Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Fixed Term Contract

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-28T07:29:18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the entire design process for construction projects, ensuring efficient development and delivery from bid to completion.

• Lead the proactive identification and mitigation of design risks while capitalizing on opportunities throughout project lifecycles.

• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations, including CDM 2015 and the principles of safety in design.

• Drive the selection and competency assessment of design consultants, managing their scope, fees, and overall contribution to project success.

• Monitor and report on the progress, quality, and compliance of design deliverables against established programs and schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a need for a candidate with substantial experience in managing complex design processes within large-scale construction projects. The emphasis on CDM 2015 and health & safety suggests a strong regulatory and compliance focus, typical in UK construction operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including clients, subcontractors, project teams, and design consultants, to foster collaborative environments and ensure alignment.

• Lead the design process in accordance with the Galliford Try Building Management System, ensuring consistency and adherence to company standards.

• Apply and rigorously monitor compliance with CDM 2015 regulations and the principle of prevention, with a specific focus on safety in design initiatives.

• Proactively identify and implement strategies to mitigate design-related risks and capitalize on opportunities across all project phases, from bidding to post-construction.

• Assist in the selection of appropriate designers for projects, ensuring thorough competency checks are completed to maintain project quality and safety standards.

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

• Develop comprehensive design programmes in conjunction with Planners, and subsequently manage, monitor, and report on Information Release Schedules, ensuring timely progress and high-quality design deliverables.

• Manage statutory and third-party processes, including planning applications, building control approvals, and certifications like BREEAM, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.

• Conduct regular site inspections to verify that the as-built product aligns with the design criteria and quality standards, identifying and rectifying any discrepancies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management of the design lifecycle. The inclusion of managing statutory processes and site inspections indicates a role that bridges the gap between conceptual design and on-site execution, requiring robust operational planning and control.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated but are implied to be at a level commensurate with a senior management role in construction design. A degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline is typically expected. Professional certifications or chartered status in relevant bodies (e.g., CIOB, ICE) would be advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management within the construction industry is required, with a proven track record of managing design processes on complex projects. Experience in a Senior Design Manager capacity or a closely related role is essential.

Required Skills:

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

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

• Ability to accurately read, interpret, and critically assess design and construction programmes.

• Solid understanding of buildability principles, with the capability to challenge designs that do not align with sequencing or construction methodologies.

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

• Proficiency in developing ideas, articulating concepts clearly, and presenting them concisely to diverse audiences.

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

• Demonstrated commercial acumen, including experience in managing design change processes and associated financial implications.

• Experience in managing statutory and third-party processes (e.g., Planning, Building Control, BREEAM).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design management software or Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms.

• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks beyond BREEAM.

• Experience in bid management and proposal development from a design perspective.

• Membership in relevant professional bodies (e.g., MCIOB, MIStructE, RIBA).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "experienced in and knowledge of CDM 2015" and "analytical with advanced problem-solving skills" suggests that candidates with a strong technical foundation and a proactive approach to risk management will be highly valued. The requirement to "demonstrate commercial acumen and managing of design change process" points to a need for candidates who can balance design integrity with project financial objectives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing successful end-to-end design management on significant construction projects, highlighting efficient workflow design and optimization.

• Evidence of implementing processes that led to measurable improvements in project delivery times, cost savings, or quality enhancements.

• Examples of managing the selection, onboarding, and performance of design consultants, including fee negotiation and contract management.

• Documentation of how design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated, with clear articulation of the impact on project outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of developing and implementing design programmes and Information Release Schedules, detailing the methodologies used for monitoring and reporting progress.

• Provide instances of establishing and managing design change control processes, including how changes were evaluated for commercial and technical impact.

• Illustrate the candidate's approach to ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly CDM 2015, through design review and site inspection protocols.

• Include examples of site inspection reports and how findings were used to ensure the as-built product met design criteria.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list responsibilities but demonstrate tangible achievements in process improvement, risk management, and successful project delivery. The emphasis should be on the candidate's ability to implement and manage robust design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Design Manager role in Guildford, UK, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between £60,000 and £80,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the specific project complexity, the candidate's exact experience, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, with increases based on years of service, and the opportunity to purchase additional holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts for various products and services.

• Cycle to Work scheme to promote sustainable commuting.

• Comprehensive company pension plan to support long-term financial planning.

• Regular Save as You Earn (SAYE) share purchase scheme for employees.

• Private medical scheme options available for all salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme offering free 24/7 confidential support for personal and professional issues.

• Paid yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to the role, supporting professional development.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with industry norms for full-time roles. The company also promotes Agile Working, indicating potential flexibility in how and where work is performed, which will be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar Senior Design Manager positions in the South East of England, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the construction industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligned with typical offerings from large UK construction firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction. Galliford Try operates as one of the UK's leading principal contractors, with a diverse workload across public, regulated, and private sectors. They are known for providing whole-life solutions, high standards of project delivery, and innovation. Their work spans sectors like education, healthcare, defence, custodial & judicial, commercial, and urban living.

