Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Sisk

Location: Milton Keynes, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Operations & Design Management

Date Posted: July 22, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the complete design lifecycle for construction projects within the UK South Construction division, with a specific focus on Healthcare projects.

• Lead and mentor a design team, including Design Managers and Design Coordinators, ensuring alignment with project objectives and Sisk's construction excellence standards.

• Drive the selection of design teams and specialist sub-contractors, defining their responsibilities and scope of services to optimize project outcomes.

• Facilitate regular design meetings and manage the tender and construction program, ensuring critical sub-contractors are involved as necessary for seamless project execution.

• Evaluate and recommend alternative building methods, sub-contractors, and materials to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and project quality, demonstrating a strong understanding of constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in a construction context, especially within a large firm like Sisk, involves significant cross-functional leadership and strategic oversight. This role is critical for ensuring that the design phase is not only compliant with regulations but also optimized for constructability, cost, and schedule. The emphasis on "Healthcare project" suggests a need for specialized knowledge in this sector's unique design and regulatory requirements. The "Senior Design Manager" mention indicates potential for advancement or a broader scope of responsibility depending on candidate experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Team Leadership & Selection:

  • Play a key role in selecting the appropriate design team members based on project requirements and expertise.
  • Clearly define and agree upon the responsibilities and scope of services for each member of the design team.
  • Oversee the performance and development of Design Managers and Design Coordinators, providing guidance and support.

• Program & Schedule Management:

  • Collaborate with the design team to establish and agree upon realistic tender and construction programs.
  • Monitor progress against the agreed-upon timelines and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Ensure timely delivery of design information to support procurement and construction activities.

• Stakeholder & Sub-contractor Management:

  • Conduct and minute regular design meetings, ensuring clear communication and action item tracking.
  • Strategically involve critical sub-contractors in design discussions to ensure constructability and value engineering.
  • Advise on the selection of specialist sub-contractors, assessing their capabilities and alignment with project needs.

• Value Engineering & Innovation:

  • Proactively consider and evaluate alternative building methods and materials that could enhance project value or efficiency.
  • Assess and recommend specialist sub-contractors who can bring innovative solutions or specialized expertise.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by exploring new approaches to design and construction.

• Compliance & Risk Management:

  • Ensure all designs comply with current Building Regulations, Planning Permission procedures, and relevant industry standards.

  • Manage change control processes effectively, assessing the impact of design changes on cost, schedule, and quality.

  • Identify and mitigate design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight and project management. The emphasis on "input into selection," "agree responsibilities," and "advise on selection" suggests a leadership role with strategic decision-making authority within the design function. The inclusion of "alternative building methods" and "specialist sub-contractors" points towards a proactive approach to innovation and value engineering, which is a key differentiator for experienced operations professionals in construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant field such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline is typically expected.

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within the construction industry.

• Extensive experience managing internal design packages and overseeing the entire design process from tender to construction.

• Demonstrated experience in change control management, including assessing impacts and implementing solutions.

• Specific experience within the Healthcare sector and/or with Building Safety Act (BSA) requirements is highly desirable.

• Experience in managing and leading design teams, including Design Coordinators and other design professionals.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the design process in construction, including coordination, documentation, and quality assurance.

• Team Leadership & Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and manage a design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Program & Workload Management: Excellent organizational, planning, and programming skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines effectively.

• Building Regulations & Planning: In-depth knowledge of UK Building Regulations and Planning Permission procedures.

• Contractual Procedures: Familiarity with construction contract procedures and their impact on design delivery.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to communicate effectively with design teams, sub-contractors, clients, and internal stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Aptitude for identifying issues, evaluating solutions, and making sound decisions under pressure.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of project financials, cost control, and value engineering principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare Design Expertise: Specialized knowledge of the unique design requirements, regulations, and stakeholders in healthcare construction projects.

• BSA Experience: Familiarity with the Building Safety Act and its implications for design and construction processes.

• Digital Construction Tools: Proficiency with BIM (Building Information Modelling) and other digital design and collaboration platforms.

• Negotiation & Procurement: Skills in negotiating with sub-contractors and managing procurement processes.

• Risk Management: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design and construction risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section emphasizes a blend of technical design knowledge, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. The specific mention of "internal package experience" and "change control" suggests a need for a candidate who can manage complex, in-house design responsibilities and adapt to evolving project needs. The "BSA experience/Healthcare experience" is a critical qualifier, indicating a strong preference for candidates with sector-specific expertise, which often translates to a higher operational understanding of the unique challenges and compliance requirements in these areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Strategy & Execution: Showcase examples of how you have developed and implemented design strategies for complex construction projects, detailing the process from initial concept to final execution.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Present case studies that illustrate your ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, including tender, design development, construction, and handover phases, highlighting key process milestones.

