Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Kier (in partnership with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Nationwide (Various Locations), United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery strategy for complex, large-scale acute healthcare facility projects, exceeding £250m in value.

• Manage and mentor a team of Design Managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design delivery environment.

• Oversee design consultants and supply chain partners, ensuring adherence to project timelines, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.

• Drive innovation in design processes by leveraging strong technical knowledge of construction regulations and digital applications.

• Act as a key interface with clients, user groups, and stakeholders, translating requirements into actionable design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Strategic Projects" team, indicating a focus on high-impact, complex infrastructure. The emphasis on "acute healthcare facilities" requires specialized knowledge of this sector's unique design and regulatory demands. The partnership with "Jobs for Humanity" suggests a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and supporting individuals from varied backgrounds, which should be a consideration for cultural fit.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design delivery for a designated workstream within major healthcare projects, ensuring integration with other project workstreams.

• Supervise and direct design consultants and supply chain partners, ensuring consistent quality, compliance with project briefs, and adherence to delivery programmes.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage design-related risks and opportunities, developing mitigation strategies to safeguard project objectives.

• Facilitate and manage client interfaces, including engaging with user groups and key stakeholders to gather requirements and provide design updates.

• Provide direct line management and mentorship to Design Management team members, focusing on their professional growth, skill development, and career progression.

• Ensure all design deliverables meet the required technical standards, regulatory requirements, and Kier's quality benchmarks for healthcare construction.

• Support the Head of Design in strategic planning, resource allocation, and overall design management function for the Strategic Projects team.

• Champion the adoption and effective utilization of digital applications and innovative construction technologies within the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "managing design risks and opportunities" is critical for a Senior Design Manager. This implies a need for strong analytical skills, foresight, and the ability to develop contingency plans. The emphasis on "client interfaces including user groups and stakeholder engagements" highlights the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills beyond technical expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum HND/HNC or T Level qualification in a relevant construction or design discipline.

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading design delivery for complex projects (£50m - £150m) or significant package delivery on major projects (over £250m).

• Specific experience within the healthcare construction sector is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design consultants and supply chain partners.

• Track record of managing design risks and ensuring compliance with project programmes.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from concept through to construction documentation and handover.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in planning, execution, monitoring, and closing complex construction projects.

• Healthcare Facility Design: In-depth understanding of the unique requirements, regulations, and operational considerations for acute healthcare environments.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including clients, user groups, and internal teams.

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

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of design professionals.

• Construction Regulations & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of UK building regulations, healthcare-specific standards, and quality assurance processes.

• Digital Construction Applications: Proficiency with BIM (Building Information Modelling), project management software, and other relevant digital tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Supply Chain Management: Experience in managing and integrating supply chain partners into the design and construction process.

• Contract Administration: Understanding of construction contracts and their implications for design delivery.

• Sustainability in Design: Knowledge of sustainable building practices and their application in healthcare facilities.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage design budgets and contribute to cost control efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "construction qualifications (minimum HND/HNC/T Level)" signifies a need for practical, hands-on industry knowledge. The "preferably in healthcare" aspect suggests that candidates with direct experience in this niche will have a significant advantage, as healthcare projects have unique compliance and operational demands not found in general construction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing leadership in design delivery for complex projects, demonstrating your role in overcoming challenges and achieving successful outcomes.

• Risk Management Documentation: Evidence of your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design risks, ideally with quantifiable results or lessons learned.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you've managed client expectations, user group feedback, and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance Records: Samples or descriptions of processes used to ensure design quality and adherence to regulatory standards, particularly within a construction context.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring Examples: Evidence of your leadership style, including how you've developed team members and fostered a positive working environment.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Showcase your ability to design, implement, and refine efficient design workflows, highlighting improvements in speed, quality, or cost.

• Collaboration Process Design: Examples of how you've established or improved processes for collaboration between design teams, consultants, supply chain partners, and clients.

• Risk Mitigation Process Implementation: Detail your systematic approach to risk management, including how you integrate it into the broader project delivery process.

• Digital Tool Integration: Demonstrate how you've integrated digital tools (e.g., BIM, collaboration platforms) into design processes to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a strategic understanding of the design management process. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the 'why' and 'how' behind their process choices, focusing on efficiency gains, risk reduction, and stakeholder satisfaction, especially within the complex healthcare sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Options to tailor your work schedule and location to better suit your needs, promoting work-life balance.

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, professional development programs, and pathways for advancement within Kier Group.

• Mentoring: Opportunities to receive mentorship from senior leaders and to mentor junior team members, fostering continuous learning.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Typically includes private medical insurance, life assurance, and access to wellness programs.

• Pension Scheme: A competitive pension plan contributing to long-term financial security.

