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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process and manage consultants for innovative projects.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a leader in sustainable building with over 170 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and perks like private medical and electric car schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a company that transforms lives and communities while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience managing designs on projects worth £10M-£100M; CAD and Microsoft Office skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; inclusive environment supporting agile work.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Getting the design right is crucial to the success of all of our projects and we are looking to expand our Design team due to continued growth of projects throughout the Southwest. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid way from our office in Exeter, home and on our live projects.
The main role of a Design Manager at Willmott Dixon is to manage the design process, promote integration of disciplines and select, manage, and appoint consultants to ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services. You will therefore be able to overview, monitor and report on design programmes, and provide technical support to the bid process. In addition, you will be developing designs that utilise innovative techniques on multiple/complex projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the design process to produce accurate information in line with the agreed specification and cost plan/estimate.
- Manage the appointment of consultants and ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.
- Develop a design programme with the consultants to meet the agreed whole life programme dates.
- Provide cost effective technical solutions.
- Chair design team meetings and issue actions.
- Produce designs that meet all necessary statutory and regulatory approvals and record on appropriate tracking logs.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
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
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.
Benefits
In return 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, full / heavily discounted 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.
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 awarded No 1 in the Best "big" Companies (2022) to work for and the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 and is the first major contractor and developer to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Locations
Design Manager employer: Willmott Dixon
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest design software and technologies relevant to the construction industry. Being well-versed in CAD and other tools will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and design sectors, especially those who have experience managing large-scale projects. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing design processes on projects valued between £10M and £100M. Be ready to share specific examples of how you successfully led teams, managed consultants, and delivered innovative solutions under tight deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Willmott Dixon’s recent projects and their approach to sustainability and community impact. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your responses during interviews and show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing design processes, particularly on projects valued between £10M-£100M. Include specific examples of how you've integrated disciplines and managed consultants.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design management and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your familiarity with CAD and construction technology, as well as your ability to provide cost-effective solutions.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Emphasise your technical skills in your application. Detail your experience with reading and interpreting drawings and technical specifications, and how you have successfully managed specialist designers and subcontractors in past projects.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Since the role involves chairing design team meetings and overseeing design programmes, be sure to highlight any leadership roles you've held. Provide examples of how you've led teams to achieve project goals and meet deadlines.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing design on projects valued between £10M and £100M. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex projects and how you ensured they met specifications and cost plans.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with CAD and Microsoft Office, as well as other construction technologies relevant to the role. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in past projects to enhance design processes and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves managing consultants and specialists, be sure to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams. Discuss how you chaired meetings, issued actions, and ensured everyone was aligned with project goals.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Discussions
Understand the importance of statutory and regulatory approvals in the design process. Be ready to talk about how you've navigated these requirements in previous roles and how you keep track of compliance through appropriate logs.
