Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-30T09:29:50.915

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage design teams throughout tender and preconstruction phases for high-value public sector construction projects.

• Ensure design excellence, compliance with building regulations, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

• Coordinate and monitor the performance of design consultants, fostering strong client relationships.

• Identify and mitigate design-related risks, providing strategic expertise on innovative construction solutions.

• Drive BIM Level 2 implementation and ensure all design documentation meets the highest standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the critical intersection of design leadership and construction project management within the public sector. The emphasis on tender and preconstruction stages indicates a strategic input into project viability and execution planning, requiring a strong understanding of contract management and risk assessment. The explicit mention of Jobs for Humanity suggests a commitment to inclusive hiring practices, which may influence interview and onboarding processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design teams through tender and preconstruction stages, ensuring timely delivery of information and maintaining the highest quality standards.

• Coordinate with and monitor the performance of external design consultants, addressing any concerns to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with project objectives.

• Chair design meetings, prepare comprehensive progress reports, and present updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed design programmes, responsibility matrices, and all essential project documentation to ensure smooth project progression.

• Proactively identify and mitigate design-related risks, offering strategic expertise and innovative construction solutions to enhance project outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with preconstruction and construction teams to embed design excellence from the initial tender phase through to final project completion.

• Ensure adherence to current building regulations, BIM Level 2 standards, and key design principles across all relevant disciplines.

• Uphold strong client relationships through effective communication, transparent reporting, and consistent delivery of exceptional design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to design management, extending beyond mere coordination to include risk mitigation, innovation, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level. The emphasis on managing teams and consultants underscores the leadership aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture.

Experience:

• Proven experience managing design on tenders and live projects within a main contractor environment.

• Demonstrated success on complex, high-value schemes (projects ranging from £10M to over £100M).

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and oversee design processes from inception to completion.

• Construction Management: Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project lifecycles, and site operations.

• Tender & Preconstruction Expertise: Deep knowledge of bid processes, design development during tender, and preconstruction planning.

• BIM Level 2 Proficiency: Familiarity and practical application of Building Information Modeling at Level 2.

• Building Regulations Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of current UK building regulations and their implications for design.

• Contract Management: Familiarity with key building contracts such as NEC, JCT, and SBCC, and their impact on design management.

• Risk Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and proactively manage design-related risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with internal teams, external consultants, and clients.

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, motivate, and manage design teams effectively.

• Project Documentation: Skill in creating and managing programmes, responsibility matrices, and other essential project documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartership or equivalent professional accreditation in a relevant discipline.

• Experience with a wide range of public sector project types.

• Advanced knowledge of design principles across multiple disciplines (structural, architectural, MEP, etc.).

• Experience presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge of innovative construction techniques and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in design and construction, coupled with strong leadership and commercial acumen. The preference for chartership and specific contract knowledge signals a need for seasoned professionals with a recognized level of competence and industry experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex, high-value construction projects managed from tender through to completion, highlighting your specific role and contributions.

• Design Programme Management: Evidence of creating and managing detailed design programmes, showcasing your ability to meet deadlines and coordinate multiple workstreams.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Specific instances where you identified and successfully mitigated design-related risks, demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities.

• Consultant Coordination: Demonstrations of how you have effectively coordinated and managed external design consultants to achieve project objectives.

• BIM Level 2 Application: Examples of how BIM Level 2 was implemented on past projects and the benefits it delivered.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to design and optimize design workflows for efficiency and quality, particularly within tender and preconstruction phases.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing design processes and leveraging technology (like BIM) to streamline project delivery.

• Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you measure and analyze the performance of design processes and teams, using data to drive improvements.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Documented approaches to identifying, assessing, and managing design risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide tangible evidence of their design management capabilities through a portfolio. This should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate a systematic approach to process management, risk mitigation, and the effective utilization of technology and team coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Hours: The role offers flexibility on working hours to accommodate work-life balance.

• Tailored Benefits Package: A comprehensive benefits package that can be customized to individual needs.

• Pension Scheme: Standard employer-contributed pension scheme.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, further education, and professional accreditation support.

