At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety design improvements in a secure government environment.
- Company: Premier UK contractor specialising in high-profile infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, ongoing freelance contract, and immediate start.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to collaborate with top professionals in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure upgrades in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager with strong fire safety knowledge and active SC clearance.
Location: Split between Warrington Office & HMP Haverigg (Cumbria)
Salary: £400-£475 per day (Umbrella PAYE - Inside IR35)
Contract: Freelance, Ongoing
Start Date: ASAP
We are partnering with a premier UK main contractor that specialises in high-profile fit-out, refurbishment, and essential infrastructure upgrades. On their behalf, we are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to lead critical fire safety improvement works within a secure government environment. This is an excellent opportunity to manage complex, compliance-driven design modifications on a high-stakes, long-term project.
Role Overview
This position requires a dual presence, with time split between the regional project office in Warrington and the project site at HMP Haverigg in Cumbria. You will take full ownership of coordinating the design process for vital fire safety enhancements. Due to the secure nature of the site, active Security Clearance (SC) is mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate the entire design process for dedicated fire safety improvement works.
- Ensure all designs strictly comply with Ministry of Justice (MoJ) standards, building regulations, and current fire safety legislation.
- Coordinate complex fire strategies, including compartmentation plans and passive/active fire protection systems.
- Review architectural and engineering drawings to ensure buildability, compliance, and strict security protocol alignment.
- Act as the main point of contact for external design consultants, technical specialists, and client stakeholders.
- Lead design team progress meetings and collaborate closely with onsite commercial and delivery teams to resolve technical issues swiftly.
Requirements
- Security Clearance (SC) is essential.
- Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment.
- Strong technical background in fire safety schemes, structural fire upgrades, or passive fire compliance.
- Prior experience working on prison, custodial, or highly secure Ministry of Justice (MoJ) estates is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and technical coordination skills, with a focus on strict compliance standards.
- Ability to comfortably split time between the Warrington office and the site at HMP Haverigg.
What’s on Offer
- Up to £475 per day (Umbrella PAYE - Inside IR35).
- Ongoing, stable freelance contract on a vital infrastructure framework.
- Immediate start available.
If you hold a current SC clearance, possess robust fire safety experience, and want to play a key role in an essential justice estate upgrade, apply today for immediate consideration.
Freelance Design Manager – Fire Safety in Warrington 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 Freelance Design Manager – Fire Safety in Warrington
✨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 Freelance Design Manager – Fire Safety in Warrington
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!