At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects in healthcare and more, driving collaboration and success.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a purpose beyond profit.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, enhanced pension, generous leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Be part of a stable, growing business with a fantastic culture and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while thriving in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in design, attention to detail, and knowledge of construction regulations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 Senior Design Manager, based out of our South West region, with experience working and leading on major healthcare schemes. You’ll enjoy a hybrid working model with time split between the office, home, and projects. Ideally, you’ll be based in between Plymouth and Truro.
As a Senior Design Manager, you’ll take ownership of the design process, fostering collaboration across disciplines and driving project success. Leading the design on projects ranging from £10m to £250m across the following sectors: Healthcare, Education, Leisure, Transport, Blue Light, Defence, Commercial and Residential.
Responsibilities
- You’ll oversee, monitor, and report on design programmes, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with project goals and budgets.
- Leading the design process to produce accurate information that meets agreed specifications and cost plans.
- Managing the appointment and performance of consultants in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.
- Developing a design programme with consultants to meet whole-life programme milestones.
- Delivering cost-effective, innovative technical solutions.
- Chairing design team meetings and driving action plans to completion.
- Ensuring designs meet all statutory and regulatory approvals, with comprehensive tracking and documentation.
With a robust pipeline of projects and a transparent outlook, you’ll have the confidence that you’re joining a stable and growing business with a fantastic culture.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
- We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a passion for innovative construction solutions.
- Leadership experience in a previous design role.
- Attention to detail and the ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
- Experience in developing and managing design programmes.
- Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements relevant to construction design.
- The ability to produce cost-effective and creative technical solutions.
- Preconstruction and delivery design management experience.
- Worked on healthcare schemes in a design management role within a main contractor setting is highly desirable.
Why Willmott Dixon?
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, generous annual leave entitlement, private medical for you and a partner, life assurance, incentive bonus and access to a market-leading sustainable car scheme.
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.
About Us
With over 170 years of history, Willmott Dixon is a privately owned business with a purpose beyond profit — delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment for future generations. In 2025, we were recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 Big Companies to Work For, ranked in the Top Five of Europe’s 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times, and became the first major contractor and developer to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Senior Design Manager in Exeter employer: Willmott Dixon
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a robust pipeline of innovative projects in the South West region, particularly in healthcare, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive compensation packages, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us to be part of a company recognised for its outstanding workplace environment and dedication to transforming communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure you have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to healthcare and large-scale designs. We want to see your creativity and leadership skills shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in our work at Willmott Dixon. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with our values and goals.
✨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’re always looking for passionate individuals who thrive in collaborative environments like ours.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading design processes, especially in healthcare projects, to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Share specific examples of how your leadership has driven project success and collaboration.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. When writing your application, ensure that you clearly outline your experience with design programmes and compliance with statutory requirements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Willmott Dixon's recent projects, especially in healthcare. Familiarise yourself with their design processes and outcomes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to drive project success. This will demonstrate your capability to manage complex projects effectively.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Brush up on the statutory and regulatory requirements relevant to construction design. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This knowledge will be crucial in showcasing your ability to deliver high-quality outputs that meet all necessary approvals.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about Willmott Dixon's design philosophy, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.
