Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle for construction projects, ensuring alignment with client needs and framework objectives.

• Proactively identify and mitigate contractual, financial, technical, and operational risks, alongside implementing value engineering strategies to maximize project profitability and client satisfaction.

• Drive the successful and timely delivery of projects by leading the appointment and performance management of design consultants and ensuring robust, coordinated designs.

• Uphold rigorous health, safety, and buildability standards throughout the design process, with a strong emphasis on CDM 2015 compliance and effective utilization of Common Data Environments (CDE).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between client requirements and project execution, demanding a strategic approach to design management within the construction sector. The emphasis on risk mitigation, value engineering, and consultant oversight highlights the need for a candidate with strong commercial acumen and project control capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design process for new build and refurbishment projects, encompassing commercial, residential, mixed-use, and hotel developments.

• Lead the appointment of design and associated consultants, clearly defining deliverables through tools such as the IRS, MIDP/Design Responsibility Matrix, and Scope of Services.

• Review and appraise consultant fee proposals, monitor performance, and foster a collaborative approach to ensure timely and budget-compliant design delivery.

• Assess and manage the performance of consultants against KPIs and provide regular progress reports.

• Support and manage the development of Contractor's Design Portion (CDP) Packages, ensuring compliance and full coordination.

• Ensure all designs fully consider Health, Safety, and Buildability requirements in line with CDM 2015 regulations.

• Manage and own all design processes and information flow on Design and Build and heavily CDP contracts, ensuring alignment with Employer's Requirements, Contractor's Proposals, and Contract Conditions within programme constraints using the CDE.

• Assess, evaluate, and ensure the alignment of design outputs to each of the relevant RIBA Stages.

• Identify opportunities for Value Engineering to minimise risk and maximise gross profit on contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a Design Manager who can operate across various contract types (Traditional and D&B) and project typologies, from sub-structure to internal trades and modern methods of construction (MMC). The explicit mention of RIBA stages and CDM 2015 underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and adherence to industry best practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Construction/Design related HNC/HND/Degree.

• Membership of a professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, or RICS. Experience:

• Proven experience in managing design processes for construction projects.

• New build and refurbishment experience across Commercial, Residential, Mixed Use, Hotel, and City Centre developments.

• Experience with Traditional and Design & Build (D&B) Contracts.

• Experience with all building elements: Sub-Structure (including basements), Frame and Envelope Solutions, Internal trades, and MMC.

• Demonstrable experience in managing designers and other consultants.

• Proven ability to deliver designs for projects on time, to budget, and to quality standards, achieving high customer satisfaction.

• Experienced in analysing problems and delivering effective solutions. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of design management principles in construction.

• Contractual & Financial Management: Ability to recognise and manage contractual and financial risks, with a focus on value engineering and profit maximization.

• Consultant & Stakeholder Management: Skill in leading the appointment, appraisal, and performance monitoring of design consultants and fostering collaborative relationships.

• Health & Safety Compliance: In-depth knowledge and application of CDM 2015 regulations and a commitment to designing for safety and buildability.

• Project Delivery & Quality Assurance: Proven track record of delivering projects on time, to budget, and to quality standards with high customer satisfaction.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Ability to analyse complex issues and develop practical solutions, making sound decisions within authority.

• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with design processes across various building elements and construction methodologies (e.g., MMC).

• Information Management: Proficiency in managing design information flow and utilizing Common Data Environments (CDE).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with City Centre developments.

• Advanced understanding of Value Engineering techniques.

• Proficiency in utilizing CDE platforms for efficient information exchange.

• Strong understanding of RIBA Plan of Work stages.

• Experience in managing complex mixed-use developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in construction design, strong project management acumen, and a solid understanding of contractual obligations and health and safety legislation. Professional body membership signifies a commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development, crucial for a senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant construction projects managed, detailing the design challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.

• Design Process Documentation: Evidence of developing or implementing design management plans, risk registers, and quality control procedures.

• Consultant Management Examples: Documentation illustrating how consultants were managed, including performance tracking, fee negotiation, and collaborative engagement strategies.

• Value Engineering Proposals: Examples of value engineering initiatives proposed or implemented, clearly demonstrating cost savings and/or quality improvements.

• Reporting Samples: Examples of progress reports, KPI assessments, and stakeholder communications related to design delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in establishing and refining design workflows from inception through to construction, focusing on efficiency and coordination.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase understanding of how design information is managed and shared, including the use of CDE platforms and any relevant digital tools to streamline processes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Evidence of how design performance was tracked, measured (e.g., against KPIs, budget, programme), and analyzed to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is essential for this role, as it will serve as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, mitigate risks, and deliver successful projects. The emphasis on documentation, reporting, and value engineering highlights the need for candidates to present structured evidence of their achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While a specific range is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in London, a competitive salary is anticipated. This typically falls within the range of £55,000 to £75,000 per annum, potentially higher depending on specific experience, qualifications, and the complexity of projects managed.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, with the option to purchase additional holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work schemes.