Company Size: Galliford Try is a large organization. As of recent data, it typically employs over 3,500 people, indicating a substantial operational footprint and resources. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for career progression.

Founded: Galliford Try was founded in 1958. With over six decades of experience, the company has a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in the construction industry. This history implies stability, established methodologies, and a well-understood market position.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely comprises various specializations within design, project management, and site execution. This role is within the Building Southern Division.

• Reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a senior project director or divisional head, with direct management or oversight of design teams, consultants, and potentially junior design coordinators.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informing design decisions, risk assessments, and programme management. This involves interpreting project data, site feedback, and performance metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization are core to the role, focusing on streamlining the design process, managing information flow, and ensuring timely deliverability.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, particularly through the use of digital tools and management systems to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity and size suggest a mature operational framework. The "people-orientated, progressive business" ethos, coupled with values like "Passion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence," indicates a culture that values both technical proficiency and strong interpersonal skills. The mention of the Building Southern Division provides specific context for the role's geographical and operational focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position within the design operations function. It demands significant autonomy, strategic input, and leadership. The role holder is expected to manage complex design processes, influence project outcomes, and contribute to the overall success of Galliford Try's building projects. Responsibilities extend beyond technical design oversight to include commercial awareness, risk management, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a Head of Design within the Building Southern Division. They will collaborate closely with other senior functional heads (e.g., Commercial Manager, Operations Manager, SHEQ Manager) and will have oversight of design consultants and potentially junior design staff.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring designs are constructible, compliant, safe, and commercially viable. Effective design management by this role can lead to reduced project costs, improved timelines, enhanced safety records, and higher client satisfaction. The role is pivotal in translating client requirements into tangible, buildable assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential progression to more senior roles such as Head of Design, Director of Design, or Project Director, with increased responsibility for multiple projects or a larger division.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, complex infrastructure, or advanced construction technologies.

• Cross-Functional Development: Possibility to move into broader project management roles or operational leadership positions, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Galliford Try's "Career Paths" initiative, leadership development frameworks, and apprenticeship programs, alongside paid professional association memberships, supports ongoing skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Career Paths initiative," "leadership development framework," and "apprenticeship programmes" indicates a structured approach to employee development within Galliford Try. This role offers a clear pathway for individuals looking to advance their careers in construction management and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Guildford, Surrey, with an expectation of hybrid working. This suggests a combination of office-based work and remote working, allowing for flexibility. The office environment is likely professional and collaborative, supporting the coordination of design and project activities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Guildford, Surrey. However, the role explicitly states the opportunity to travel across multiple sites/projects in the Region. This implies that the work environment extends beyond the office to active construction sites within the geographical area covered by Galliford Try's Building Southern Division.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve a mix of office-based collaboration and site visits. Office settings will likely facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and administrative tasks.

• Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is expected to support efficient operations.

• Opportunities for interaction with a wide range of professionals, including project managers, site engineers, commercial teams, and senior leadership, will be frequent.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The company's "Agile Working" programme suggests that employees can benefit from flexibility in terms of when, where, and how they work, subject to project needs and team collaboration requirements. This flexibility aims to balance business needs with individual employee well-being and productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the "Agile Working" programme, suggests a modern and flexible work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a blended approach to work and capable of managing their time effectively across office, remote, and site-based activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and cover letter by the Resourcing Partner (Laura Mitchell) or HR, focusing on core requirements like CDM 2015 experience and years of relevant management experience.

• First Interview: May be with the hiring manager (Laura Mitchell) or a senior team member. This stage typically assesses technical qualifications, understanding of design management principles, and alignment with company values. Expect questions on CDM 2015, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This could involve a more in-depth discussion, a presentation based on a case study (potentially from their portfolio), or an assessment centre-style exercise. This stage might focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, commercial acumen, and leadership capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior director or divisional head to confirm suitability for the senior management position and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-4 high-impact projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing complex design processes, risk mitigation, and achieving project objectives.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the solutions/processes implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, safety improvements, quality enhancement). Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for clarity.

• Highlight Process & Systems: Explicitly detail the design management systems, software, and methodologies you employed. Showcase your understanding of workflow optimization, information release schedules, and compliance management (especially CDM 2015).

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Include examples of managing design changes, fee negotiations, and how your design management decisions contributed to the commercial success of projects.

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your contributions clearly and concisely, and answering detailed questions about your decision-making processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Risk Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex design risk scenario, including your steps for analysis, mitigation, and communication.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare an example of how you managed a conflict or disagreement with a key stakeholder (client, subcontractor, internal team) regarding design decisions.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to propose improvements to a given design process or workflow, demonstrating your analytical and strategic thinking.

