Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: London/South, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction & Design Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for construction and refurbishment projects, ranging from initial concept (RIBA Stage 1) through to completion.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring effective collaboration and communication to achieve project objectives.

• Ensure all designs comply with contract specifications, health and safety legislation, and sustainable building standards.

• Act as the primary client-facing representative for all design-related matters, fostering strong, trusted relationships.

• Drive project delivery within programme and commercial constraints, proactively identifying and managing risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Kier's Building Solutions South team, focusing on projects up to £20 million. The emphasis is on a hands-on approach to design management within a construction context, requiring a balance of technical oversight, team leadership, and client engagement. The collaboration with Jobs for Humanity suggests a commitment to inclusive hiring practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive design programmes, including detailed schedules, responsibility matrices, and key milestone tracking.

• Chair and facilitate design team meetings, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and timely resolution of design challenges.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design documentation to verify contract compliance, adherence to specifications, and alignment with project scope.

• Uphold and enforce health and safety legislation and sustainable building standards throughout the design development and execution phases.

• Serve as the main point of client liaison for design discussions, providing updates, addressing queries, and building long-term professional relationships.

• Proactively identify potential project risks (programme, commercial, technical) and develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.

• Support project teams in achieving on-time and within-budget delivery by ensuring efficient design processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the design function, promoting best practices and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills within a design framework, emphasizing proactive risk management and client relationship building. The scope of projects (up to £20 million) indicates a need for experience with moderately complex construction undertakings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Hold an HNC, HND, or Degree in a relevant construction or engineering subject. Membership of a recognized professional body (e.g., CIOB, APM, CIAT, RICS) is highly desirable.

Experience: Proven pre-construction experience managing design processes for construction and refurbishment projects with values up to £20 million. Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the design lifecycle in construction, from RIBA Stage 1 onwards.

• Construction Project Management: Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively within a construction environment.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse teams of consultants and specialists.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining positive, trust-based relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Contract Compliance: Thorough understanding of contract requirements and ability to ensure design adherence.

• Health & Safety Legislation: Knowledge of relevant UK health and safety regulations applicable to construction design.

• Sustainable Building Standards: Familiarity with current sustainability practices and standards in the construction industry.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for liaising with clients, teams, and the supply chain.

• Organisational & Prioritization Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and work independently or as part of a team.

• Problem-Solving: A solution-focused approach to addressing challenges and driving continuous improvement.

• Design Programming: Experience in developing and managing design schedules and programmes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) processes and technologies.

• Knowledge of specific construction methodologies relevant to Kier's project portfolio.

• Experience in cost management and value engineering within design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical construction knowledge, leadership capabilities, and client-facing acumen. Membership in professional bodies and specific educational backgrounds are key indicators of foundational expertise. The "5-10 Years" experience level suggests a mid-to-senior role requiring substantial practical application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of construction or refurbishment projects managed, highlighting your role, design challenges, solutions implemented, and project outcomes.

• Programme Management Examples: Include samples of design programmes, responsibility matrices, or project schedules you have developed and managed, demonstrating your organizational capabilities.

• Risk Management Documentation: Provide examples of risk registers or mitigation plans developed for construction design projects, illustrating your proactive approach to risk.

• Client Communication Samples (Anonymized): If possible, include anonymized examples of client communication, proposals, or reports that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and convey technical information effectively.

• Sustainability Integration Evidence: Highlight instances where you have successfully incorporated sustainable building practices or standards into project designs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map out and optimize design workflows, ensuring efficiency and clarity from inception to delivery.

• Collaboration Protocols: Showcase processes or methodologies you have implemented to foster effective collaboration among multi-disciplinary design teams.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Outline your approach to ensuring designs meet all contractual, regulatory (health & safety), and quality standards.

• Performance Measurement: Detail how you track and report on design progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and project success metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, showcasing not just technical design management but also leadership, client interaction, and process-driven efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies and demonstrate tangible results from past projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in London, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This range accounts for the project scope (£20 million), responsibilities, and the London cost of living.

