Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try (Morrison Construction)

Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-02

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design development and delivery for construction projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and company standards.

• Manage intricate stakeholder relationships, including clients, subcontractors, and internal design teams, to foster collaborative project execution.

• Champion adherence to critical regulatory frameworks such as CDM 2015 and Scottish Technical Standards, embedding safety and compliance into every design phase.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate design risks while capitalizing on opportunities to enhance project outcomes and commercial viability.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and consultant selection through to the final buildability review and as-built verification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the construction sector, specifically under the Morrison Construction brand of Galliford Try. The "Design Manager" title in this context strongly implies a focus on the operational execution of design within construction projects, bridging the gap between pre-construction design and on-site implementation. The responsibilities listed highlight a need for strong project management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder communication, all critical for successful GTM (Go-to-Market) operations within a construction project lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process for assigned projects or bids, ensuring efficient development and timely delivery of design documentation.

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, project teams, and design consultants, facilitating clear communication and collaboration.

• Ensure strict compliance with the Building Management System (BMS) and all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations, including CDM 2015 and the principles of prevention in design.

• Proactively identify potential design risks and opportunities at all project stages, developing and implementing mitigation strategies and enhancement plans.

• Manage the selection, appointment, and performance of external design consultants, ensuring competency checks are completed and fee proposals are managed effectively.

• Develop, monitor, and report on comprehensive design programmes, including Information Release Schedules, to ensure timely and quality design deliverables align with project timelines.

• Oversee and manage statutory and third-party processes such as Planning applications, Building Control approvals, and BREEAM assessments.

• Conduct thorough design reviews and liaise with design teams and subcontractors to ensure full design coordination, considering sequencing, buildability, and constructability.

• Collaborate with internal and external information managers to ensure all project information is correctly named, filed, and managed according to the BMS and industry best practices.

• Undertake site inspections to support the site-based teams, verify that the as-built product aligns with the design criteria, and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

• Manage the design change process, ensuring all changes are properly documented, assessed for commercial impact, and approved before implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on operational role focused on the execution of design within a construction project environment. This role requires a blend of technical design understanding, project management discipline, and a keen eye for regulatory compliance and commercial impact, aligning closely with GTM operations principles of successful project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing the design process for construction projects, from bid stage through to completion.

• Proven track record in applying and monitoring compliance with CDM 2015 regulations and understanding the principle of prevention and safety in design.

• Experience in managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, and design teams within a construction context.

• Experience in developing and managing design programmes, including Information Release Schedules.

Required Skills:

• CDM 2015 Regulations: In-depth knowledge and practical experience in applying CDM 2015 requirements.

• Scottish Technical Standards: Experienced and knowledgeable of the specific requirements of Scottish building regulations.

• Design Management: Ability to lead, coordinate, and manage the entire design process for construction projects.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project planning, scheduling, and execution within a construction environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

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

• Buildability & Constructability Analysis: Understanding of construction sequencing and methodology to challenge and refine designs.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Advanced ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to present ideas concisely and engage with senior stakeholders.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of commercial impacts, design change management, and fee negotiation.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the company's Building Management System (BMS) and information management protocols.

• Experience with BREEAM or other sustainability assessment frameworks.

• Knowledge of British Standards relevant to construction.

• Experience in managing design changes and their commercial implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on regulatory knowledge (CDM 2015, Scottish Technical Standards) and practical construction understanding (buildability, constructability) points to a role deeply embedded in the operational execution of projects. The "About You" section directly translates into essential qualifications for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Design-Led Projects: Demonstrate successful management of design processes from inception to completion, highlighting your role and impact.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Showcase instances where you identified and successfully mitigated design risks, detailing the process and outcome.

• Regulatory Compliance Documentation: Evidence of managing projects in compliance with CDM 2015 and Scottish Technical Standards, possibly including safety plans or compliance reports.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Examples of how you managed complex stakeholder relationships, particularly in overcoming design-related challenges or conflicts.

Process Documentation:

• Design Programme Development: Showcase examples of developing and managing detailed design programmes and Information Release Schedules.