• Life Assurance: Coverage provided as part of the benefits package.

• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Access to initiatives supporting employee health and wellbeing.

Working Hours:

• 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Some flexibility on hours is possible, to be discussed with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical Senior Design Manager compensation in the UK construction sector, taking into account the specified location (Leeds), experience level (5-10 years), and project scale. Benefits are aligned with standard offerings for senior roles in large construction firms, with a notable emphasis on flexibility and customization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Kier is a leading UK construction and services company involved in building and managing critical infrastructure.

Company Size: Kier is a large organization, typically employing over 10,000 people. This scale offers opportunities for career progression and exposure to a wide range of projects and disciplines.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1899, indicating a long-standing history and deep-rooted experience in the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• Design and Build Team: The Senior Design Manager will be part of the Design and Build team, a crucial component of Kier Construction's operational structure.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Head of Design, Design Director, or a Senior Project Manager, with direct management of design consultants and potentially junior design staff.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Will work closely with preconstruction teams, site construction teams, commercial managers, project managers, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expectation of using project data and performance metrics to inform design decisions and manage project progress.

• Collaborative Workflow Planning: Emphasis on collaborative planning and execution of design processes, involving all relevant stakeholders.

• Risk-Based Approach: A systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quality Assurance: Robust processes for ensuring design quality and compliance with standards and regulations.

Company Website: www.kier.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large size suggest a structured environment with established processes, but also potential for innovation and career growth. The collaboration with Jobs for Humanity indicates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is likely embedded within the company's culture and operational practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, requiring significant experience and a proven track record in design leadership within the construction industry. It sits at a crucial point where strategic design input directly influences project success and profitability.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to higher-level management within the Design or Project Management functions, such as a Design Director or Senior Project Manager. This structure provides visibility to senior leadership and offers opportunities to influence strategic project decisions.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager's impact is critical to Kier's success. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality, and with minimal risk. This directly contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and Kier's reputation as a reliable construction partner. Their strategic input during tender stages significantly influences the profitability and feasibility of bids.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Head of Design, Design Director, or broader Project Director positions, overseeing larger programs or multiple complex projects.

• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in particular sectors (e.g., healthcare, education) or technical areas (e.g., advanced BIM implementation, sustainable design).

• Professional Development: Continued support for professional development, including advanced certifications, leadership training, and participation in industry forums.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design managers and engineers, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career progression within a large, established construction firm. The emphasis on strategic input and risk management prepares individuals for more senior leadership roles, with opportunities for both vertical advancement and deeper specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Leeds, with a hybrid working arrangement. This suggests a modern office environment that supports collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for design review.

Office Location(s): Leeds, United Kingdom. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but it's likely to be a well-established Kier office accessible within the Leeds area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a hub for design coordination meetings, stakeholder discussions, and team collaboration, facilitating real-time problem-solving.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to necessary design software, BIM tools, communication platforms, and IT infrastructure to support hybrid working and seamless project management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with design teams, project managers, and other key personnel, fostering a strong team dynamic.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard 37.5-hour work week, Monday to Friday.

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, with occasional travel to the office required. This structure is designed to support productivity and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement indicates a modern approach to work management, balancing employee flexibility with the operational needs of large-scale construction projects that often require in-person collaboration and site oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on direct experience in design management for main contractors and public sector projects.

• First Interview: Typically with an HR representative and/or a hiring manager from Kier Construction. Focus on experience, skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities.

• Second Interview/Assessment: May involve a technical interview with senior design or construction leaders, potentially including a case study presentation or a detailed review of your portfolio. This stage will assess your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and depth of technical knowledge.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or key stakeholders to confirm suitability and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in managing complex, high-value tenders and preconstruction phases within the main contractor environment.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, programme acceleration, risk reduction).

• Process Demonstration: Highlight your systematic approach to design management, including your methods for team coordination, consultant management, risk mitigation, and BIM Level 2 integration.

• Contractual Awareness: Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated different contract types (NEC, JCT, SBCC) in relation to design management.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals, diagrams, and programme snippets where appropriate to illustrate your points effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical or past project scenario, focusing on how you would approach design challenges, manage risks, and coordinate teams.