• System Integration & Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you have integrated various design systems and workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration among design teams and stakeholders.

• Risk Mitigation & Problem Resolution: Include instances where you successfully identified and mitigated design-related risks, or resolved complex design challenges, demonstrating your problem-solving methodologies and impact on project success.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting clear, efficient workflows for design processes, ensuring alignment with project timelines and resource allocation.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase your ability to implement and, where applicable, automate design-related processes using relevant software and technologies to improve accuracy and speed.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have established metrics to measure the performance of design processes and teams, using data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list past projects but demonstrate a structured approach to design management. Candidates should highlight their ability to not only conceptualize but also execute and optimize design processes, especially those involving multiple stakeholders and complex regulatory environments like healthcare. The emphasis on "system integration" and "workflow optimization" aligns with the core tenets of operations management, suggesting a need for candidates who can bring efficiency and structure to the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The base salary for a Design Manager in Milton Keynes, UK, with 5-10 years of experience, particularly with specialized sector knowledge (Healthcare), can range from £55,000 to £80,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK construction sector, considering the specified experience level and the significant responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Company Car or Car Allowance: Provided for business travel needs.

• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.

• Holiday Entitlement: 26 days of annual leave, with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days.

• Pension Scheme: Employer-contributed pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance: Death in service benefit providing financial security for beneficiaries.

• Mileage Rate: Competitive rate for business mileage reimbursement.

• Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for work-related travel costs.

• Flexible and Remote Working: Options for flexible working hours and remote work, supporting a work-life balance.

• Enhanced Parental Leave: Generous provisions for parental leave beyond statutory requirements.

• Professional and Educational Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional development to advance skills and career.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, the role may require flexibility to meet project demands, with the potential for overtime or adjusted schedules during critical project phases. The inclusion of "Flexible and remote working" suggests an accommodation for work-life balance where project needs allow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK construction market, specifically in the Milton Keynes area. Factors such as the specific project value, Sisk's internal banding, and the candidate's exact experience and specialized qualifications (e.g., extensive healthcare project management) would influence the final offer. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Sisk's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, with emphasis on work-life balance initiatives like flexible/remote working and enhanced parental leave, which are increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent in operations-focused roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Building and Civil Engineering)

Company Size: Sisk is a large, international construction company. While the exact number of employees in the UK South Construction division is not specified, the company as a whole employs thousands globally, indicating a robust organizational structure with ample resources and opportunities.

Founded: John Sisk & Son was founded in 1859, signifying a long-standing history and deep-rooted expertise in the construction industry. This heritage suggests a culture that values stability, long-term relationships, and a commitment to quality and trust.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: The Design Manager will lead a dedicated design team, likely comprising Design Coordinators, CAD Technicians, and potentially other specialists. This team will operate within the broader UK South Construction division.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The Design Manager will report to a senior figure within the division, such as a Project Director or Construction Director. They will, in turn, manage and guide their direct reports.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates close collaboration with project management teams, site operations, procurement, commercial departments, clients, and external consultants/sub-contractors. The ability to foster strong working relationships across these functions is paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Sisk's emphasis on "trust, certainty, and value" implies a methodical approach to operations, where decisions are informed by data and rigorous analysis. This includes design choices, resource allocation, and risk assessments.

• Process Optimization: The mention of "alternative building methods" and the need for efficiency suggests a company culture that encourages process improvement and the adoption of best practices in design and construction.

• Quality Assurance: As a long-standing international firm, Sisk likely adheres to stringent quality management systems, ensuring all design outputs meet high standards and regulatory requirements.

Company Website: https://www.sisk.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sisk's long history (founded 1859) suggests a stable and established corporate environment that values experience and long-term growth. The company's positioning as a "family-owned international construction company" implies a culture that may blend professional rigor with a sense of community and employee care. The focus on "trust, certainty, and value" points to a business ethos centered on reliability and client satisfaction, which translates into operational priorities like quality, safety, and efficient project delivery. The "Operations" aspect is deeply embedded in construction, and Sisk's scale suggests sophisticated internal processes and a commitment to professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level within the construction operations and design function. It requires a blend of technical expertise in design and construction, coupled with strong leadership and project management capabilities. The "Senior Design Manager" designation indicates a potential for higher-level responsibilities, such as managing multiple projects or overseeing larger design departments.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or Construction Director within the UK South Construction division. They will oversee and manage a team of Design Coordinators and potentially other design support staff, creating a clear line of management and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the operational success of construction projects. By ensuring robust, compliant, and constructible designs, they directly influence:

• Project Timelines: Efficient design processes minimize delays and keep projects on schedule.

