Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Design Manager
Lead the design side of building projects, bringing architects, engineers and builders together.
Design managers in construction coordinate the design side of building projects. They bring together architects, structural and building services engineers and the contractor’s team, so that designs are complete, buildable and delivered on time. They are especially important on design and build projects, which are common across Greater Manchester’s housing, commercial and regeneration schemes.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- Average in Manchester: around £48,000 a year, with most design managers earning between £28,000 and £76,000
- Early career: around £35,000, rising to about £45,000 at mid-career
- Senior design managers on large projects, and those with chartered status, can earn more
Career path
- Getting started: construction or design technician, CAD technician or assistant design coordinator, often while studying for an HNC or HND
- Design coordinator: managing drawings and information and working with the design team
- Design manager: leading the design process on projects and making sure designs meet the client’s needs, budget and building regulations
- Next steps: senior or regional design manager, design director, or chartered membership of a body such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
How to get started
Most design managers build experience in technical or design roles first. An HNC or HND in construction management or design and build gives you a strong grounding in building technology, design and regulations. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on PayScale data for Manchester. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate architects, engineers and specialist designers
Manage the design programme and information flow
Check that designs are complete, buildable and cost-effective
Make sure designs meet building regulations and client requirements
Resolve design issues with the site team
Manage design changes and keep accurate records
Skills Needed
- Knowledge of building technology and design
- Understanding of building regulations
- Leadership and stakeholder management
- Planning and organisation
- Problem solving and negotiation
- Confidence reading drawings and using CAD and BIM tools
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