Design manager in Manchester

Design manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 65000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Vertical Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design process for diverse building services projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Established MEP contractor with a focus on innovative and complex projects.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, private healthcare, and hybrid working.
  • Other info: Excellent career progression opportunities and ongoing professional development.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on major projects across various sectors.
  • Qualifications: Experience in MEP design management and strong technical understanding of building services.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.

  • Design Manager
  • An established MEP contractor is looking to appoint an experienced

Design Manager to join its growing North West team.

Working across a diverse portfolio of projects, you'll lead the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality building services solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business delivering complex projects across sectors including commercial, healthcare, education, residential, industrial and advanced manufacturing.

As Design Manager, you'll take ownership of the building services design process, coordinating internal and external design teams while ensuring projects are delivered on programme, within budget and in line with client requirements.

You'll work closely with Project Managers, commercial teams, consultants, subcontractors and clients to manage design risk, resolve technical issues and drive value throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the MEP design process from tender through to project completion.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
  • Review and manage design information to ensure compliance with project specifications, regulations and client requirements.
  • Chair and attend design team meetings, driving progress and resolving technical challenges.
  • Manage design programmes and ensure deliverables are issued in line with construction schedules.
  • Identify design risks and develop practical engineering solutions.
  • Review consultant drawings, specifications and technical submissions.
  • Support pre-construction teams during bid and tender stages.
  • Ensure BIM processes and digital coordination are effectively implemented.
  • Liaise with site delivery teams to resolve design queries throughout construction.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Experience managing MEP design within a building services contractor or specialist subcontractor.
  • Strong technical understanding of mechanical and electrical building services.
  • Experience delivering complex construction projects from pre-construction through delivery.
  • Good knowledge of current Building Regulations and industry standards.
  • Understanding of BIM processes and design coordination.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • HNC/HND or Degree qualified in Building Services Engineering or a related discipline is desirable.
  • What's on Offer
  • Salary of £65,000 - £80,000 depending on experience.
  • Car allowance.
  • Annual bonus.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Enhanced pension.
  • Life assurance.
  • Hybrid working.
  • Ongoing professional development and career progression.
  • Opportunity to work on major projects across a wide range of sectors.

This role would suit a Design Manager, Senior Design Engineer, Technical Manager or experienced Building Services Engineer looking to move into a design management position within a leading MEP contractor.

Design manager in Manchester employer: Vertical Recruitment

Join a forward-thinking engineering and design consultancy in Manchester, where your role as a Revit/AutoCAD Technician will be pivotal in delivering sustainable and innovative projects across the built environment. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional growth, the company offers flexible working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance and a supportive culture that values your contributions.

Vertical Recruitment

Contact Details:

Vertical Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design manager in Manchester

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Vertical Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Design manager in Manchester

MEP Design Management
Building Services Engineering
Technical Understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Project Coordination
Design Risk Management
BIM Processes and Digital Coordination
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Vertical Recruitment!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Vertical Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Recruitment

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Vertical Recruitment.