At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for winning bids on exciting projects.
- Company: Top UK contractor known for high-quality fit-out and refurbishment.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work, and immediate start.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and work on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Shape innovative designs and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management with a focus on bids and tenders.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Position: Bid Design Manager Location: London (Hybrid - min 4 days in office) Salary: £400 - £470 per day (PAYE - Inside IR35) Contract: Freelance, Ongoing Portfolio
We are working with a leading UK main contractor specialising in high-quality fit-out and refurbishment across commercial, public sector, and corporate environments.
Due to a strong pipeline of upcoming work in London, they are looking to appoint an experienced Bid Design Manager on a freelance basis.
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in winning and shaping complex interior and refurbishment projects during the critical tender stages.
Role Overview
As the Bid Design Manager, you will focus strictly on the design management aspect of putting together winning bids.
Rather than managing live projects, your role is to review tender documents, challenge design risks, and help coordinate the design strategy needed to secure new work.
You will partner with senior stakeholders and multi-disciplinary bid teams to secure strategically important projects across Commercial and Government Frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage the design information required specifically for bid submissions.
- Review the client's design requirements (Employer's Requirements) to spot technical risks and cost-saving opportunities.
- Challenge and critique incoming design information to ensure it aligns with the overall bid strategy.
- Act as the technical design expert within the bid team, helping to write and review quality tender answers.
- Manage and brief external design consultants to ensure their proposals support the bid's commercial goals.
- Work closely with estimators and bid writers to ensure the design solution is accurately priced and clearly explained in the final submission.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Design Manager with a strong focus on bids and tenders.
- Solid background in fit-out, refurbishment, or interior construction.
- Experience working within a main contractor or Design & Build (D&B) environment.
- Deep understanding of design coordination, buildability, and technical detailing.
- Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and design consultants under tight bid deadlines.
- Sharp commercial awareness and the ability to influence design for cost and programme benefits.
- Confident communicator in both technical and client-facing settings.
- What’s on Offer
- £400 - £470 per day (PAYE - Inside IR35).
- Hybrid working arrangement (minimum 4 days in the London office).
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, design-led workspace projects.
- Immediate start available.
If you are a Design Manager who thrives in a bid environment and you are looking for your next freelance opportunity in London, we would love to hear from you
Bid Design Manager employer: Velocity Recruitment
Velocity Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With competitive daily rates and a hybrid working model, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Design Manager
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Velocity Recruitment.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Velocity Recruitment know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Velocity Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Velocity Recruitment. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
