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- Tasks: Lead design processes and manage teams on exciting major projects.
- Company: Established Tier 1 contractor with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive package, and career progression.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile projects and make a real impact in design management.
- Qualifications: Architectural qualification and strong design management experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Cardiff
Salary: £85,000–£90,000 + Package
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a well-established Tier 1 main contractor delivering major projects across South Wales and the South West.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process across all project stages
- Ensure design compliance, buildability, coordination and value optimisation
- Manage design consultants, including appointment, performance and payments
- Oversee design progress, information flow and document control
- Prepare and manage Design Management Plans (DMPs)
- Support procurement, commercial and bid teams
- Coordinate technical input across internal departments
- Manage environmental certification processes (e.g. BREEAM)
- Represent the business at client, stakeholder and local authority meetings
- Lead design handover from preconstruction to construction
Key Requirements
- Architectural or design-related qualification
- Strong experience in design management within a main contractor environment
- Excellent understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work
- Broad technical knowledge, including Building Regulations, M&E, fire and acoustics
- Solid grasp of building and consultant contracts
- Proven ability to manage meetings, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong communication and presentation skills
What’s on Offer
- £85,000–£90,000 salary plus an attractive package
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, technically complex projects
- Long-term career progression within a stable and growing business
- Collaborative, professional working environment
Senior Design Manager in Cardiff employer: Walker & Sloan
Contact Detail:
Walker & Sloan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your design management experience. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you highlight your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from the interview to show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your qualifications and experience directly to the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in design management and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for us. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a solid grasp of building regulations and design processes, make sure to showcase your technical knowledge in your application. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker & Sloan
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate your experience in leading and managing the design process. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you ensured compliance, buildability, and value optimisation.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work and relevant building regulations. Be prepared to answer questions about M&E, fire safety, and acoustics, as well as how these elements impact design management.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully managed meetings and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've represented your previous employers at client and local authority meetings.
✨Prepare for Design Management Plans
Familiarise yourself with what a Design Management Plan (DMP) entails. Be ready to discuss how you've prepared and managed DMPs in the past, and how you ensure information flow and document control throughout the design process.
