controlled environments.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced
Design Manager to lead their modular/portable cleanroom business unit.
You will lead a team of 3 Design Engineers
, working alongside 2 fellow Design Managers within a wider design department of 13 people.
Reporting into senior operational leadership, you’ll take ownership of multidisciplinary design delivery from concept through to manufacture, installation and project completion.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced design professional looking to combine technical leadership, people management and continuous improvement within a growing and forward-thinking business.
Candidates from all construction or manufacturing design backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Cleanroom experience is preferred but not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of multidisciplinary design projects, ensuring designs are technically robust, compliant and delivered on time.
- Manage and develop your business unit’s design team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate with project, commercial, manufacturing, procurement and installation teams, proactively managing design risks, technical challenges and programme impacts.
- Provide technical leadership to clients and internal stakeholders, leading design meetings and ensuring projects are fully prepared before delivery begins.
- Drive continuous improvement across design standards, BIM processes, Revit, ACC and digital workflows, promoting consistency and best practice.
- Champion modern methods of construction, including Design for Manufacture and Assembly (Df MA), off-site manufacturing and modular construction.
- Collaborate with senior leadership, external consultants and specialist suppliers to support successful project delivery and continuous improvement across the design function.
- Support tender, ITT and pre-construction activities, providing practical, compliant and commercially aware technical solutions.
- Monitor design progress, priorities and project milestones, ensuring effective planning and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure all design outputs meet the highest standards of quality, coordination and compliance before issue.
- What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Around 5–10 years’ design experience within the engineering, construction or manufacturing industries.
- Previous experience managing a design team or leading engineering and design processes.
- Strong experience delivering multidisciplinary design projects.
- Excellent proficiency in Autodesk Revit, Auto CAD and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
- Excellent understanding of BIM, design coordination and digital design workflows.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Good understanding of construction methods, buildability and CDM principles.
- A proactive approach to leadership, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Desirable
- Experience within cleanrooms or controlled environments.
- Experience using Solid Works.
- Experience in modular construction, off-site manufacturing or Df MA.
- Experience within highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, pharmaceutical, healthcare or aerospace.
Why Apply?
Hybrid working (1–2 days per week) with flexibility.
- Work on technically challenging projects across the UK and internationally.
- Join a growing specialist engineering contractor with an excellent reputation.
- Lead and develop a talented design team.
- Play a key role in shaping design standards, digital processes and engineering excellence.
- Long-term career progression within an expanding business.
- Exposure to innovative projects across the life sciences, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors.
Interested?
If you’re an experienced Design Manager, Senior Designer or Lead Designer looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Trait Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Locations
Design Manager in Norfolk, Thetford employer: Trait Recruitment
Join a rapidly growing design and build specialist contractor in Thetford, Norfolk, where you will lead a talented design team in delivering innovative cleanroom solutions for the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and aerospace sectors. With a strong focus on employee development, hybrid working options, and the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects, this company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Norfolk, Thetford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Manager role you’re after at Trait Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Trait Recruitment a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Trait Recruitment.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Manager at Trait Recruitment, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Norfolk, Thetford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Trait Recruitment a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Trait Recruitment specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trait Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Trait Recruitment, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Trait Recruitment want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
