At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design processes for exciting projects worth £5m to £50m across various sectors.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top employer with a rich history and a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, enhanced pension, and access to low carbon cars.
- Other info: Be part of a stable business with excellent career growth and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming communities and enhancing the environment through brilliant buildings.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Willmott Dixon is looking for a Design Manager to support our projects across the North East region. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid way from our North East (Gateshead) office, at home and onsite. As one of the top employers in the industry (Best big company 2022), we're looking for someone to manage the design process, promote the integration of disciplines and select, manage, and appoint consultants to ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.
Responsibilities
- You will therefore be able to overview, monitor and report on design programmes, and provide technical support to the bid process.
- Develop designs that utilise innovative techniques on multiple/complex projects.
- 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.
You will be leading the design on exciting projects ranging in value from £5m to £50m across a range of sectors, including Education, Leisure, Health, Blue Light and Commercial. With several projects on the ground and a transparent pipeline, you can have the confidence you are joining a stable business with a great culture.
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. 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 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 Gateshead employer: Willmott Dixon
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees in the vibrant city of Leeds. With a strong commitment to safety and quality, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where team members are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers. Employees benefit from a competitive pension scheme and private medical insurance, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in construction management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Gateshead
✨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 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 Design Manager in Gateshead
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Willmott Dixon. 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
✨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.
