Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-28T07:26:36

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design process for construction projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, contractual obligations, and financial objectives.

• Manage the appointment and performance of design consultants, fostering a collaborative approach to deliver robust and coordinated solutions.

• Oversee design information flow and ensure compliance with relevant building regulations and safety standards, including CDM 2015.

• Drive value engineering initiatives and risk mitigation strategies to maximize project profitability and client satisfaction.

• Implement and uphold the company's business improvement strategy, focusing on safe, on-time, snag-free, and delighted client project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the technical and commercial success of construction projects by effectively managing the design lifecycle. The emphasis on frameworks and repeat business clients suggests a need for strong client relationship management and consistent delivery standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Process Management: Manage the entire design solution process for projects, ensuring it meets or exceeds customer requirements and framework deliverables.

• Consultant Management: Lead the appointment of design and associated consultants, defining deliverables, appraising fee proposals, and monitoring performance to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery.

• Risk & Value Engineering: Identify and manage contractual, financial, technical, and operational risks. Proactively seek opportunities for value engineering to maximize gross profit and minimize risk.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all designs fully consider Health, Safety, and Buildability. Assess consultants in line with CDM 2015 requirements and ensure all obligations are met.

• Information Flow & CDE Management: Own and manage all design processes and information flow on Design and Build and heavily CDP contracts, utilizing the Common Data Environment (CDE) to meet Employer's Requirements, Contractor's Proposals, and contract conditions within program constraints.

• RIBA Stage Alignment: Assess, evaluate, and ensure alignment of design outputs with each relevant RIBA Stage.

• Framework Support: Support two-stage submission requirements for frameworks, securing opportunities and managing designs to achieve client expectations, contract requirements, and budget constraints.

• Business Improvement Implementation: Support the implementation of Galliford Try Building Southern’s Business Improvement Strategy, "Delivering Excellence," focusing on project delivery cornerstones: Safe, On Time, Snag Free, and Delighted Client.

• Policy Adherence: Implement all relevant Galliford Try policies, including those for Health, Safety & Sustainability (HSS), Design Management, Risk Management, and BIM strategy.

• KPI Achievement: Ensure maximum potential is achieved on framework Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to maintain "best on framework" status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, commercial acumen, and project management, with a strong emphasis on compliance and client satisfaction within a framework-driven environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Construction/Design related HNC/HND/Degree or equivalent qualification.

Experience:

• Proven ability in delivering design for projects on time, to budget, and to quality standards, achieving high customer satisfaction.

• Experience in new build and refurbishment projects across core markets including: Education Buildings, Health Care Projects, Civic, Frameworks, Traditional and Design & Build (D&B) Contracts.

• Experience with various building sub-structure, frame, and envelope solutions, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

• Experience in managing designers and other consultants, ideally with a design background.

Required Skills:

• BIM Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of Building Information Modelling (BIM), including reviewing BIM requirements in bids, developing the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), appointing BIM consultants, and ensuring BIM outputs align with Employer's Information Requirements (EIR).

• CDM 2015 Compliance: Thorough knowledge and practical application of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

• Contract Management: Understanding of contractual requirements for design and build contracts and framework agreements.

• Design Coordination: Ability to ensure fully coordinated design packages and assess alignment with RIBA Stages.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial aspects, including fee proposals, value engineering, and profitability.

• Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to lead design teams and consultants, and work effectively as a team member.

• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Computer Literacy: Proficient in relevant design and project management software.

Preferred Skills:

• Asset Register Development: Experience in developing asset registers and understanding COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange) outputs.

• Auditing Capabilities: Ability to audit BIM outputs against EIR and BEP.

• Specific Market Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of specific construction sectors (e.g., healthcare, education).

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Drive for continuous improvement in design processes and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM expertise, including specific deliverables like BEP, EIR, COBie, and auditing, indicates a high level of technical expectation. The professional body membership requirement suggests a need for established industry credentials and commitment to professional development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Design Management: Showcase projects where you successfully managed the entire design process from inception to completion, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Value Engineering Examples: Present specific instances where you identified and implemented value engineering initiatives, quantifying the cost savings or efficiency improvements achieved.

