Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Solihull, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-19T10:17:46

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the strategic management and execution of design processes within construction projects, ensuring efficient and compliant delivery from bid stage through to project completion.

• The Design Manager will be responsible for fostering strong collaborative relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal design teams, driving a culture of proactive risk management and opportunity realization.

• A key aspect of this position involves ensuring adherence to stringent health, safety, and regulatory standards, including CDM 2015, and managing the comprehensive design program and information release schedules.

• The role requires a blend of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and strong leadership to oversee the selection of designers, manage consultant fees, and ensure the buildability and quality of design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities described (managing client/subcontractor relationships, design process leadership, CDM 2015 compliance, design risk, programme development, statutory processes, site inspections, buildability assessment, commercial acumen in design change) strongly indicate a role within the construction project management or construction operations domain, with a specific focus on the design execution phase. The "Operations Category" has been defined as "Construction Management / Design Operations" to reflect this. The "Experience Level" has been estimated based on the breadth of responsibilities and the need for commercial acumen and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Process Leadership: Lead and manage the end-to-end design process in strict accordance with the Galliford Try Building Management System, ensuring all project phases are meticulously planned and executed.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with clients, subcontractors, project teams, and design consultants, facilitating clear communication and collaborative problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.

• Health, Safety & Compliance: Champion and enforce compliance with CDM 2015 regulations, embodying the principle of prevention and safety in design, and maintaining rigorous awareness of all H&S responsibilities and company policies.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate design risks while capitalizing on opportunities to enhance project outcomes and profitability across bid and project stages.

• Designer & Consultant Management: Oversee the selection process for external designers, conduct necessary competency checks, and manage the compilation and administration of project fee schedules for consultants.

• Programme & Schedule Management: Develop and agree upon detailed design programmes in collaboration with Planners, and meticulously manage, monitor, and report on Information Release Schedules to ensure timely and quality delivery of design outputs.

• Statutory & Third-Party Liaison: Manage all statutory and third-party approval processes, including Planning Permissions, Building Control submissions, and environmental certifications like BREEAM.

• Site Verification: Conduct regular site inspections to verify that the as-built product aligns with the design criteria and project specifications, ensuring quality and adherence to standards.

• Buildability & Constructability Oversight: Critically assess designs for buildability and constructability, challenging any elements that do not align with the project's sequencing or construction methodology.

• Commercial Management: Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, particularly in managing the design change process, evaluating impacts, and securing necessary approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been detailed by expanding on the provided bullet points and inferring standard operations within a large construction principal contractor like Galliford Try. This includes elaborating on the scope of "managing relationships," "leading the design process," and "managing statutory processes," by incorporating industry-standard terminology and detailing the expected actions and outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven track record in managing design processes within a principal contractor or large construction environment, ideally with experience on complex projects.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design change processes and understanding the associated commercial implications.

Required Skills:

• CDM 2015 Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with CDM 2015 regulations and the principles of safety in design.

• Design Process Management: Ability to lead, manage, and monitor complex design processes from inception through to construction completion.

• Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, clients, subcontractors, and design teams.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical capabilities and a strong aptitude for identifying and resolving complex design and construction-related issues.

• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of construction contracts, fee management, and the commercial impacts of design decisions and changes.

• Programme Management: Proficiency in developing, managing, and reporting on design programmes and information release schedules.

Preferred Skills:

• BREEAM & Statutory Process Management: Experience in managing planning applications, building control submissions, and environmental assessments like BREEAM.

• Buildability Assessment: Strong understanding of construction sequencing and methodologies, with the ability to assess and influence design for optimal buildability.

• Designer Selection & Competency: Experience in evaluating and selecting design consultants and ensuring their technical competence.

• Risk Management: Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating design-related risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The education requirement has been inferred based on typical industry standards for a Design Manager role in a large construction firm. The "About You" section from the raw job description has been broken down into "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" with more specific operational context and keywords. "Mid-Senior" experience level has been inferred from the complexity of responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of design processes on significant construction projects, highlighting your specific role and contributions.

• CDM 2015 Implementation: Provide evidence or descriptions of how you have implemented CDM 2015 requirements on past projects, including risk assessments, safety in design strategies, and coordination efforts.

• Programme & Schedule Control: Examples of developed design programmes, information release schedules, and reports illustrating your ability to manage timelines and progress effectively.

• Commercial Management Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you have managed design fees, consultant appointments, and the design change process, including examples of cost control and impact assessment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of standard design workflows within construction, and how you have optimized them for efficiency, quality, and compliance.

