Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 80000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design projects in defence and nuclear sectors from concept to handover.
  • Company: Join a top UK contractor in data, defence, and energy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits, and a focus on sustainability.
  • Why this job: Work on mission-critical projects that make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management within regulated industries is essential.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.

Overview

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 per annum

Location: Bristol

Sector Focus: Defence

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the full design lifecycle from concept through handover, particularly on projects in defence or nuclear, or similarly regulated sectors.
  • Oversee internal and external design teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring high standards of design, timeliness, and compliance.
  • Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, including security, safety, sustainability, and client‑specific standards.
  • Collaborate with project delivery, construction and management teams to ensure design integration and constructability.
  • Manage risk, design reviews, change control, and approvals process.
  • Be a key stakeholder in bid and tender processes, providing robust design input.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in defence or nuclear industry design management, or related sectors with similar complexity and regulation.
  • Strong track record managing large, technically demanding design projects.
  • Deep understanding of design standards, regulatory & security standards, safety, sustainable design, and the full construction lifecycle.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Degree in relevant discipline (Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, etc.).
  • Chartered status (or working towards) is a plus.

Why apply

  • Work with one of the UK's leading contractors in data, defence & energy.
  • Be part of projects that are mission‑critical and high visibility.
  • A culture focused on sustainability, innovation, precision, and doing things right.
  • Collaborative, people‑focused environment.
  • Competitive salary and benefits.

Senior Design Manager in Bristol employer: Walker & Sloan

Join a leading contractor in the defence sector, where you will be part of mission-critical projects that prioritise sustainability and innovation. Our collaborative and people-focused culture fosters professional growth, offering competitive salaries and benefits that reflect our commitment to excellence and employee well-being. Located in Bristol, this role provides a unique opportunity to work on high-visibility projects while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
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Contact Detail:

Walker & Sloan Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so understand their values and how your experience aligns with their mission in defence and nuclear sectors.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. We’re looking for someone who can manage teams and projects effectively, so share examples of how you’ve led design projects and tackled challenges head-on.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Bristol

Design Management
Regulatory Compliance
Project Lifecycle Management
Stakeholder Management
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Risk Management
Change Control
Technical Project Management
Understanding of Design Standards
Safety Standards Knowledge
Sustainable Design Practices
Collaboration Skills
Bid and Tender Process Involvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence or nuclear sectors, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about design management in regulated sectors. Let us know how your values align with our focus on sustainability and innovation.

Showcase Relevant Projects: When detailing your experience, focus on large, technically demanding projects you've managed. We love seeing examples of how you've navigated complex design challenges and ensured compliance with regulations.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Walker & Sloan

✨Know Your Design Lifecycle

Make sure you can confidently discuss the full design lifecycle, especially in defence or nuclear projects. Brush up on your knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in high-stakes environments. This will show that you can oversee internal and external teams effectively.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with the company's recent projects and their impact on the defence sector. Being able to discuss how your role as a Senior Design Manager fits into their mission will impress the interviewers and show your genuine interest.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to design standards and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of sustainable design practices and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in past projects. This will demonstrate your depth of understanding in the field.

Senior Design Manager in Bristol
Walker & Sloan
Location: Bristol

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