• Design Review & Coordination Procedures: Illustrate your process for conducting design reviews, ensuring coordination between disciplines, and assessing buildability.

• Information Management Protocols: Demonstrate understanding and application of structured information management systems for design documentation.

• Design Change Management Process: Outline your methodology for managing design changes, including assessment, approval, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in construction, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. It should not just list responsibilities but showcase how processes were managed, risks mitigated, and designs delivered successfully, with a clear emphasis on operational execution and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• Comprehensive pension plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options for salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme providing free 24/7 support.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility potentially available through the company's Agile Working programme, which allows for adjustments in when, where, and how work is performed, subject to team and role requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in the UK construction sector, factoring in location and experience. The provided benefits are comprehensive and align with standard offerings for full-time, salaried positions in large UK construction firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Principal Contractor)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Galliford Try is a major UK construction group with numerous employees and projects). Morrison Construction is a significant part of this group, operating across Scotland.

Founded: Galliford Try was founded in 1958. Morrison Construction has a long history in Scotland.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a project-specific team, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager.

• They will work closely with project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors, health & safety officers, and external design consultants.

Methodology:

• Operations are guided by the company's Building Management System (BMS), which sets standards for project delivery, safety, and information management.

• Emphasis is placed on proactive risk management, regulatory compliance (CDM 2015, Scottish Technical Standards), and buildability assessments.

• A collaborative approach to design, involving all key stakeholders from early stages, is crucial for successful project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try, through its Morrison Construction brand, operates as a large principal contractor. This means the company is responsible for the overall management and execution of construction projects. The culture likely emphasizes strong project governance, safety-first principles, and efficient operational delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level operational role within project delivery. It requires significant experience and the ability to manage complex processes and teams independently.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager on a specific project. They may also have dotted-line reporting to a Head of Design or similar central function for standards and best practices.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and critical impact on project success by ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their role is fundamental to mitigating project risks, preventing delays, and ensuring the final product meets client expectations and quality standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager / Principal Design Manager: Progress to managing larger, more complex projects, or leading a team of Design Managers.

• Project Director / Project Manager: Transition into broader project leadership roles with full accountability for project delivery.

• Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like sustainable design (BREEAM), BIM management, or particular construction methodologies.

• Operations Leadership: Move into regional or divisional operational management roles within Morrison Construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression for a Design Manager in a large construction firm like Galliford Try is typically linear through project management or into more senior design leadership, emphasizing the tangible impact of this role on project outcomes and company success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in or around Inverness, requiring presence across multiple sites/projects in the Highland Region. This implies a combination of site visits, client meetings, and office-based work.

Office Location(s): Inverness, Highland Region, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic work environment involving significant time spent on construction sites, which can be physically demanding and require adherence to strict safety protocols.

• Office time will likely be spent collaborating with project teams, reviewing documentation, and attending meetings.

• Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with experienced site teams and project leadership are inherent to the role.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 per week) are expected, with potential for flexibility under the Agile Working programme. Site requirements may sometimes necessitate adjusted hours or occasional travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with significant site presence, is standard for construction project management roles. The emphasis on safety and the dynamic environment are key aspects of this sector's work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application will be conducted by the Resourcing Partner (Laura Mitchell) to assess suitability against the core requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a competency-based interview with Laura Mitchell to assess your experience, regulatory knowledge (CDM 2015, Scottish Technical Standards), and understanding of the role.

• Second Interview / Assessment: This may involve meeting with a senior member of the project team (e.g., Project Director, Operations Manager) to discuss your approach to design management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement. A practical exercise or case study related to a construction design challenge might be presented.

• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your professional experience and portfolio that demonstrate your capabilities in managing design processes, regulatory compliance, and project delivery.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to confirm cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Lifecycle: Showcase your involvement across all stages of a project's design lifecycle, from pre-construction to post-construction.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in design-related delays, successful mitigation of specific risks, cost savings achieved through design optimization).

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the processes you followed for design coordination, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and compliance.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples of how you tackled complex design challenges or conflicts and the solutions you implemented.