• Collaboration & Communication Protocols: Evidence of established protocols or strategies for effective communication and collaboration among diverse project stakeholders (client, design teams, site teams, subcontractors).

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Examples of how you have tracked and reported on design progress, quality, risk mitigation, and compliance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been created to align with the focus on operations and process management. For a Design Manager role, a portfolio would typically showcase project experience, process adherence, and problem-solving capabilities. The requirements are framed around demonstrating practical application of skills in a project context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to the 'Be Well' programme, offering discounts on products and comprehensive advice and support for various issues, promoting physical and mental wellbeing.

• Professional Development: Investment in high-quality training, including a leadership development framework, apprenticeship programmes, and tailored support through the Career Paths initiative to foster individual potential.

• Agile Working: Participation in the Agile Working programme, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is conducted, where appropriate for the role and team.

• Company Pension Scheme: Standard company pension contributions.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Life Assurance: Standard provision of life assurance cover.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility discussed during the recruitment process, aligning with the company's Agile Working principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified region and industry, considering the provided "mid-senior" experience level. The benefits are directly extracted from the "What We Can Offer in Return" section of the job description and tailored to operations professionals. Working hours are inferred from standard full-time expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Principal Contractor)

Company Size: Large (Galliford Try is a significant UK contractor with an order book exceeding £4.1 billion, indicating a large workforce and extensive project portfolio).

Founded: Galliford Try has a long-standing history, established in 1958, demonstrating stability and extensive experience in the construction sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the operational delivery arm of Galliford Try, likely reporting into a Project Director or Senior Operations Manager.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Will work closely with planning, commercial, procurement, site management, and external design consultants.

• Project-Based Teams: Primarily operates within project-specific teams, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals on each initiative.

Methodology:

• Structured Project Delivery: Adherence to the Galliford Try Building Management System and established project methodologies ensures consistency and quality.

• Collaborative Approach: Emphasis on working collaboratively with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams to achieve project goals.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While not explicitly stated, a company of this size and sector will leverage data for performance tracking, risk assessment, and continuous improvement in design and delivery processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been synthesized from the provided description, LinkedIn data elements (implicitly, as company size/industry are common LinkedIn fields), and general knowledge of large construction firms. The "Methodology" section infers operational practices common in such organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the construction operations hierarchy. It requires significant autonomy and responsibility for crucial project elements, bridging strategic design planning with practical site execution.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Manager reports to a Project Director, Operations Director, or a senior construction manager, overseeing a project or a portfolio of projects. They will manage relationships with external designers and consultants and may have direct or indirect influence over junior design coordinators or engineers within project teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their role is critical in mitigating risks that could lead to delays, cost overruns, or safety incidents, thereby safeguarding project profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Project Management: Transition into broader Project Management roles, taking full P&L responsibility for projects.

• Operations Leadership: Advancement into senior operational roles such as Construction Manager, Operations Manager, or Business Unit leadership within Galliford Try.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design (BREEAM), offsite construction, or complex infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a career path analysis relevant to a Design Manager in construction operations, detailing their impact and potential growth trajectories within a large organization like Galliford Try.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily office-based, located in Solihull, West Midlands, but requires significant travel to various project sites within the region. This offers a blend of office-based planning and on-site verification.

Office Location(s):

• Primary office location: Solihull, West Midlands.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Solihull office likely serves as a hub for project teams, offering a dynamic environment for collaboration, planning, and stakeholder meetings.

• On-Site Immersion: Regular site visits are essential, providing direct exposure to the construction environment, challenges, and progress, facilitating a practical understanding of design implementation.

• Technology Enabled: Access to relevant design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be standard.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered through the Agile Working programme. Site-based requirements may necessitate adjusted hours or early starts depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described by inferring typical conditions for a site-based construction role with an office base, emphasizing the travel component and the blend of office and field work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the Resourcing Partner (Laura Mitchell) or HR team to assess suitability against essential criteria.

• First Interview: Likely a competency-based interview with the hiring manager (Laura Mitchell or a Senior Operations Manager) focusing on your experience with CDM 2015, design management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a practical exercise or presentation of your portfolio, focusing on a specific design management challenge, risk assessment, or programme management scenario. Expect to discuss buildability and commercial aspects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior director or a panel, assessing cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and Galliford Try's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., CDM 2015, Programme Management, Stakeholder Relations).

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly state the project scale, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction).