• Comprehensive pension plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options available for all salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme offering free 24/7 support.

• Paid yearly membership to one recognized professional association relevant to the role. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role is predominantly site-based, with occasional travel to the Uxbridge office required during tender phases.

• The company promotes Agile Working, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is done, where appropriate, which will be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for experienced Design Managers in London. The comprehensive benefits package reflects Galliford Try's commitment to employee well-being and career development, with specific additions like professional association membership and flexible working options being particularly attractive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering

Galliford Try operates as one of the UK's leading principal contractors, with a diversified workload across public, regulated, and private sectors. They are known for providing whole-life solutions, high standards of project delivery, and a commitment to innovation. Their work spans education, healthcare, defence, custodial, commercial, and urban living projects, requiring sophisticated design management to address complex technical challenges.

Company Size: Large (Likely 5,000+ employees, based on industry context for a principal contractor of this scale)

A large company size means established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities to work on large-scale, high-profile projects. For operations professionals, this often translates to structured career paths, diverse teams, and a broad range of learning opportunities.

Founded: The company has a long history within the UK construction sector, though the precise founding date of the current entity isn't specified, it implies a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader project delivery or construction management team. This team will include project managers, site managers, quantity surveyors, and other technical specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior project leader, such as a Project Director or Operations Manager, and will manage a team of designers and consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Significant collaboration will be required with site teams, commercial departments, procurement, health & safety officers, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasizes using project data and performance metrics to inform design decisions and risk management.

• Collaborative Planning: Encourages a collaborative approach to design development, involving all relevant stakeholders early in the process.

• Continuous Improvement: Focuses on learning from past projects and implementing best practices to enhance future design and delivery processes.

Company Website: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try's emphasis on values like Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration suggests a culture that values high performance, ethical conduct, and teamwork. The company's focus on improving people's lives through infrastructure projects provides a strong sense of purpose for its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level Design Management

This role sits at a mid-to-senior level within the design and project management hierarchy. It involves significant responsibility for managing the entire design process, influencing project outcomes, and leading external consultants. It's a critical role for ensuring project success from a technical and contractual standpoint.

Reporting Structure:

The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager. They will also have a dotted line reporting responsibility to the Head of Design or Technical Director within the business unit. They will be responsible for managing and coordinating the work of external design consultants and potentially internal design coordinators.

Operations Impact:

The Design Manager's impact is direct and substantial, influencing project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, constructability, and overall client satisfaction. Effective design management is crucial for controlling project risks, avoiding costly variations, ensuring timely completion, and maintaining the company's reputation for quality delivery. Success in this role directly contributes to the profitability and strategic success of Galliford Try's projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or Project Director roles, managing larger and more complex projects or multiple projects simultaneously.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific project typologies (e.g., large-scale residential, complex commercial) or technical areas (e.g., advanced MMC integration, sustainable design).

• Professional Development: Continued access to training through Galliford Try's Career Paths initiative, leadership development framework, and support for professional body memberships and certifications.

• Cross-functional Experience: Potential to move into broader project management or construction management roles, leveraging design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career progression within a major construction firm. The emphasis on continuous learning and professional development, coupled with the opportunity to manage high-profile projects, makes it an attractive position for ambitious design management professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Predominantly Site-Based with Office Presence)

The role is described as "predominantly site based," indicating that a significant portion of the work will occur on active construction sites. However, there is a requirement for occasional travel to the Uxbridge office, particularly during tender phases. This hybrid model necessitates adaptability and the ability to work effectively in different environments.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: London (site-based).

• Occasional office presence required at: Uxbridge office. Workspace Context:

• Site Environment: This involves working on active construction sites, which can be dynamic, demanding, and require adherence to strict health and safety protocols. Collaboration with site teams, engineers, and tradespeople is key.

• Office Environment: When attending the Uxbridge office, the workspace will likely be a professional office setting conducive to team meetings, tender preparation, and administrative tasks.

• Technology & Tools: Access to relevant design software, CDE platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies will be essential for effective collaboration and information management.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week.

• Given the site-based nature, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and site demands.

• The company's "Agile Working" programme suggests that discussions about flexible working arrangements can occur, balancing project needs with personal flexibility where appropriate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with a hybrid work model that leans heavily towards site-based activities. The ability to transition between a demanding site environment and a professional office setting, while leveraging digital tools for communication and collaboration, is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of CV and application by the Resourcing Partner (Laura Mitchell). This will assess suitability against the core requirements.