• BIM Implementation Projects: Include examples of your BIM expertise, demonstrating your ability to develop BEPs, manage BIM consultants, and ensure compliance with EIR and BIM standards (e.g., COBie outputs, asset registers).

• CDM 2015 Compliance Demonstrations: Provide evidence of how you've ensured CDM 2015 compliance in past projects, including risk assessments and coordination of design information.

• Consultant Management Successes: Highlight projects where you effectively managed external design consultants, demonstrating your ability to ensure their performance, coordination, and timely delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Document your approach to designing and optimizing design workflows, including the use of CDE and collaboration tools.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Processes: Detail your systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• BIM Information Management Processes: Outline your processes for managing BIM information, including data flow, quality control, and adherence to standards like COBie.

• Consultant Appointment and Performance Management: Showcase your structured process for appointing consultants and managing their performance against contractual obligations and project objectives.

• RIBA Stage Gate Processes: Illustrate your understanding and application of RIBA Stages as a framework for design progression and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of BIM, CDM 2015, value engineering, and consultant management, supported by clear documentation of processes, will be crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they drive efficiency and compliance through structured methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK construction sector, particularly in the South East of England, the estimated salary range is between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the precise nature of the projects they have managed.

Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Increasing with years of service, with the opportunity to purchase further holidays.

• Corporate Discounts: Access to a range of discounts on various products and services.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encourages sustainable commuting with tax benefits.

• Comprehensive Pension Plan: A structured retirement savings plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn (SAYE) Share Purchase Scheme: Opportunity to invest in company shares.

• Private Medical Scheme Options: Available for all salaried employees, offering health coverage.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Provides free 24/7 confidential support for personal and professional issues.

• Professional Association Membership: Paid yearly membership to one recognized professional association relevant to the role (e.g., CIOB, RIBA, RICS).

Working Hours:

The role is advertised as Full-time, typically equating to 40 hours per week. Galliford Try also promotes an "Agile Working" programme, which may offer flexibility in terms of when, where, and how work is performed, subject to project and team needs, and will be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK construction industry. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Galliford Try's commitment to employee well-being and professional development. The "Agile Working" policy suggests a modern approach to work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Infrastructure. Galliford Try is one of the UK's leading principal contractors with a diversified workload across public, regulated, and private sectors.

Company Size: Large (Galliford Try employs over 4,000 people). This size indicates a stable organization with extensive resources, established processes, and significant project capabilities.

Founded: Galliford Try has a long history, with the current group formed through various mergers and acquisitions over decades, establishing a strong presence and reputation in the UK construction market.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader project delivery or regional operations team, potentially within the Building Southern Division.

• Reporting Structure: The role will report into a senior management position, such as a Project Director, Operations Director, or Head of Design, depending on the specific project or divisional structure.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates close collaboration with project managers, commercial teams, site teams, procurement, health & safety officers, and external design consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on using data from project performance, KPIs, and client feedback to inform design decisions and process improvements.

• Collaborative Planning: A focus on collaborative approaches to design development, risk management, and problem-solving, involving all relevant stakeholders.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to implementing Galliford Try's "Delivering Excellence" strategy, encouraging ongoing refinement of processes and project delivery methods.

• BIM Integration: A strategic approach to integrating BIM throughout the project lifecycle for enhanced coordination, efficiency, and lifecycle asset management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try's culture emphasizes values like Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration. As a large, established contractor, they likely have well-defined processes but also a drive for innovation and continuous improvement, particularly through initiatives like "Delivering Excellence" and their BIM strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant experience and demonstrated capability in managing complex design processes within construction projects. It involves leadership, strategic input, and significant responsibility for project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or a senior operations/design lead within a specific division or major project. This structure allows for strategic guidance while providing autonomy in managing design functions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on project profitability, timeline adherence, quality standards, client satisfaction, and risk mitigation. Effective design management is fundamental to the overall success and financial health of a project and, by extension, the company's reputation and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management Roles: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or Technical Director, overseeing multiple projects or a larger design function.