Benefits:

• Tailored Benefits Package: Kier offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits package that employees can customize to their needs. Specific details are available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Active participation in and support for Kier's robust diversity and inclusion programs, promoting an equitable and inclusive workplace.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and potential support for further professional qualifications or certifications.

• Pension Scheme: A competitive pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Life Assurance: Provision of life assurance cover for added security.

• Discounts & Perks: Access to various employee discounts and perks.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is a full-time, on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in London, considering the specified project value and experience level. Kier's commitment to tailored benefits and D&I initiatives is a significant draw for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Property Services, and Infrastructure. Kier is a leading UK infrastructure services, construction and property group.

Company Size: Kier is a large organization, employing over 20,000 people, which offers significant opportunities for career progression and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1895, giving it a long and established history in the construction industry, known for its stability and extensive experience.

Team Structure:

• Building Solutions South: This role is part of the Building Solutions division, specifically the South team, which focuses on delivering construction and refurbishment projects.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or a Project Director within the Building Solutions South team.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers, Site Teams, Commercial Managers, Health & Safety Officers, and external consultants (architects, engineers, specialist sub-contractors).

Methodology:

• Design-Led Delivery: Kier emphasizes a design-led approach to project delivery, ensuring that robust design processes are in place from the outset.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong focus on collaborative working with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams to achieve shared project goals.

• Safety First Culture: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards across all operations.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing drive to enhance processes, adopt new technologies, and improve project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large scale suggest a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities within a growing and dynamic division. The emphasis on collaboration and safety is core to their operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the construction design management field. It requires independent management of design processes for significant projects and leadership of design teams, moving beyond junior design coordination to strategic oversight and client engagement.

Reporting Structure: You will report into a senior management figure within the Building Solutions South team, likely a Head of Design or Project Director, and will be responsible for managing the design output of project-specific teams.

Operations Impact: As Design Manager, your impact is critical to the success of construction projects. Effective design management directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, quality of the final build, client satisfaction, and crucially, the safety and sustainability of the built environment. Your role is integral to translating client requirements into buildable, compliant, and efficient designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to managing larger, more complex projects or overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Technical Specialization: Developing expertise in specific construction types (e.g., healthcare, education, commercial) or advanced design technologies (e.g., BIM, digital construction).

• Project Management Track: Transitioning into a broader Project Management role, leveraging design expertise for holistic project leadership.

• Leadership Development Programs: Kier offers various leadership training and development programs designed to cultivate future leaders within the organization.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Potential for Kier to support ongoing professional development and accreditation with relevant bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within construction design or project management. Kier's size and structured approach provide a solid foundation for professional growth, with opportunities for both technical deepening and leadership expansion.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a professional office environment in London/South, serving as a hub for project planning, team coordination, and client meetings. This is an on-site role.

Office Location(s): London/South, United Kingdom. Specific office address details would be provided upon successful application or interview.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space is designed to facilitate collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and areas for team discussions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized design software used by Kier.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior management, and clients through in-person meetings and discussions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday. While the core hours are defined, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend critical client/team meetings, particularly during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and direct engagement within the team and with clients, which is typical for construction project management roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the Jobs for Humanity recruitment team to assess basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to explore your experience, technical skills, and understanding of design management principles in construction. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially a session with other members of the Building Solutions team or senior design professionals to assess your technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and fit within the team's working style.

• Case Study/Presentation (Possible): You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design challenge to demonstrate your approach.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a senior leader, to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that align with the £20 million project value and construction/refurbishment focus.

• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly outline: the project brief, your specific role and responsibilities, key design challenges, the solutions you implemented (emphasizing process and collaboration), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, cost savings, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Clearly articulate your design management processes, how you led multi-disciplinary teams, and how you managed client relationships.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., % reduction in design queries, adherence to programme milestones, successful navigation of regulatory hurdles).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, conflict resolution within teams, and how you handle design changes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Kier's Work: Research recent Kier projects, particularly within Building Solutions South, to understand their typical project types and scale.

