Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for construction projects, ensuring alignment with Galliford Try's Building Management System and industry best practices.

• Lead the proactive identification, mitigation, and management of design risks and opportunities across bid and project lifecycles, ensuring project success and value realization.

• Drive compliance with CDM 2015 regulations and the principle of safety in design, fostering a strong health and safety culture throughout all project phases.

• Manage and coordinate external consultants and designers, ensuring their competency and the effective management of project fee schedules and design programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Construction Management and Design Operations due to its focus on overseeing the design lifecycle within a construction context, emphasizing process adherence and risk management. The "Senior" title and expected responsibilities suggest a mid-to-senior level role, likely requiring 5-10 years of relevant experience. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for on-site presence with flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage client, subcontractor, and design team relationships to ensure the efficient development and delivery of designs for projects and bids.

• Lead the design process in strict accordance with the Galliford Try Building Management System, ensuring standardized methodologies are applied.

• Apply and rigorously monitor compliance with CDM 2015 regulations and the principle of prevention and safety in design at all project stages.

• Proactively identify and implement strategies to mitigate design risks and capitalize on opportunities throughout the bid or project lifecycle.

• Lead the selection process for project designers, ensuring thorough competency checks are completed and documented.

• Develop and agree on the scope of responsibilities for external consultants, managing the invitation of fees and compilation of the project fee schedule.

• Develop detailed design programs in collaboration with Planners, and manage, monitor, and report on Information Release Schedules, ensuring timely and quality design deliverables.

• Oversee and manage statutory and third-party processes, including Planning Applications, Building Control submissions, and BREEAM certifications.

• Conduct regular site inspections to verify that the as-built product aligns with the design criteria and project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, regulatory compliance (CDM 2015), project coordination, and stakeholder management, typical of a senior design management role in construction. The emphasis on the "Building Management System" suggests a need for process adherence and documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in a relevant field such as Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline is typically expected. Specific degrees may not be mandatory if extensive experience is demonstrated.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management within the construction industry, with a strong track record of successful project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and their practical application on construction sites.

• Strong understanding of Health & Safety responsibilities and a commitment to adhering to company policies and best practices.

• Ability to read, interpret, and manage complex design and construction programs.

• Proven understanding of buildability principles and the confidence to challenge designs that do not align with sequencing or construction methodology.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively address design challenges and project complexities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, clients, and project teams.

• Demonstrated commercial acumen and experience managing the design change process, including assessing impacts and associated costs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with BREEAM or other sustainability assessment frameworks.

• Proficiency in utilizing BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and workflows.

• Familiarity with various project management methodologies and software.

• Experience in bid management and pre-construction design phases.

• Knowledge of contract administration and negotiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize regulatory knowledge (CDM 2015), practical construction understanding, and strong stakeholder management. The "About You" section in the raw description directly informs these required skills, highlighting the importance of analytical problem-solving and commercial acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful management of complex design processes from inception through to completion on significant construction projects.

• Case studies showcasing effective risk identification, mitigation, and opportunity realization within design phases, with quantifiable outcomes.

• Examples of implementing and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly CDM 2015, in design development.

• Documentation or examples of managing design programs, Information Release Schedules, and coordinating third-party approvals (Planning, Building Control).

• Evidence of managing design changes, including impact assessment, cost implications, and stakeholder communication. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design process workflows developed or managed, adhering to a Building Management System.

• Documentation outlining strategies for ensuring design quality and compliance with project specifications and statutory requirements.

• Records of site inspection protocols and how they inform the design feedback loop to ensure as-built accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the nature of design management in construction, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of processes and successful project outcomes is crucial. This includes showcasing regulatory compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager in the Bristol area with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's size, the complexity of projects typically undertaken by Galliford Try, and the specific responsibilities outlined for this role.

Benefits:

• 'Be Well' Programme: Access to discounts, advice, and support for physical and mental well-being.

• Comprehensive Training: Investment in high-quality training, including a leadership development framework and apprenticeship programs.

• Career Paths Initiative: Tailored training and support to help individuals fulfill their potential and advance their careers.

• Agile Working Programme: Flexibility in when, where, and how work is performed, where appropriate for the role and team.

