At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and support a dynamic team in the construction industry.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a market-leading benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in design management while shaping sustainable buildings for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead the design process on some of the most exciting and innovative projects in the region? Willmott Dixon is seeking a Principal Design Manager to support the Head of Design in ensuring quality is at the heart of all design led activities. Based out of our Hitchin office, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model with time split between the office, home, and projects.
What You'll Do
- Support the Head of Design in communicating the expectations required from the design management function to the team.
- Drive the understanding of our strategies and policies and their implementation on projects.
- Assist with the finding and winning of work.
- Oversee projects that are designed to a high standard, using innovative and sustainable technologies and delivered on time and to budget.
- Oversee a team of design managers with varying levels of experience, including trainees, ensuring they achieve the requirements of their roles and have opportunities for development.
- Review, monitor and report on the agreed strategy for design achieving Willmott Dixon's definition of design complete before main contract signing, to the Head of Design.
- Review project compliance with local construction offices, Group, industry and statutory standards and policies and report consistently on targets achieved and key risks.
- Ensure your team provide consistency in the timing and quality of deliverables provided by the external team at each RIBA stage, with clear accountability for each team member.
- Identify areas for design improvement, outside of the day to day of project delivery or team management, supporting the Head of Design in their development and implementation.
- Actively engage in building the wider development of the design management discipline and team.
- Play your part in delivering the project's sustainability and social value commitments.
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in design management within the construction industry, with a focus on complex projects within multiple sectors.
- Able to use Microsoft suite of office programmes including Excel, Word, Outlook and Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and appropriate software to review 3D models and CDE (Dalux and Viewpoint preferable).
- Ability to self-reflect and for this to inform strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and build consensus.
Desirable Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
- Professional certifications or memberships in relevant industry associations are desirable.
- Valid driving licence.
- Appropriate CSCS Card.
Additional Information
We reward our people generously with a competitive salary and a market-leading benefits 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.
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 has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Manager in Hitchin
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Willmott Dixon Group who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Manager in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Willmott Dixon Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Willmott Dixon Group. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Willmott Dixon Group.