• Generous Annual Leave: A substantial holiday allowance, often with options to purchase additional days.

• Employee Assistance Programme: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Full Time, Permanent. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered. This allows for adaptation around project demands and personal commitments, aligning with a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical UK market rates for a Senior Design Manager in large-scale construction, considering the £250m+ project value and the specialized healthcare sector. This range is intended as a guideline and can vary based on specific experience, location, and Kier's internal compensation structure. The mention of "Nationwide (Various Locations)" suggests that salary may also be influenced by the cost of living in different regions of the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Kier is a leading UK construction and services company, involved in building and maintaining essential infrastructure across various sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities.

Company Size: Large (typically over 10,000 employees). This scale offers significant resources, broad project diversity, and extensive career development pathways.

Founded: 1899. With a long history, Kier possesses a deep understanding of the construction industry and a legacy of delivering major projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the Strategic Projects team, a specialized unit focused on high-value, complex infrastructure.

• Design Management Unit: You will be part of a broader Design Management function, likely comprising multiple Senior Design Managers, Design Managers, and support staff, reporting to a Head of Design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is essential with project directors, site managers, commercial teams, procurement, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), and external consultants/supply chain partners.

Methodology:

• Project-Centric Delivery: Operations are heavily driven by project phases, timelines, and contractual obligations.

• Risk-Aware Planning: A strong emphasis on identifying and mitigating risks throughout the design and construction lifecycle.

• Quality & Compliance Focus: Rigorous adherence to industry standards, regulations, and client specifications, particularly crucial in healthcare.

• Digital Transformation: Kier is actively embracing digital tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large size suggest a company with established processes and a structured approach to operations. The partnership with "Jobs for Humanity" indicates a conscious effort to foster an inclusive culture, which is a significant cultural aspect for potential employees to consider.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role represents a significant step in a design or construction management career, involving leadership of complex workstreams and management of other professionals. It's a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of multi-million-pound projects.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to the Head of Design for Strategic Projects and will directly manage a team of Design Managers. This structure involves both strategic oversight from above and direct team leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager's decisions and leadership directly impact project timelines, budget adherence, quality of facilities, and client satisfaction. Success in this role contributes significantly to Kier's reputation and profitability in the healthcare sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Head of Design, Director of Design, or broader Project Director roles within Kier's Strategic Projects or other divisions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare design or expand into other complex infrastructure sectors where Kier operates.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for advanced training in areas like digital construction, sustainable design, contract law, and leadership development.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior staff, further developing leadership and coaching skills, and to be mentored by senior executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, combined with the "Senior" title and responsibility for £250m+ projects, positions this as a mid-to-senior level management role. Growth opportunities are clearly geared towards higher leadership positions within Kier or specialization in complex infrastructure projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role involves a mix of working from home, potentially from Kier offices, and significant on-site presence at project locations across the UK.

Office Location(s): Nationwide. While the role is based nationwide, specific project sites will require regular travel. Kier has numerous offices across the UK, which may serve as hubs for administrative or collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Project Sites: Expect to spend considerable time on active construction sites, requiring adaptability to varying environments and conditions.

• Collaborative Hubs: Utilize Kier's office spaces for team meetings, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions.

• Remote Work Capabilities: Leverage home office setups for administrative tasks, virtual meetings, and focused work, supported by Kier's IT infrastructure and collaboration tools.

• Technology-Enabled Environment: Access to project management software, BIM tools, communication platforms, and other digital resources essential for modern construction management.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, permanent with flexibility. While a standard 40-hour week is expected, the nature of large-scale construction projects may necessitate working beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines. The hybrid model aims to balance these demands with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nationwide" location and hybrid nature mean candidates must be comfortable with travel and working autonomously while also being adept at collaborative virtual and in-person interactions. The environment is inherently fast-paced and project-driven.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and CV by HR/recruitment team, potentially with input from Jobs for Humanity. Focus on matching core qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Head of Design or relevant senior manager. Focus on your leadership style, project experience, technical knowledge, and understanding of healthcare construction.

• Team/Peer Interview: Meeting with other Design Managers or key project team members. Assesses collaboration skills, cultural fit, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio detailing a complex design challenge you managed, your approach, and the outcomes. This assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to articulate complex information.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or senior executive, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Kier's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, use metrics to demonstrate your impact (e.g., reduced design time by X%, mitigated Y risks, improved stakeholder satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, managing consultants, and influencing design decisions.

• Showcase Process: Explain the specific design management processes you implemented or optimized, and why. Focus on efficiency, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.