• Pension Scheme: (Standard industry offering, assumed)

• Holiday Allowance: (Standard industry offering, assumed)

• Life Assurance: (Standard industry offering, assumed)

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the "Agile Working programme" offers potential flexibility in scheduling, which can be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical UK construction industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager in a major city like Bristol. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text and highlight Galliford Try's commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Galliford Try is a leading principal contractor in the UK, working across public, regulated, and private sectors on diverse projects including education, healthcare, defence, custodial, judicial, commercial, and urban living developments. Their expertise lies in providing whole-life solutions, high standards of project delivery, and innovation.

Company Size: Large (Galliford Try is one of the UK's leading construction businesses, with an order book exceeding £4.3 billion, indicating a substantial employee base and significant operational scale).

Founded: Galliford Try has a long history, suggesting a stable and established organizational presence. Their vision is to be a people-orientated, progressive business driven by values.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a broader project delivery team, potentially reporting to a Project Director or Head of Design.

• The role involves managing relationships with internal project teams (planners, site managers) and external design consultants, subcontractors, and clients.

• Collaboration is key, requiring interaction with various disciplines across the business, from pre-construction to site execution. Methodology:

• Adherence to the Galliford Try Building Management System is a core methodology.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through design analysis and performance monitoring.

• Structured approach to risk management, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and delivering lasting change for stakeholders and communities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes Galliford Try's scale, values-driven approach, and commitment to delivering complex infrastructure projects. The culture appears to be professional, safety-conscious, and focused on continuous improvement and employee development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Management level within the design and project delivery functions. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or junior management roles to leading significant aspects of project design, requiring strategic oversight, risk management, and substantial stakeholder engagement. The scope involves managing external parties and ensuring adherence to corporate standards and regulatory frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director, Construction Director, or a senior Design Manager within a specific business unit or region. They will manage relationships with external consultants and potentially lead a small internal design coordination team or delegate tasks to junior members.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a critical impact on project success by ensuring designs are constructible, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their ability to mitigate design risks directly influences project profitability, safety, and client satisfaction. Effective design management is foundational to the overall quality and delivery of infrastructure projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Head of Design, Design Director, or Project Director, overseeing larger and more complex projects or entire design functions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific project types (e.g., healthcare, education, infrastructure) or areas like BIM management, sustainability design, or pre-construction strategy.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Galliford Try's extensive training programs, including leadership development and career path initiatives, to enhance technical and managerial skills.

• Cross-functional Experience: Potential to gain experience in other areas of project delivery through collaboration and internal mobility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior Design Manager at a company like Galliford Try is typically towards greater project responsibility, strategic oversight, and leadership within the design or project management functions. The emphasis on training and development suggests a structured career progression path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a combination of office-based work and on-site presence at project locations. The "Agile Working programme" suggests a flexible approach to where and when work is performed, balancing structured office activities with site-based responsibilities.

Office Location(s): The primary base is Bristol, with travel expected across multiple sites/projects within the West Midlands/South West region. This necessitates a willingness to commute and potentially travel between project locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands close collaboration with internal project teams, external consultants, subcontractors, and clients. This often involves working in project offices, site cabins, and potentially client offices.

• Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design collaboration tools, and standard office technology will be provided. Proficiency in relevant design and planning software is expected.

• Site Presence: Regular site visits are essential for inspections and to ensure design integrity, requiring adaptability to dynamic construction site environments.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) apply, with flexibility offered through the Agile Working programme. This allows for potential adjustments in start/end times or working locations, subject to project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and regional travel are key aspects of this role's work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of office, site, and potentially remote work, with a focus on practical site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess against the core requirements, particularly CDM 2015 knowledge and relevant experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Jack Allford) or a senior member of the project/design team. Focus on your experience, understanding of design management principles, CDM compliance, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: May involve a discussion of a past project where you managed design risks, coordinated consultants, or resolved complex design issues. You might be asked to present a specific design challenge and your solution. Preparation for presenting a design case study is highly recommended.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the Senior Design Manager role within Galliford Try.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly present your experience in design management.

Use distinct sections for different project types or key responsibilities.

• Case Studies: Select 2-3 significant projects to detail. For each, clearly outline:

  • The project scope, challenges, and your specific role.
  • How you managed the design process and coordinated teams.
  • Specific examples of CDM 2015 compliance and health & safety integration.
  • How you identified and mitigated design risks.
  • Examples of managing consultants, fee schedules, and design programs.
  • Any innovations or process improvements you implemented.
  • Quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, reduced RFI's).

