At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for a prestigious housing development and collaborate with teams.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones Group, the UK's leading residential developer with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and exclusive shopping discounts.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a company committed to quality and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on sustainable development.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 5 or equivalent, knowledge of Building Regulations, and experience with AutoCAD.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are pleased to present an exciting opportunity for a Senior Design Manager to join our team and contribute to our prestigious 295‑home development in St Helens, Merseyside. In this role, you will lead the full design process across the entire lifecycle of the project. You will be responsible for reviewing design proposals from both internal teams and external consultants, ensuring that the most efficient, practical, and cost‑effective solutions are delivered. The position also involves attending design team meetings, both internally and with external partners, to collaborate, share updates, and drive progress.
In addition, the Senior Design Manager will work closely with the procurement team to assess alternative design options proposed by sub‑contractors and will review design drawings to ensure they align with current building regulations. You will also play a key role in researching innovative products and recommending alternative construction methods to enhance the overall development.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have an NVQ Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and solid knowledge of Building Regulations. A strong understanding of JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contracts is also essential. You should be confident in making well‑reasoned decisions and have the ability to constructively challenge design concepts and present your point of view clearly.
You’ll need to be proficient in MS Word and Excel, with an intermediate level of experience in AutoCAD and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with high‑rise developments and knowledge of the residential‑for‑rent market will be highly advantageous.
What We Offer
- Work‑Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
- Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
- Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential‑for‑rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in‑build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.
Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high‑quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow your career in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. If you’re ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we’d love to hear from you!
Design Manager in St Helens employer: Watkin Jones PLC
Watkin Jones Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and professional development. With competitive benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to wellbeing programmes, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Joining our team in St Helens means being part of a prestigious company with a rich history and a commitment to innovation in residential development, providing a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in St Helens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local design meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance, bring it along to interviews or share it during networking events to really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially if they’re involved in high-rise developments. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨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 Design Manager in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with design processes, building regulations, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of JCT contracts and your experience with high-rise developments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since proficiency in MS Word, Excel, AutoCAD, and Adobe Acrobat is key, make sure to highlight these skills in your application. We want to know how comfortable you are with these tools and how you've used them in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones PLC
✨Know Your Design Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Building Regulations and JCT contracts before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you can navigate the complexities of design management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led design processes in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve had to make tough decisions or challenge design concepts. This will demonstrate your ability to lead a team and drive progress effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Project
Research the specific 295-home development in St Helens. Understanding the project’s goals and challenges will allow you to ask insightful questions and show your genuine interest in contributing to its success.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovative Solutions
Think about innovative products or alternative construction methods you’ve encountered in your career. Be prepared to share these ideas during the interview, as it will highlight your proactive approach to enhancing developments.
