Design Manager

Willmott Dixon are currently recruiting for a Design Manager to work for our Strategic Accounts and Services Team who focus on winning and developing education projects across the UK for the Department of Education.

As such we are looking for a Design Manager with previous experience of developing and controlling design on education projects. You will be able to identify where we can add extra value for our customers whilst ensuring buildability and quality that meet requirements for our customer,  the Department of Education.

The Design Manager will collaborate with project stakeholder and the customer to establish project requirements, objectives, and design criteria. You will also share your experience by guiding, mentoring and imparting knowledge to other team members.

The position will form part of a tight-nit, creative, and fun team, who are eager to push the boundaries of what is possible alongside this like-minded customer, through the latest approaches to innovation, education, and sustainability. The team work from a base at our Hitchin office 2 days per week with the opportunity to work from our Central London office and from home on other days in the week.

The role comes with an attractive rewards package, leading benefits and career development with one of the UKs leading construction companies, known for its industry leading sustainability strategy and award-winning diversity approach.

Some of the duties / responsibilities will include:

• Manage the design phase of projects from concept development to construction documentation, ensuring compliance with project objectives, codes, regulations, and standards, for example, fire, planning and building control, among others.


• Select and contribute to the appointment of design partners, ensuring design responsibilities are correctly apportioned between them and the supply chain partners delivering the Contractor's Design Portion.


• Participate in the selection and procurement of design solutions including modern methods of construction (MMC), materials, finishes, sustainable technology, ensuring they align with project specifications, budgets, and timelines with the wider project team.


• Arrange and prepare for design reviews to assess progress, to identify potential risks or deviations, and implement corrective measures as necessary.


• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other design professionals to develop comprehensive design plans, drawings, and specifications and work with the design manager to ensure that they accurately represent project requirements.


• Coordinate and manage external design consultants, reviewing and providing feedback on their work to ensure design integrity, consistency and quality.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential

• Working knowledge of the construction industry, its challenges and future direction.


• Strong communication and negotiation skills.


• Technical knowledge of construction design principles, practices, and systems 


• Ability to work within a team environment.


• Previous experience of working for the Department of Education or on education projects


• Able to use Microsoft suite of office programmes including Excel, Word, Outlook and Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, use appropriate software to review 3D models.

Desirable

• Working towards CIOB or another related professional membership.


• Construction related degree.


• Valid driving licence.


• Appropriate CSCS card.

Additional Information

Willmott Dixon embraces diversity in the workplace and will consider flexible and agile working. We are a disability-confident employer.

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.