• CDM 2015 Application: Expect questions on how you ensure CDM 2015 compliance is embedded throughout the design lifecycle, not just as a check-box exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Fixed Term Contract" might influence the interview process, potentially making it more focused on immediate impact and proven ability to deliver within a specific timeframe. Candidates should be prepared to clearly articulate their value proposition and ability to hit the ground running.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Management Software: Experience with project management and design collaboration platforms (e.g., Aconex, Procore, Asite, BIM 360) is likely expected for managing workflows, document control, and communication.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and understanding of BIM execution plans would be highly beneficial for coordinating complex designs.

• MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project for programme management and scheduling, along with Excel for data analysis and reporting, is essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in using data from project management systems to generate performance reports and identify trends is key.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards for tracking design progress, risk status, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for management reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Familiarity with Galliford Try's internal Building Management System and potentially any integrated CRM or ERP systems used for project and financial tracking.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage digital tools to automate repetitive tasks within the design process, such as document review workflows or compliance checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role's responsibilities imply a need for familiarity with industry-standard construction project management and design collaboration tools, particularly those supporting BIM workflows and regulatory compliance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and project outcomes, meeting and exceeding client expectations.

• Integrity: Conducting business ethically, honestly, and transparently in all dealings with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and shared effort are prioritized to achieve common goals. This includes working closely with diverse internal departments and external partners.

• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for the construction industry and a dedication to contributing to projects that benefit communities and improve people's lives.

• People-Oriented & Progressive: A focus on employee well-being, development, and creating a supportive environment where individuals can grow, while also embracing innovation and forward-thinking approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasis on working seamlessly with planning, commercial, procurement, SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality), and site delivery teams to ensure a holistic approach to project execution.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, regular updates, and timely feedback loops between all project stakeholders to address issues proactively and maintain alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions are shared across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement in design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try's stated values—Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration—are central to their operations. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic and collaboration style align with these core principles, particularly in the context of managing complex design processes and stakeholder relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, subcontractors, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Project Complexity: Dealing with intricate design challenges, tight deadlines, and unforeseen site conditions inherent in large construction projects.

• Ensuring Continuous Compliance: Staying abreast of and ensuring adherence to evolving health, safety (CDM 2015), and environmental regulations across all project phases.

• Driving Design Innovation: Encouraging and implementing new technologies and methodologies within a traditional industry context to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

• Fixed-Term Contract Transition: Adapting quickly to the project scope and team dynamics, and delivering significant value within a defined contract period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Opportunities to gain experience with cutting-edge design software, BIM workflows, and advanced project management methodologies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional body memberships and potentially advanced certifications relevant to construction design and management.

• Leadership Development: Access to Galliford Try's structured leadership development programs, providing pathways to higher management roles.

• Cross-Divisional Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to different types of construction projects and operational challenges within the Building Southern Division and potentially across the wider company.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced senior leaders within the organization and potentially mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of senior design management in construction. The growth opportunities indicate a supportive environment for professional development, encouraging candidates to view this role not just as a job but as a stepping stone for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage a significant design change mid-project. What was the process, what were the commercial implications, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses commercial acumen and change management.)

• "How do you ensure CDM 2015 compliance is effectively integrated into the design process from inception to completion?" (Tests regulatory knowledge and practical application.)

• "Walk me through your approach to selecting and managing external design consultants. What criteria do you use, and how do you ensure their competency and performance?" (Evaluates vendor management and quality assurance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Galliford Try, how do you see your approach to design management aligning with our values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration?" (Evaluates cultural fit and alignment with company ethos.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative working relationship between design teams, site teams, and commercial departments?" (Probes understanding of cross-functional dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, focus on measurable outcomes. Use numbers to demonstrate impact on schedule, budget, safety, or quality.

• Articulate Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and decision-making authority within each project. Avoid vague statements; be specific about your actions.

• Highlight Process and Systems: Be prepared to detail the specific design management processes, tools, and systems you utilized and how they contributed to success. This is crucial for operations roles.

• Address Challenges: Be transparent about challenges faced and how you overcame them. This demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to Galliford Try: Research current Galliford Try projects and their strategic priorities to potentially tailor your examples or highlight how your experience is directly relevant to their current needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice emphasizes practical application of skills, alignment with company values, and a structured approach to portfolio presentation. For an operations role, demonstrating a clear understanding of processes, systems, and quantifiable results is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with CDM 2015, design management, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and commercial acumen. Use keywords from the job description to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-4 key projects. Focus on demonstrating your process implementation, problem-solving capabilities, and quantifiable results in design management. Be ready to articulate your role and impact clearly.

• Research Galliford Try: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, recent projects (especially within the Building Southern Division), and their approach to sustainability and safety. Understand their "Agile Working" policy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples using the STAR method, and be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, risk management, and stakeholder conflict.

⚠️ 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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