• Cost Control: Optimized designs and careful material selection reduce waste and unexpected expenses.

• Quality & Safety: Well-executed designs are fundamental to the structural integrity, functionality, and safety of the final built asset.

• Client Satisfaction: Delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations in terms of design, budget, and schedule is a key operational outcome.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Head of Design roles, managing larger teams and more complex, high-value projects.

• Project Director/Manager: Transitioning to a broader project leadership role, overseeing all aspects of project delivery beyond just design.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific sectors like Healthcare, or in areas like BIM management, sustainability, or advanced construction methods.

• Operations Management: Moving into broader operational leadership roles within the construction division, focusing on process improvement, efficiency, and strategic planning.

• Leadership Development Programs: Sisk's commitment to "Professional and Educational development" suggests structured programs for leadership training, advanced technical skills, and career pathing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Design Manager within a firm like Sisk is typically towards greater strategic responsibility and potentially broader operational oversight. The role is a critical nexus between the conceptual design phase and the hands-on execution by site teams. The growth opportunities outlined reflect the typical progression within the construction industry, moving from specialized management to overall project or divisional leadership. The emphasis on "operations" is implicit in construction management, focusing on efficiency, resource allocation, and process execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working arrangement, implying a mix of office-based work and remote work. This provides flexibility while maintaining the need for in-person collaboration and oversight.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Milton Keynes, UK. This central location within the UK South Construction division likely serves as a hub for project coordination and team meetings.

• Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions (design reviews, team meetings) in the office. The office space is expected to support team interaction and project discussions.
  • Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and design-specific tools (e.g., Viewpoint for Projects, potentially BIM software). IT support and infrastructure are expected to be robust.
  • Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with the design team, project managers, and other construction professionals, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

• Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is implied, the "flexible and remote working" benefit suggests that the specific hours can be adapted to project needs and personal circumstances, provided project deliverables are met. This flexibility is key for operations roles that require deep focus and adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid and remote working" aspect is a significant factor for modern operations roles. It indicates a company that trusts its employees to manage their time effectively and emphasizes output over presenteeism. For a Design Manager, this means balancing focused design work with essential in-person collaboration for critical decision-making and team building. The Milton Keynes location is strategic for a large construction firm operating in the UK South, providing good connectivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the internal recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior director within the UK South division) to delve into your experience, technical skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design management and team leadership.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A dedicated session where you will be asked to present a selection of your work from your portfolio. This will likely involve discussing specific case studies, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, and elaborating on your process for managing design teams, programs, and complex projects. Expect in-depth questions about your experience with healthcare projects and BSA compliance.

4. Final Interview/Assessment: This may involve meeting with other senior leaders or a panel to discuss strategic challenges, leadership style, and overall suitability for the role and Sisk's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly outline the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Operations Impact: Focus on how your design management decisions directly impacted project efficiency, constructability, and overall operational success. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced design clashes by 20% through proactive coordination," "Ensured on-time delivery of critical design packages, preventing a 4-week delay").

• Showcase Healthcare & BSA Expertise: If presenting healthcare projects, be prepared to discuss specific regulatory requirements, patient safety considerations, and how you navigated complex stakeholder environments (clinicians, estates teams). For BSA, detail your understanding of the new regulations and how you applied them.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Collaboration: Use examples to illustrate how you managed and motivated design teams, collaborated with sub-contractors, and communicated effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design coordination issue or a scenario involving conflicting stakeholder requirements. Be ready to outline your step-by-step approach to resolving it.

• Program Management Challenge: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a project facing significant design delays or scope changes, focusing on your strategies for re-planning, resource allocation, and communication.

• Risk Assessment Exercise: You may be asked to identify potential design risks for a given project type (e.g., a hospital wing) and propose mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager is typically rigorous, especially for a firm like Sisk and a specialized sector like healthcare. Emphasizing the portfolio review is key. Candidates should prepare to not only show what they've done but how they've done it, with a strong focus on process, problem-solving, and demonstrable impact. The inclusion of BSA experience suggests potential technical assessments or scenario-based questions related to regulatory compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with enterprise-level project management platforms is essential. This is likely to include Viewpoint for Projects (specifically mentioned), which is common in construction for document control, workflow management, and project communication.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms that facilitate real-time collaboration, issue tracking, and document sharing among design teams and stakeholders.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word (for reports, documentation), Excel (for scheduling, data analysis, cost tracking), and PowerPoint (for presentations, proposals).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project progress reports, design status reports, and risk assessments.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in design processes.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While less direct for a Design Manager, understanding how design interacts with client relationships and project pipelines managed by CRM systems can be beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with any design or project management software that offers automation features for tasks like document routing, RFI processing, or clash detection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Viewpoint for Projects" is a critical piece of information. Candidates should highlight any experience with this or similar construction project management/document control systems. The broader expectation is proficiency in standard office productivity software and an understanding of how design technology integrates into the broader project delivery ecosystem. For a role focused on operations and process, familiarity with tools that enhance collaboration and data management is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction, expecting a rigorous adherence to safety protocols in all design and planning activities.