• Visual Aids: Include relevant visuals where appropriate, such as simplified design flowcharts, programme extracts, or site photos that illustrate design implementation.

• Focus on Process: Highlight your understanding and application of Galliford Try's Building Management System and your approach to managing design risk and statutory compliance.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio highlights concisely, focusing on the most relevant examples for this specific Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical construction design challenges (e.g., a significant design conflict discovered late in the process, a major subcontractor issue impacting design delivery).

• CDM 2015 Application: Be ready to discuss practical scenarios related to your duties as a Principal Designer or your role in supporting the Principal Designer under CDM 2015.

• Commercial Judgement: Practice articulating how you would assess and manage the commercial implications of design changes or unforeseen site conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, outlining a typical interview process for a role of this nature within a large construction firm and offering specific tips for portfolio presentation and challenge preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for developing and tracking design programmes.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modelling) software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and collaboration tools like Aconex or Procore for managing design documents, RFIs, and submittals.

• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using company-specific or industry-standard document control systems for efficient storage, retrieval, and version control of design documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modelling (e.g., fee schedules, change order tracking), and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting reports from project management software or bespoke internal systems to track design progress, KPIs, and compliance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to managing client expectations and communication is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with systems that automate aspects of document routing, approval processes, or RFI management can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the typical technology stack for a Design Manager in construction operations, focusing on project management, design collaboration, and reporting tools commonly used in the industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Deliver Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design quality, project execution, and client satisfaction, ensuring lasting value.

• Passion for our Role: Enthusiasm for contributing to the creation of vital infrastructure and facilities, understanding the impact of construction projects on communities.

• Integrity: Adhering to ethical business practices, doing the right thing in all dealings with clients, supply chain, and colleagues, especially regarding safety and compliance.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with clients, supply chain members, and internal teams to achieve shared objectives and deliver integrated solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close working relationships with commercial, site, planning, and procurement teams are essential for successful design integration.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages open, honest, and proactive communication to address challenges early and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Continuous Improvement: An environment that values feedback and learning from project experiences to refine processes and enhance future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the company's core values and inferred collaboration style, drawing from the "About us" section and common cultural drivers in the construction industry, tailored to an operations role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Conflicting Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects or conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (client, site, design team).

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring continuous compliance with evolving health, safety, and planning regulations across diverse project types.

• Design Integration with Site Realities: Bridging the gap between design intent and on-site constructability, addressing unforeseen issues that arise during construction.

• Commercial Pressures: Managing design changes effectively to control costs and timelines, while meeting client expectations and contractual obligations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Access to training on cutting-edge design management methodologies, BIM implementation, and digital construction tools.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue professional certifications relevant to construction management, design, or health and safety.

• Leadership Development: Participation in Galliford Try's leadership development framework to hone strategic, management, and interpersonal skills for future leadership roles.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior figures within the company, gaining insights into navigating complex projects and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the Design Manager role within construction and outlines specific growth and learning opportunities offered by Galliford Try, focusing on operational development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design challenge you faced on a project and how you managed it from identification through to resolution, detailing the impact on the programme and budget." (Focus on problem-solving, process, and commercial acumen).

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 throughout the design lifecycle, and what is your role in managing design risk?" (Assess technical knowledge and proactive safety approach).

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing an Information Release Schedule for a large construction project." (Evaluate programme management skills and detail orientation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Galliford Try's approach to design and construction, and how do you see your values aligning with ours?" (Demonstrate research and cultural fit).

• "How do you foster collaboration between design teams, site teams, and subcontractors to ensure a cohesive project delivery?" (Assess collaboration style and stakeholder management).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing design processes, CDM compliance, and commercial aspects.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, not just the team's achievements.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your interventions (e.g., "Reduced design query resolution time by 15%," "Secured £50k in savings through value engineering").

• Showcase Process: Explain your methodologies for risk identification, programme management, and stakeholder communication. Be ready to discuss how you would apply Galliford Try's systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including example questions and portfolio presentation strategies, specifically tailored for a Design Manager role in construction operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Galliford Try Careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience in design management, CDM 2015 compliance, programme control, stakeholder engagement, and commercial acumen within the construction sector. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant projects. Focus on demonstrating your process for managing design delivery, risk mitigation, and commercial aspects, with quantifiable results where possible.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Galliford Try's recent projects, values, and their approach to construction and design. Understand their Building Management System and commitment to safety.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio and answer competency-based questions related to your experience with design management, health & safety, and commercial responsibilities. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach.

⚠️ 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.