At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic design team on exciting construction projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join a well-established specialist contractor in roofing, cladding, and façade systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish Fridays, and long-term career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with modern design management processes and digital workflows.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working on high-profile commercial and industrial developments.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing design teams within the construction industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Location: Toomebridge, Co. Antrim
Sector: Construction, Roofing, Cladding, Glazing, Façade, Building Envelope
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and develop their in-house design function, overseeing the coordination and delivery of design information across multiple live projects. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established specialist contractor and fabricator delivering roofing, cladding, glazing and metalwork systems across the UK and Ireland. Working on high-rise, commercial and industrial developments, you'll play a key role in driving technical excellence, ensuring design compliance and leading a growing design team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the department while working on prestigious construction projects with genuine long-term career progression.
The Role
As Design Manager, you'll lead a multi-disciplinary design team, ensuring all design outputs are delivered safely, accurately and in line with project programmes, contractual requirements and the company's Technical Governance Framework. Working closely with commercial, pre-construction, manufacturing and project delivery teams, you'll oversee design coordination from tender stage through to fabrication and installation while ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, contractual obligations and quality standards. This role would particularly suit an experienced Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, Architectural Technologist, Structural Engineer or Technical Manager with experience in the building envelope, façade, roofing or cladding sectors.
Working Pattern
- Based in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim
- Monday - Thursday: 08:30 - 17:00
- Friday: 08:30 - 13:00
- Travel to UK & Ireland project locations as required
- Occasional out-of-hours meetings or site visits
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership
- Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary design team.
- Allocate design resources across multiple live projects.
- Mentor and develop designers while maintaining programme and quality standards.
- Promote collaboration between design, commercial, manufacturing and site teams.
- Design Coordination & Technical Management
- Manage the design programme across all live projects.
- Coordinate design information through procurement, fabrication and installation.
- Ensure BIM and ISO 19650 information management standards are followed.
- Oversee RFIs, technical submissions and design documentation.
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the company's Technical Governance Framework.
- Maintain strict control of design changes and specification compliance.
- Manage Common Data Environments and document control processes.
- Identify and mitigate design risks throughout project delivery.
- Commercial & Contractual Management
- Ensure designs remain within contractual scope and commercial agreements.
- Work closely with Commercial and Contracts teams on change control.
- Protect project margins by identifying scope creep and technical risks early.
- Coordinate technical engagement with specialist suppliers and manufacturers.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement across the design department.
- Promote professional development and technical excellence.
- Maintain knowledge of current legislation, standards and best practice.
Candidate Requirements
- Essential Qualification in Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Structural Engineering or similar.
- Previous experience managing a design team within the construction industry.
- Experience delivering projects within commercial and contractual constraints.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and Common Data Environments.
- Experience working with Tier 1 Main Contractors.
- Knowledge of JCT, NEC and bespoke forms of contract.
- Experience coordinating specialist manufacturers and technical suppliers.
Desirable
- Chartered status (ARB, CIAT, CIOB, RICS or equivalent), or working towards.
- Knowledge of thermal modelling software such as Flixo.
- Experience within roofing, cladding, glazing or façade systems.
Package & Benefits
- Competitive salary (DOE)
- Early finish every Friday
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing design department
- Long-term career progression
- High-profile commercial and high-rise projects across the UK & Ireland
- Permanent position with a well-established specialist contractor
Working Environment
- Office-based leadership role
- Collaborative technical and commercial teams
- High-profile commercial, industrial and high-rise construction projects
- Modern design management processes and digital workflows
- Growing business with long-term secured workload
Right to Work / Location
- Must have full right to work in the UK or Ireland.
- Must be willing to travel to project locations across the UK and Ireland where required.
To Apply
If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply below.
Design Manager in Antrim employer: Workcircle
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the aerospace industry, offering a dynamic work culture that values individuality and innovation. Our Derby location provides a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects like Test Bed 80, with ample training and growth opportunities for both experienced and early career engineers. With a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to inclusivity, joining Rolls-Royce means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of aerospace technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Antrim
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Workcircle, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Workcircle.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Antrim
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Workcircle
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