• Project Director/Management: Transition into broader project leadership roles, managing all aspects of project delivery beyond just design.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like BIM strategy, sustainability in design, or specific construction technologies (e.g., MMC).

• Leadership Development: Participation in Galliford Try's leadership development frameworks and career path initiatives, potentially leading to senior management positions.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunities to contribute to industry best practices, potentially through professional bodies or internal innovation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within the construction industry, leveraging core design management skills into broader project leadership or specialized technical roles. Galliford Try's commitment to training and development supports this growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with an expectation to be based in or around Guildford. This suggests a mix of office-based work and site visits.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Guildford, Surrey. The role also involves travel across multiple sites/projects within the Region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office environment likely supports collaboration with project teams, design consultants, and other departments.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software, CDE platforms, and communication tools is expected. The company emphasizes its BIM strategy, indicating advanced technological integration.

• Site Interaction: Regular site visits will be required, necessitating an understanding of on-site operations and safety protocols, and providing opportunities to interact directly with construction teams.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 per week) are expected, with the potential for flexibility under the company's Agile Working programme. This flexibility aims to balance operational needs with employee well-being, allowing for structured workdays that accommodate site visits and office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong time management and self-discipline. Candidates should be comfortable with regular travel to project sites and adept at leveraging technology for remote collaboration and information management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and potentially a brief phone call with a Resourcing Partner or Hiring Manager (Laura Mitchell) to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• First Interview: Likely a more in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager or a senior member of the design/operations team. Focus will be on experience, technical skills (BIM, CDM), project examples, and cultural fit.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of work or complete a design-related challenge/case study that assesses their problem-solving skills, design management approach, and BIM/CDM knowledge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or senior stakeholder to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing specific skills (e.g., BIM, Value Engineering, CDM).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scope, key challenges, your specific contributions, and measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, time saved, quality improvements).

• Highlight BIM Expertise: Dedicate a section to your BIM experience, showing examples of BEPs, EIR compliance, and outputs like COBie. Demonstrate your auditing capabilities.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Use case studies to illustrate how you've analyzed complex design issues and implemented effective solutions.

• Demonstrate CDM Compliance: Clearly outline your approach to CDM 2015 and provide examples of how you've ensured compliance and managed design risks.

• Tailor to Galliford Try: Emphasize projects and experiences that align with Galliford Try's core markets, framework approach, and values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a case study or technical challenge, thoroughly read and understand all requirements, constraints, and objectives.

• Focus on Process and Rationale: Clearly articulate your thought process, the methodologies you would employ (e.g., risk assessment, BIM workflows), and the rationale behind your decisions.

• Address Key Areas: Be prepared to discuss BIM, CDM 2015, value engineering, consultant management, and RIBA stages within your response.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your findings concisely and professionally, anticipating questions from the interview panel.

• Commercial Awareness: Frame your solutions with an understanding of project budgets, timelines, and profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on practical application of skills and alignment with Galliford Try's operational standards. A well-prepared portfolio and clear articulation of problem-solving methodologies will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Common Data Environment (CDE): Experience with CDE platforms for managing design information flow and documentation is essential. Specific platforms may vary, but understanding the principles of a centralized digital information repository is key.

• BIM Software: Proficiency with BIM authoring and coordination tools is paramount. This could include software suites like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar industry-standard platforms.

• Design Software: Familiarity with general CAD and design software relevant to construction, though BIM is the primary focus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools that track progress, budget, and timelines.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design progress, consultant performance, risk status, and KPI achievement. This may involve using built-in features of CDE/PM software or dedicated reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct CRM role, understanding client requirements and frameworks is crucial, implying familiarity with client-facing aspects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Beyond CDE, general document management practices are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology focus is on BIM and CDE. Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical expertise in using these tools to manage complex design information and facilitate collaboration across project stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design, project delivery, and client satisfaction. This translates to ensuring designs are robust, accurate, and meet all project specifications.

• Passion: Demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication to the construction industry and the role of design in successful project outcomes.