• Strategic Thinking: Anticipate questions about your approach to driving design excellence, fostering innovation, and aligning design with Kier's business objectives.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've resolved complex design issues or managed underperforming consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Kier's values. A well-prepared, evidence-based portfolio is crucial for demonstrating the required expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with project management platforms for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms facilitating design review, mark-ups, and collaborative workflows (e.g., Autodesk BIM 360, Procore).

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and accessing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret progress reports, risk registers, and performance dashboards.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding client relationship management principles is key for stakeholder engagement.

• BIM Software: While not necessarily a BIM modeler, a strong understanding of BIM software capabilities and workflows (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is essential for managing BIM Level 2 projects.

• Contract Management Software: Familiarity with systems or processes that support the administration of building contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools essential for managing complex construction projects, with a strong focus on BIM, project management, and collaborative platforms. Proficiency in these areas is critical for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health and safety in all operations and design processes.

• Integrity: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, lasting relationships.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of quality, innovation, and performance in all aspects of work.

• Inclusivity: Commitment to creating an equitable and supportive workplace, as demonstrated by the partnership with Jobs for Humanity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between design, preconstruction, construction, and commercial teams to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing across teams and disciplines.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively engaging with stakeholders early and often to align expectations, resolve issues, and drive project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's values, particularly their emphasis on safety, integrity, and inclusivity, are central to their operational ethos. The Senior Design Manager must embody these values, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various internal teams, external consultants, and public sector clients.

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring compliance with evolving building regulations and contractual obligations across diverse project types.

• Mitigating Design Risks: Proactively identifying and resolving design conflicts and potential issues on high-value projects to prevent costly delays or defects.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing innovative design solutions within the constraints of budgets, timelines, and established practices.

• Hybrid Working Management: Effectively leading and coordinating teams that may be working remotely and in the office, ensuring consistent communication and productivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM Level 2 and emerging BIM technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Kier's internal leadership training to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Sector-Specific Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific public sector construction domains (e.g., healthcare facility design, educational campus planning).

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of best practices, network with peers, and represent Kier.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale construction projects, offering ample opportunities for professional growth through skill development, leadership expansion, and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing design teams during the tender phase for projects exceeding £50 million. What are your key priorities?" (Focus on risk assessment, programme control, and team motivation.)

• "How would you ensure effective communication and coordination between multiple design consultants on a complex public sector project?" (Highlight your stakeholder management strategies and use of collaboration tools.)

• "Provide an example of a significant design risk you identified and mitigated on a previous project. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your proactive problem-solving and risk management capabilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier and our commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly through our partnership with Jobs for Humanity?" (Research Kier's values and recent initiatives.)

• "How would you contribute to Kier's culture of safety and integrity in your role as Senior Design Manager?" (Align your personal values with Kier's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to clearly articulate your contributions and achievements.

• Highlight Key Metrics: Quantify your successes wherever possible (e.g., percentage of budget saved, reduction in RFI’s, programme milestones met ahead of schedule).

• Showcase Process: Explain your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, and consultant oversight, not just the final outcome.

• Demonstrate Contractual Understanding: Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied your knowledge of NEC, JCT, or SBCC contracts to design management.

• Tailor to Kier: Briefly explain why your experience and approach are a strong fit for Kier's specific projects and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a strategic, risk-aware approach to design management, aligned with Kier's established values and operational practices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Jobs for Humanity/SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to prominently feature your experience managing complex, high-value design projects within a main contractor setting, emphasizing your tender and preconstruction expertise.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Design Management," "Construction Management," "Tender," "Preconstruction," "BIM Level 2," and specific contract types (NEC, JCT, SBCC). Quantify your achievements with specific project examples and outcomes.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategic decision-making, risk mitigation, and leadership in design coordination. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Kier's values and their partnership with Jobs for Humanity.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kier's current projects, company values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understand their approach to public sector construction and their operational methodologies.

⚠️ 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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