• Documentation: Include examples of design programs, risk registers, or reports if permissible and anonymized.

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your contributions and the impact of your work. Focus on your problem-solving approach and leadership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss scenarios related to design clashes, non-compliance issues, managing difficult stakeholders, or responding to unexpected site conditions that impact design.

• Prepare specific examples of how you have demonstrated commercial acumen in managing design changes and their financial implications.

• Understand Galliford Try's values and how you align with them, particularly regarding safety, integrity, and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, with a strong emphasis on practical experience, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to articulate past successes through case studies and a portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Management Software: Experience with platforms for managing design workflows, document control, and collaboration (e.g., Aconex, BIM 360, Procore).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, ASTA Powerproject).

• Document Control Systems: Proficiency in managing and distributing design documentation and correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial tracking, and reporting (e.g., VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting reports on design progress, risk status, and compliance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly sales-focused, understanding how design impacts client relationships and project pipelines might involve exposure to CRM concepts.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and financial systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in common construction project management and design coordination software, as well as strong analytical skills using tools like Excel.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing, which is paramount in managing design integrity, safety, and client relationships.

• Collaboration: Working closely with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams to deliver lasting change and value.

• Passion: A commitment to the role and the company's purpose of improving people's lives through construction.

• Excellence: Delivering high standards of project delivery and client service.

• Safety: A core value, with a strong emphasis on CDM 2015 compliance and a proactive approach to health and safety in design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Senior Design Manager must effectively integrate design considerations with construction planning, commercial management, and health & safety teams.

• Proactive Communication: Regular and clear communication with all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and site teams, to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging a culture where design feedback from site and project teams is valued and used to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try's stated values are central to their culture. The Senior Design Manager role requires embodying these values, particularly integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring continuous compliance with evolving CDM 2015 and other regulatory requirements across diverse projects.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Design Risk Management: Proactively identifying and mitigating unforeseen design issues that can lead to delays, cost overruns, or safety incidents.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and implementing new design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, offsite construction methods) within established processes.

• Site-Specific Constraints: Adapting designs to address unique site conditions, ground risks, and logistical challenges inherent in construction projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to courses and certifications in advanced design management, BIM, specific construction methodologies, or project management techniques.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced senior leaders within Galliford Try's extensive network.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of project types and complexities, offering broad practical learning experiences.

• Leadership Development: Participation in Galliford Try's leadership frameworks to hone strategic thinking and management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale construction design management, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-supported by the company's stated commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed the design process for a complex construction project. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations throughout the design lifecycle? Provide specific examples of your approach." (Demonstrate your regulatory knowledge and proactive safety mindset.)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting and managing external design consultants. What criteria do you use, and how do you ensure they deliver quality work on time and within budget?" (Highlight your vendor management and contract oversight skills.)

• "How do you identify and mitigate design risks? Can you give an example of a significant design risk you identified and the steps you took to manage it?" (Showcase your analytical and proactive problem-solving abilities.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage a significant design change. How did you assess its impact (cost, schedule, buildability) and communicate it to stakeholders?" (Focus on commercial acumen and communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Galliford Try's values, and how do they align with your professional approach?" (Research their values: Integrity, Passion, Excellence, Collaboration, Safety.)

• "How would you contribute to fostering a strong safety culture within the design team and on-site?" (Emphasize your commitment to CDM 2015 and proactive safety measures.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with different teams, such as site operations, commercial, and planning departments?" (Provide examples of effective cross-functional teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a defined timeframe. Focus on the most impactful projects and achievements.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as compelling narratives. For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the positive outcome.

• Metrics: Quantify your successes whenever possible (e.g., percentage reduction in design queries, cost savings from risk mitigation, schedule adherence).

• Visuals: Use clear visuals (diagrams, photos, charts) to illustrate your points and make your portfolio engaging.

• Adaptability: Be ready to tailor your presentation based on the interviewer's specific interests or questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience, regulatory expertise, and strong communication skills, supported by concrete examples from past projects presented clearly in a portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience with CDM 2015, design management on construction projects, stakeholder engagement, and commercial acumen. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and compliance with regulations. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Galliford Try: Understand their values, recent projects, and their commitment to safety and sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and having specific examples ready for technical and situational queries.

⚠️ 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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