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Design manager
Also known as -

Principal Designer, Design Co-Ordinator, Design And

Build Manager
during the build and aid maintenance of the structure once complete.

Average Salary*
£25000
-
£90000
How to become
What will you do?
How much could you earn?
Career path and progression

How To Become A Design Manager

There are several routes to becoming a design manager. You could gain the qualifications you
need on a university or college course, or you could start on your career path as an
apprentice. You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you.
This is a role requiring significant technical skills. It is possible to go into it without formal
qualifications, however it is generally more accepted if you do a university or college course
and have several years’ experience.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (https://www.cscs.uk.com/) (CSCS) card to
work on a construction site.

University
You could study for an undergraduate degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant
subject such as architecture, design and construction management, or architectural
technology. Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Equivalent entry requirements explained (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-
of-qualification-levels)
Find a university course (https://www.ucas.com/)
Funding advice (https://www.gov.uk/student-finance)

College/Training Provider
You could complete a BTEC in building studies, building engineering or building management,
or a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction management or architecture.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Find a course near you (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course)
Funding advice (https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help)

Work Experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You
could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative
who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work
experience listed on your CV.
Find out more about work experience
(/get-started-in-construction/work-experience/)
Find an apprenticeship near you (https://www.talentview.org/vacancy?
fulltext=design%20manager&event_code=goconstruct&registration_source=construction)
 Knowledge of engineering science and technology
Able to come up with new ways of doing things
Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Analytical thinking skills
Persistence and determination
Leadership and motivational skills
Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Qualifications
England
To become a Design manager you could complete a:
Level 4 Construction Design and Build Technician apprenticeship

Scotland
To become a Design manager you could complete a:
Level 6 SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Built Environment Design
SVQ in Built Environment Design and Consultancy Practice at SCQF level 11
Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9 in Built Environment Design Management

Wales
To become a Design manager you could complete a:
Level 7 NVQ in Built Environment Design and Consultancy Practice

What Does A Design Manager Do?

As a design manager you will be responsible for looking after teams of designers to make
sure projects are produced on time to a high specification.
The job role of a design manager involves the following duties:
Motivating and encouraging internal and external design teams
Ensuring structural drawings and designs are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easy to decipher
Overseeing the design process using technical expertise
Working with clients to ensure that their expectations are met
Reviewing designs with health and safety in mind
Avoiding errors and reducing financial risk during construction
Ensuring designs are available to those who need them, at the appropriate time
Maintaining thorough documentation of the design process
Keeping up-to-date with changing building legislation and codes of practice relating to design
Working in an office, with occasional site visits.

How Much Could You Earn As A Design Manager?

The expected salary for a design manager varies as you become more experienced.
Newly trained design managers can earn in the region of £25,000-£30,000
Trained with experience design managers can earn in the region of £30,000-£60,000
Senior, chartered or master design managers can earn in the region of £70,000-£90,000
Find An Apprenticeship/Job
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in England Apprenticeships in Scotland Apprenticeships in Wales
Apply for apprenticeships in Apply for apprenticeships in Apply for apprenticeships in
England Scotland Wales
(https://www.talentview.org/vacancy?(https://www.apprenticeships.scot/) (https://careerswales.gov.wales/apprenticeships)
fulltext=design%20manager&event_code=goconstruct&registration_source=construction)

Advice And Schemes

Need advice on careers and apprenticeships? Talent Retention Scheme
Speak to an advisor today (8am-10pm) Search permanent and contract roles, find
apprenticeships
(https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/webchat/chat/)
(https://trs-system.co.uk/construction)

Jobs
Check out the latest Design Manager vacancies:
Indeed (https://uk.indeed.com/Design-Manager-jobs)
Reed (https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/design-manager-jobs)
CIAT jobs (https://architecturaltechnology.com/jobs.html)
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may
vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career Path And Progression

As a junior, trainee, assistant or technician with a few year's experience of technical design
projects, you could work your way up to BIM (Building Information Modelling) coordinator, or a
mid-level designer.
With further project management experience, you could progress to a senior role as a design
manager, principal designer, build manager or BIM manager and earn a higher salary.
You could become self-employed and work freelance.
As a design manager, you could gain chartered status and further qualifications through the
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and move
into a project director role

Related Roles
Project manager (https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/project-
manager/)
Considering a career in project management? See what the role of a construction project manager has to
offer you in this complete guide to the role.
BIM manager (https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/bim-manager/)
The BIM Manager oversees the creation of digital models of current & proposed projects & buildings.
Learn more about the role, salary & skills needed.
Architectural technician (https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-
me/architectural-technician/)
Architectural Technicians are responsible for bringing together the elements of planning a project by
combining client needs with site surveys & building regulations.
Explore the progression opportunities below
Current role
Design manager
Find out more about design manager salary, roles and responsibilities in this Go...

Current role
BIM manager
The BIM Manager oversees the creation of digital models of current & proposed pr...

Current role
Project director
Manage progress, budget & teams to ensure the successful conclusion of construct...

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