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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design on high-value MOD projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing contractor known for precision in complex projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, executive package, and career-defining opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment with innovative leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven MOD experience, strong leadership skills, and technical design knowledge required.
- Other info: Ideal for those thriving in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
📢 Senior Design Manager – Defence Projects | Bristol
🕵️ ♂️ For my client – a highly respected regional contractor delivering secure, technically complex defence projects
Are you an experienced Senior Design Manager with a background in delivering highly regulated, technically complex projects? Are you looking for a role where design leadership, governance, and technical assurance are genuinely valued?
I’m recruiting on behalf of a well-established regional construction business based in Bristol, with a strong and growing defence portfolio. The company delivers a range of secure new build, refurbishment, and upgrade projects for long-standing MOD-aligned and public-sector clients.
With repeat frameworks and a long-term pipeline of defence work, this is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Design Manager to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the technical quality of projects of national importance.
The Role
As Senior Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design management function across defence projects, ensuring that designs are fully coordinated, compliant, and deliverable within secure and highly controlled environments.
You will work closely with internal teams, consultants, and specialist supply-chain partners, acting as the technical conscience of the project from early design through construction and handover.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing the design process across defence projects
- Coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams and specialist designers
- Managing design risk, change control, and technical assurance
- Ensuring compliance with employer’s requirements, statutory standards, and defence-specific protocols
- Supporting pre-construction, tender, and value-engineering activities
- Working closely with Project Managers, Commercial teams, and site leadership to ensure buildability and programme certainty
- Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager within a main contracting environment
- Strong understanding of design coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines
- Experience delivering projects within defence, secure, or highly regulated sectors (highly desirable)
- Confident managing complex design information and stakeholder interfaces
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Based in or commutable to Bristol and the wider South West
Please note: due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible for security clearance.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits package
- Long-term, stable pipeline of defence projects
- Opportunity to work on secure projects of national significance
- Collaborative, high-quality regional contractor with strong technical capability
- Clear progression pathways into Principal or Head of Design roles
If you’re a Senior Design Manager looking to apply your technical expertise within the defence sector and work with a respected Bristol-based contractor on long-term secure projects, get in touch today for a confidential discussion.
Shortlisting is underway – early applications are encouraged.
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Senior Design Manager employer: Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp
Contact Detail:
Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles or companies. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with MOD protocols and security requirements. Understanding these aspects will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills through examples of past projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and navigated complex project challenges, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their recent projects, values, and culture. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Design Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in the MOD/defence sector.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in leading complex, high-value projects, particularly those valued at £50m or more. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership and technical skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure your application reflects your exceptional coordination and communication abilities. Mention any experiences where you successfully managed teams or liaised with clients.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for working on defence projects. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the company's growth and innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp
✨Showcase Your MOD Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in the MOD or defence sector during the interview. Discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on the complexities and sensitivities involved, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership abilities. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams and coordinated with consultants and supply chain partners to achieve high-quality design outcomes.
✨Understand the Technical Requirements
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to design management and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss how you ensure buildability and adherence to MOD protocols in your projects.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be the senior point of contact, practice clear and concise communication. Prepare to explain how you maintain seamless communication between clients and project teams, especially in high-pressure situations.
