At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects in banking and food retail refurbishments, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest and most respected main contractors with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with access to top-notch training and development.
- Why this job: Take your design career to the next level with exciting projects and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management or architecture, preferably in banking or food retail.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
Central London - Fit Out Contractor
The Role
Following a series of recent project wins, an exciting opportunity has arisen with one of the UK's largest and most respected main contractors. They are seeking to recruit a Designer to join their team, working on a programme of banking and food retail refurbishment and fit-out projects with individual project values ranging from £100,000 to £5M. This is a highly successful organisation delivering some of the UK's most prestigious construction projects. With an annual turnover exceeding £2bn and a workforce of over 2,000 employees nationwide, the company has an excellent reputation within the industry. Their portfolio spans a wide range of sectors including Banking, Food Retail, & Public Sector. This role would particularly suit a Designer looking to take the next step in their career.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and contribute to project proposals
- Produce, negotiate, and manage project-specific designer agreements, scopes of work, and design management plans, ensuring clarity and alignment across all parties
- Ensure project designs are fully reviewed, identifying and mitigating Health & Safety risks
- Produce and manage a realistic design programme and information delivery schedule aligned with design, procurement, and construction requirements
- Lead and coordinate the on-site design team, including external design consultants
- Chair and lead design team meetings with key stakeholders
- Provide input into design team performance development reviews (PDRs)
Candidate Experience
- Experience working for a main contractor or as a Lead Architect
- Banking and/or food retail experience is desirable but not essential
- Previous roles may include Design Manager, Assistant Design Manager, Design Coordinator, Project Architect, or Junior Design Manager
- Proven experience delivering projects from inception through to completion
- Evidence of leading regulatory compliance
- Experience planning/monitoring design-compliance strategies
- Experience issuing PD:BR declarations or working directly with Building Control
- Experience managing multidisciplinary design compliance
- Golden-thread or gateway-style information management responsibilities
- Demonstrate PAS 8671-level competence
This is an excellent opportunity to progress your career with a leading main contractor in a stable and supportive environment. The successful candidate will benefit from:
The Benefits
- Long-term career progression opportunities
- A competitive salary and generous benefits package
- Access to an industry-leading training and development programme
- Flexible working, including up to two days per week working from home
Principal Designer in London 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 Principal Designer in London
✨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 Velocity Recruitment, 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 Principal Designer at Velocity Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer in London
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 Velocity Recruitment
✨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!