• Integrity: Conducting business ethically, being honest, and taking responsibility for actions, especially regarding safety, compliance, and contractual obligations.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and clients to achieve shared project goals. This involves open communication and a willingness to share knowledge and best practices.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance design processes, project delivery methods, and personal skills, aligning with the "Delivering Excellence" strategy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with project managers, commercial teams, site staff, and procurement to ensure design intent is realized throughout the construction process.

• Consultant Partnership: Fostering a partnership approach with external consultants, encouraging proactive engagement, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to project success.

• Stakeholder Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and timely communication with all stakeholders, managing expectations and providing updates on design progress and any potential issues.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned from design processes and project experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Galliford Try's core values, particularly in how they approach problem-solving, teamwork, and client engagement, emphasizing a proactive and collaborative mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique design requirements, timelines, and stakeholder expectations, while adhering to budget constraints.

• Ensuring Design Coordination: Effectively coordinating complex designs from various disciplines (structural, architectural, MEP, etc.) to prevent clashes and ensure buildability.

• Navigating Regulatory Changes: Keeping abreast of and implementing evolving building regulations, health and safety standards (like CDM 2015), and BIM mandates.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Ensuring external consultants deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, and effectively managing underperformance.

• Implementing BIM Strategy: Driving the adoption and effective use of BIM across projects, overcoming potential resistance to change and ensuring all parties are adequately trained and engaged.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM software, workflows, and emerging technologies.

• Professional Body Development: Support for continued professional development through membership and ongoing learning with recognized bodies like CIOB, RIBA, or RICS.

• Leadership Programs: Access to Galliford Try's leadership development frameworks for aspiring managers and directors.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to and involvement in implementing cutting-edge construction and design methodologies, including Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on diverse project types and potentially shadowing other departments to understand the full project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a supportive organizational structure that values continuous learning and professional growth, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of BIM and sustainable construction.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Philosophy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale construction project from inception to completion. How do you ensure all stakeholder requirements are met?"

  • Preparation: Outline your step-by-step process, emphasizing risk management, value engineering, and client engagement. Use examples of RIBA stages and CDE utilization.

• BIM Expertise Application: "Walk me through a project where you developed and implemented a BIM Execution Plan (BEP). What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance with the Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) and BIM standards like COBie?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to detail your role in BIM strategy, consultant appointments, BEP development, and how you audited BIM outputs.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: "Imagine a critical design clash is discovered just weeks before construction is due to start on site. How would you manage this situation to minimize delay and cost impact?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody Galliford Try's values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration in your daily work as a Design Manager?"

  • Preparation: Prepare specific examples for each value, linking them to your past projects and management style.

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your experience working with and managing external design consultants. How do you foster a collaborative environment and ensure their performance?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your approach to consultant selection, contract management, and performance monitoring, emphasizing partnership.

• Continuous Improvement: "How have you contributed to process improvements or business initiatives in your previous roles, particularly related to design efficiency or project delivery?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the project context, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions you implemented (especially regarding design management, BIM, and CDM), and the quantifiable positive outcomes.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation directly addresses the core requirements: BIM expertise, CDM 2015 compliance, value engineering, consultant management, and delivery to time, budget, and quality.

• Visual Aids: Use slides or visual aids effectively to showcase project details, design coordination examples, or BIM models where appropriate.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the impact of your decisions and actions on project success, client satisfaction, and company profitability.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, decision-making process, and how you handle difficult situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess not only technical competence but also your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Galliford Try's operational ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples that demonstrate your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your expertise in design management, BIM implementation (BEP, EIR, COBie), CDM 2015 compliance, value engineering, and successful consultant management. Tailor examples to Galliford Try's core markets and framework approach.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience in construction design management, emphasizing achievements related to project delivery, cost savings, and client satisfaction. Integrate keywords such as "Design Manager," "BIM," "CDM 2015," "Value Engineering," "Consultant Management," and "Frameworks."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience and methodologies using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare answers for common strategy and technical questions related to design management and BIM. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Galliford Try, understanding their values, recent projects, business improvement strategies ("Delivering Excellence"), and their position within the UK construction industry. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to BIM and safety.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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