• Regulatory Expertise: Specifically highlight projects where you successfully navigated CDM 2015 and Scottish Technical Standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, client change requests, or subcontractor issues.

• Prepare to explain your approach to developing and managing a design programme and Information Release Schedules.

• Practice articulating your understanding of buildability and constructability in relation to design.

• Consider how you would manage and communicate design changes with commercial implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager in construction typically involves assessing practical experience, regulatory knowledge, and problem-solving skills relevant to project delivery. A portfolio demonstrating these capabilities is often key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and potentially BIM software (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for viewing and coordinating designs.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for developing and tracking design programmes.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing and sharing project documentation, such as Aconex or similar platforms, aligning with the company's Building Management System (BMS).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or specific industry collaboration platforms for communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design progress, risk status, and compliance using project management software and potentially business intelligence tools.

• Data Analysis: Skill in analyzing project data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement in the design process.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows and is managed is crucial. Familiarity with systems that track project progress and changes is beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software systems (design, project management, document control) integrate to provide a cohesive project overview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager is heavily focused on design visualization, project scheduling, and document management, reflecting the core operational needs of managing design within construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing, acting ethically in all dealings with clients, subcontractors, and colleagues.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in design delivery, project execution, and client satisfaction.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with all stakeholders to achieve shared project goals.

• Safety: Prioritizing health and safety in all design and construction activities, adhering to CDM 2015 principles.

• Passion: A commitment to the construction industry and the positive impact of building essential infrastructure and facilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, fostering an environment where design challenges can be openly discussed and resolved.

• Cross-functional, working closely with site teams, commercial departments, and external partners to ensure a cohesive approach.

• Emphasis on clear communication and timely information sharing to prevent delays and misunderstandings.

• A willingness to challenge designs constructively to ensure buildability, safety, and commercial viability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration) are deeply embedded in the operational execution of construction projects. The collaborative style is essential for managing the complex interdependencies within project teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects, clients, and internal stakeholders simultaneously.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring continuous compliance with evolving health, safety, and building regulations (CDM 2015, Scottish Technical Standards).

• Resolving Design Conflicts: Mediating disagreements between different design disciplines or between design intent and site practicalities.

• Controlling Design Changes: Managing the impact of client-requested changes or unforeseen site conditions on project timelines and budgets.

• Ensuring Buildability: Translating complex designs into practical, constructible solutions that can be executed safely and efficiently on site.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Training: Courses focused on BIM, specific construction techniques, or advanced project management methodologies.

• Regulatory Updates: Continuous professional development to stay abreast of changes in CDM regulations, building standards, and other relevant legislation.

• Leadership Development: Programs aimed at enhancing management, communication, and strategic decision-making skills for progression into senior roles.

• Professional Body Membership: Support for maintaining membership and engaging with professional bodies like the CIOB, ICE, or RICS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for a Design Manager are intrinsically linked to the operational complexities of construction projects, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to regulatory and practical demands.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a significant design risk on a project. How did you identify it, what steps did you take to mitigate it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, proactive measures, and impact).

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations throughout the design process? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate your practical understanding and application).

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing a design programme and Information Release Schedule for a complex project." (Highlight your organizational skills and use of tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Galliford Try and Morrison Construction, and why are you interested in working with us?" (Research their recent projects, values, and reputation).

• "How do you see your role contributing to the company's values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration?" (Align your experience with their stated values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in design management, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, explain the scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the methodologies and tools you used for design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Highlight Regulatory Adherence: Demonstrate how you ensured compliance with CDM 2015 and Scottish Technical Standards.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about design coordination, buildability, and construction sequencing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily emphasize practical application of knowledge, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management within the construction context, backed by concrete examples from your professional experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your CV explicitly details your experience with CDM 2015 regulations, Scottish Technical Standards, and managing design processes on construction projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather case studies that demonstrate your project lifecycle management, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss your process for design coordination and compliance.

• Research Galliford Try/Morrison Construction: Understand their values, recent projects (especially in the Highland Region), and their commitment to safety and quality.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common competency-based and situational questions, focusing on providing STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples relevant to design management in construction.

⚠️ 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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