• Tailor to Healthcare: Emphasize any experience or understanding of healthcare-specific design challenges, regulations, and operational needs.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Present your portfolio in a well-organized, easy-to-understand format (e.g., PDF, digital presentation). Be prepared to walk through key projects concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Risk Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a complex design risk scenario on a major healthcare project.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare an example of how you've managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or resolved disputes.

• Team Management Dilemma: Think about how you would address performance issues within a design team or foster collaboration amongst diverse team members.

• Digital Adoption Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your views on leveraging digital tools in construction design and how you'd implement them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Jobs for Humanity" partnership suggests that interviewers may probe into your understanding and commitment to diversity and inclusion within your team management and project delivery. Demonstrating this awareness will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar for 3D modelling, clash detection, and project visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with systems such as Oracle Primavera P6, Aconex, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, or proprietary Kier platforms for team communication and task management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for controlling and accessing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex DMS).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to inform decision-making. While specific tools aren't listed, general proficiency with spreadsheet software (Excel) and data visualization principles is assumed.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards to report on design progress, risks, and KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Project-Specific): While not a traditional sales CRM, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to stakeholder engagement is key.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with automating repetitive tasks within design or project management workflows, though specific tools are not detailed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "digital applications in construction" implies that candidates should be comfortable and ideally experienced with modern digital tools. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is almost certainly a core requirement for managing design on projects of this scale.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in all operations and design decisions.

• Integrity: Conducting business ethically and transparently, upholding Kier's reputation.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong working relationships across teams, with partners, and with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes, continuous improvement, and delivering value to clients and stakeholders.

• Inclusivity: Actively promoting diversity and inclusion, creating supportive environments where all individuals can thrive, a key aspect of the Jobs for Humanity partnership.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to bridge technical and non-technical perspectives.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that values open, honest, and timely communication to prevent issues and ensure alignment.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Encouragement of constructive feedback loops to refine processes and enhance project delivery.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A team that tackles challenges collaboratively, focusing on finding effective solutions rather than assigning blame.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Jobs for Humanity" and Kier's commitment to Diversity and Inclusion means that demonstrating an understanding and application of these values in team leadership and project execution will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Overseeing design for projects exceeding £250m involving multiple stakeholders, intricate technical requirements, and stringent regulatory frameworks, particularly within healthcare.

• Balancing Demands: Juggling project deadlines, budget constraints, quality expectations, and team management in a high-pressure environment.

• Navigating Regulations: Staying abreast of evolving construction regulations and healthcare-specific standards to ensure compliance.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Encouraging and effectively implementing new digital tools and processes within a traditionally conservative industry.

• Remote Team Management: Leading and motivating a dispersed team effectively across various locations and project sites.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Formal programs focused on strategic leadership, change management, and team development.

• Specialized Technical Courses: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like healthcare infrastructure, advanced BIM, or sustainable construction practices.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in relevant industry events to stay updated on trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career advice, as well as the opportunity to mentor emerging talent.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of large-scale, complex projects, offering continuous learning through practical experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be managing the sheer scale and complexity of the projects. Candidates should be prepared to discuss strategies for breaking down large problems, effective delegation, and maintaining oversight across multiple workstreams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading design delivery for a major healthcare project. What are your key priorities and how do you ensure alignment across teams and stakeholders?" (Focus on process, risk management, and stakeholder engagement).

• "How do you manage and mitigate design risks on projects of this scale? Provide an example of a significant risk you identified and how you addressed it." (Highlight analytical skills and proactive problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you foster a culture of inclusion and diversity within your design teams, particularly in the context of Kier's partnership with Jobs for Humanity?" (Demonstrate awareness and practical application of DEI principles).

• "What do you know about Kier and our work in the healthcare sector? Why are you interested in this specific role?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear problem-solution-result structure. Clearly define your role and contributions.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to showcase the tangible outcomes of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, risk reduction).

• Focus on Process: Explain the design management processes you utilized, why they were effective, and any optimizations you implemented.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical approach, decision-making rationale, and how you handled specific challenges.

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate how you led teams, managed people, and influenced outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "Nationwide" and "Hybrid," be prepared to discuss how you manage remote teams and ensure consistent performance and communication across geographically dispersed project teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided SmartRecruiters link on the Jobs for Humanity website.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight specific experience in managing large-scale construction projects (ideally over £50m, and especially £250m+), with a strong emphasis on healthcare facilities if applicable. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Risk Management," "Stakeholder Engagement," and "Digital Applications."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in design delivery, risk mitigation, and team management. Be ready to articulate your specific contributions and the processes you employed.

• Research Kier & Jobs for Humanity: Understand Kier's strategic projects, their focus on healthcare, and the mission of Jobs for Humanity regarding inclusive employment. Prepare to discuss how your values align.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on providing specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and be ready to present a portfolio case study.

⚠️ 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.