2. First Interview: Likely a competency-based interview with the hiring manager (Laura Mitchell or another senior member of the design/project team). Focus will be on experience, technical skills, and behavioural competencies (e.g., problem-solving, collaboration, leadership).

3. Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their portfolio projects, highlighting their role, key achievements, and design management approach. This is a critical stage to assess practical experience and communication skills.

4. Second Interview/Assessment: This could involve a more in-depth technical discussion, a case study exercise focused on design challenges, or an interview with a senior leader (e.g., Operations Director) to assess strategic fit and cultural alignment.

5. Final Offer: Subject to satisfactory references and background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scale and complexity, and specific outcomes achieved (e.g., "Delivered design 2 weeks ahead of schedule," "Implemented value engineering saving £X," "Reduced design variations by Y%").

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your experience in design management, consultant management, risk mitigation, value engineering, CDM compliance, and CDE usage.

• Visuals: Include relevant drawings, diagrams, or photos where appropriate to illustrate your work, but focus on the narrative and impact.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to talk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a typical design challenge, such as resolving conflicting design requirements, managing delays from a consultant, or addressing buildability issues on site.

• CDM Compliance Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you ensure CDM 2015 compliance throughout the design process.

• Value Engineering Exercise: Anticipate a scenario where you need to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would handle a difficult conversation with a consultant or a client regarding design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical competence and cultural fit. A strong portfolio presentation is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and the ability to articulate complex design management processes and outcomes effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Common Data Environment (CDE): Proficiency in using a CDE platform (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise, Aconex) for managing design information, collaboration, and document control is essential.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme management and tracking.

• Design Software: While not expected to be a primary user, a good understanding of common design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools) is beneficial for interpreting and coordinating designs.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, analysis, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, cost tracking, and performance reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Experience with generating reports from CDE or project management systems.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how CRM systems integrate with project delivery (e.g., client relationship management) might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools within CDE or project management software could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of CDE is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific CDE platforms and how they leverage them for efficient design information management. Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions and project outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations. This translates to meticulous planning, rigorous quality control, and a focus on best-in-class design practices.

• Passion: Demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication to the construction industry and the role of design in creating vital infrastructure and facilities. This means being proactive, engaged, and driven by a desire to achieve project success.

• Integrity: Conducting all business dealings with honesty and transparency, particularly in managing consultants, contracts, and client relationships. This involves ethical decision-making and adhering to company values.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment, working effectively with internal teams, external consultants, clients, and supply chain partners. This involves open communication, shared problem-solving, and a willingness to support colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking input and collaboration from all project stakeholders, from early design stages through to construction.

• Open Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and transparent communication channels with design teams, site teams, commercial departments, and clients.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Approaching challenges as team opportunities, encouraging diverse perspectives to find the most effective solutions.

• Feedback Integration: Valuing and incorporating feedback from all parties to continuously improve design processes and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are deeply embedded in its operational ethos. Candidates are expected to embody these values, demonstrating excellence in their work, passion for the industry, integrity in their actions, and a collaborative spirit in all interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling client requirements, budget constraints, programme timelines, and health & safety regulations simultaneously.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Ensuring external consultants deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, especially when facing contractual disputes or performance issues.

• Resolving Design Conflicts: Addressing clashes and incompatibilities between different design elements or disciplines that arise during the design or construction phases.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Effectively managing design changes or unforeseen issues that emerge due to site-specific conditions or construction progress.

• Integrating New Technologies: Keeping abreast of and implementing new design technologies, such as advanced BIM or MMC, to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and specialized training courses relevant to design management, construction technology, and regulatory compliance.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Galliford Try or to mentor junior members of the design team.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership development programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for senior management roles.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional body certifications (CIOB, RIBA, RICS) and pursuing further qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges typical of large-scale construction projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. Candidates who thrive in complex, fast-paced environments and are committed to continuous learning will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design challenge you faced on a recent project. How did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Focus on problem-solving, risk management, and learning.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design consultants, site teams, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals?" (Focus on communication, stakeholder management, and teamwork.)

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and implementing value engineering opportunities on a project. Provide a specific example." (Focus on commercial acumen, cost-saving strategies, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations throughout the design and construction phases of a project you manage?" (Focus on H&S knowledge and process implementation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Galliford Try, and why are you interested in this Design Manager role specifically?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you embody our company values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples.)

• "How do you approach managing a team of consultants who may have different working styles or priorities?" (Assess leadership and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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