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- Tasks: Lead design on exciting construction projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated employer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, enhanced pension, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming communities and enhancing the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience managing design on large projects and proficiency in CAD and Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values innovation and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Willmott Dixon are currently recruiting for a Design Manager to work on exciting projects within our Wales and West region. We are currently delivering projects across multiple sectors in the South West and we are looking for someone to work out of our Exeter office/on-site at least 4 days per week and you will be supported to work from home 1 day per week.
As a Design Manager you will be responsible for the development and control of design on one or more projects. You will identify where we can add extra value for our customers whilst ensuring buildability and quality that meet statutory requirements. The successful candidate will collaborate with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and customers, to establish project requirements, objectives, and design criteria. You will also share your knowledge with other members of the design team as well as operational and commercial teams to ensure the overall success of the project.
Duties / responsibilities will include:
- Managing the design phase of construction projects from concept development to construction documentation, ensuring compliance with project objectives, codes, regulations, and standards, for example, fire, planning and building control, among others.
- Contributing to the selection and appointment of design partners, ensuring design responsibilities are correctly apportioned between them and the supply chain partners delivering the Contractor's Design Portion.
- Participating in the selection and procurement of design solutions including modern methods of construction (MMC), materials, finishes, sustainable technology, ensuring they align with project specifications, budgets, and timelines with the wider project team.
- Arranging and preparing for design reviews to assess progress, to identify potential risks or deviations, and implement corrective measures as necessary.
- Collaborating with architects, engineers, and other design professionals to develop comprehensive design plans, drawings, and specifications and work with the design manager to ensure that they accurately represent project requirements.
- Coordinating and managing external design consultants, reviewing and providing feedback on their work to ensure design integrity, consistency and quality.
The ideal candidate:
- Will have managed design on projects between £10M-£100M across multiple sectors.
- Have an understanding of CAD, Microsoft Office and various other construction technology.
- Be able to read and interpret drawings and technical specifications.
- Able to manage specialist designers/subcontractors and supply chain partners.
- Hold a valid driving license and a CSCS card.
Additional Information:
We reward our people generously with a competitive package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, discounted or full private medical, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel. Applicable roles will benefit from a motoring expenditure allowance (MEA) and everyone can access a new generation of low carbon and electric cars via the Willmott Dixon run car leasing scheme.
At Willmott Dixon we provide an inclusive and flexible working environment for people to thrive in and we are happy to support agile working wherever possible. We are a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.
About Us:
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability have enabled us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Design Manager in Exeter employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure to have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Willmott Dixon and their projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Willmott Dixon.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience managing design on large projects and how you can add value to Willmott Dixon's exciting projects.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in CAD and Microsoft Office, as well as your ability to interpret technical drawings. We want to see how your skills align with the requirements of the job!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
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 fantastic opportunity at Willmott Dixon!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects Willmott Dixon is currently working on, especially in the Wales and West region. Familiarise yourself with their approach to design management and how they ensure compliance with statutory requirements. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be working closely with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors. Highlight how you managed communication and resolved conflicts to keep the project on track. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Design Solutions
Expect questions about your experience with modern methods of construction (MMC) and sustainable technology. Be prepared to discuss specific design solutions you've implemented in previous roles, including how they aligned with project specifications and budgets. This will showcase your technical knowledge and innovative thinking.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Since arranging and preparing for design reviews is part of the role, think about how you've conducted similar assessments in the past. Be ready to talk about how you identified potential risks or deviations and the corrective measures you implemented. This will illustrate your proactive approach to managing design phases.