• Integrity & Trust: Operating with honesty and building trust with colleagues, clients, and sub-contractors, reflecting Sisk's core values.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality designs and construction outcomes, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to collective goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new methods and technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver better project results.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Engaged: Actively participating in design meetings, site visits, and cross-functional discussions to ensure design intent is understood and integrated.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding practical and effective solutions to design challenges, working collaboratively with all parties involved.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication, providing timely updates, and clearly articulating design requirements and decisions to relevant stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to improve design processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sisk's stated values of "trust, certainty, and value" are likely to be reflected in their operational culture. For a Design Manager, this translates to a need for reliability, clear communication, and a focus on delivering projects that meet client expectations efficiently and safely. The emphasis on "great people" suggests a culture that values strong working relationships and mutual respect within teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Healthcare projects, in particular, involve a diverse range of stakeholders (medical staff, facilities management, regulatory bodies) with often conflicting requirements. Balancing these demands while maintaining design integrity is a significant challenge.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations: Keeping abreast of and implementing changes in Building Regulations, particularly with the new Building Safety Act, requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Design Integration Across Disciplines: Ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and specialist healthcare systems requires meticulous coordination and communication.

• Balancing Cost, Time, and Quality: The perennial challenge in construction – delivering high-quality designs on time and within budget, especially in a sector with stringent compliance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Healthcare Design Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of healthcare-specific design standards, technologies, and operational requirements.

• Building Safety Act Expertise: Advanced training and development in BSA compliance, fire safety engineering, and the role of the Building Control Body.

• Digital Construction Skills: Further development in BIM, virtual design and construction (VDC), and other digital tools that enhance design efficiency and collaboration.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Access to Sisk's professional development programs to enhance leadership, project management, and strategic planning capabilities.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Sisk, gaining insights into advanced construction operations and strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are specific to the construction industry and amplified by the healthcare sector's complexity and regulatory landscape. The growth opportunities are directly tied to addressing these challenges and advancing within Sisk's operational framework, emphasizing continuous learning and specialized skill development within construction operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex healthcare facility. How do you ensure compliance with stringent regulations and integrate the needs of clinical staff?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your structured methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, risk management strategies, and specific knowledge of healthcare design standards.

• "How have you managed change control on a previous project? Provide an example of a significant change, how you assessed its impact, and the steps you took to implement it efficiently."

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a real-world scenario. Quantify the impact of the change on cost, schedule, and quality.

• "Discuss your experience with the Building Safety Act. What are the key implications for a Design Manager, and how do you ensure compliance within your team and the wider project?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sisk and our commitment to 'trust, certainty, and value' in construction?"

  • Preparation: Research Sisk's website, recent projects, and any company news. Relate their values to your own professional ethos and how you embody them in your work.

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team, especially in a hybrid working model?"

  • Preparation: Discuss strategies for communication, team building, conflict resolution, and leveraging technology for collaboration.

• "How do you measure the success and efficiency of your design management processes and team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Case Studies: Prioritize projects that showcase your experience in healthcare construction, complex design management, change control, and BSA compliance.

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % reduction in clashes, time saved, cost savings).

• Explain Your Processes: Don't just show the outcome; explain the process you followed. How did you select the team? How did you manage the program? How did you mitigate risks?

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical aspects of your projects, design software, or regulatory interpretations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not just technical competence but also strategic thinking, leadership, and an understanding of Sisk's operational values. The emphasis on the portfolio is to move beyond a simple resume recount to a strategic showcase of process, problem-solving, and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sisk careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in healthcare construction, change control, and design team management. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines the challenges, your strategic approach, the processes you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Manager," "Healthcare Experience," "Change Control," "Building Regulations," and specific software like "Viewpoint for Projects." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely, focusing on your operational processes, problem-solving, and impact. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Building Safety Act and its implications.

• Research Sisk: Thoroughly review Sisk's website, their approach to construction, their commitment to safety and quality, and their recent projects, particularly in the healthcare sector. Understand their core values to articulate your cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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