• Review RIBA Stages: Be ready to discuss your experience with different RIBA stages and their implications for design management.

• Health & Safety Focus: Prepare to discuss your approach to ensuring health and safety compliance within the design process.

• Sustainability Awareness: Be ready to articulate how you integrate sustainability into design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and the ability to articulate your design management methodology. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating your capabilities effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like MS Project, Asana, or similar for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.

• Design Software (Familiarity): While not necessarily a user, familiarity with architectural and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is beneficial for understanding design outputs and communicating with design teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and tracking project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management software and potentially custom dashboards.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, financial tracking, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client-Facing): While direct CRM use might be limited, understanding client management principles and potentially interacting with a company CRM for client contact management.

• Workflow Automation (Awareness): An understanding of how workflow automation can improve design processes, even if not directly implementing it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on project management and collaboration tools. While deep technical design software skills aren't explicitly required, an understanding of the design tools used by consultants is advantageous for effective coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals involved in projects. This translates to meticulous safety planning and adherence in design.

• Integrity & Trust: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and building trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort, open communication, and shared responsibility to achieve project success.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality outcomes in all aspects of work, from design to construction.

• Innovation & Improvement: A proactive approach to seeking new ideas, challenging the status quo, and continuously improving processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless integration and communication between design, project management, commercial, and site teams.

• Open Communication Channels: Fostering an environment where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be shared openly and constructively.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with clients and the supply chain as partners to achieve mutual goals, rather than purely transactional relationships.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's values are deeply embedded in construction industry best practices, with a strong emphasis on safety, integrity, and collaborative delivery. Candidates who align with these values will likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and expectations of clients, internal teams, regulatory bodies, and the supply chain.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving health and safety, building regulations, and sustainability standards.

• Driving Design Efficiency on Tight Timelines: Delivering high-quality, compliant designs within demanding project schedules and commercial constraints.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and potentially championing the adoption of new design technologies and digital tools within a traditional industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Training: Access to courses and workshops focused on enhancing design leadership, risk management, and project controls.

• Professional Body Engagement: Opportunities to engage with professional bodies like CIOB, APM, RICS, potentially through company sponsorship for events or certifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from experienced senior design managers or project directors within Kier.

• Exposure to Varied Projects: Working on a diverse portfolio of construction and refurbishment projects provides continuous learning through practical experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to overcome significant challenges in a dynamic industry, fostering resilience and advanced problem-solving skills. Kier's commitment to learning and development supports long-term career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process from RIBA Stage 1 through to project completion for a £15 million commercial refurbishment project." (Focus on process, milestones, and team coordination.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication within a multi-disciplinary design team, particularly when facing conflicting technical opinions?" (Highlight your leadership, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier and our Building Solutions division? What attracts you to this specific role?" (Demonstrate research into Kier's projects, values, and the role's responsibilities.)

• "How do you align with Kier's core values, particularly regarding safety, integrity, and collaboration?" (Provide specific examples of how your past actions reflect these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your project case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (brief), middle (challenges and actions), and end (resolution and results).

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use data to support your claims about efficiency, cost savings, time adherence, and client satisfaction.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decision-making processes, not just the team's overall achievements.

• Be Ready to Dive Deep: Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects, contractual implications, and your problem-solving approach for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your design management methodology, demonstrating leadership, and showcasing your ability to manage complex projects within a construction context. Highlighting alignment with Kier's values is also crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Jobs for Humanity platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight experience directly relevant to construction design management, projects up to £20 million, and multi-disciplinary team leadership. Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and readily accessible.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description (e.g., Design Manager, RIBA Stages, construction, health and safety, client relations, project programming) naturally throughout your resume to align with ATS scanning.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience and design management processes using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving, leadership, and client management skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kier, their Building Solutions division, recent projects, and their stated values (safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence, innovation) to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.