Senior Design Manager
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£44,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2455 (80% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £44,300, and BOVIS CONSTRUCTION (EUROPE) LIMITED is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 1122 (Production managers and directors in construction) or SOC 2451 (Architects). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals Most likely code | £33,400 | £35,400 | £39,900 | £44,300 |
1122 Production managers and directors in construction Also possible | £37,400 | £42,700 | £48,100 | £53,400 |
2451 Architects Also possible | £33,400 | £38,100 | £42,800 | £47,600 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We are seeking a Senior Design Manager for our iconic, Grade 1 listed Manchester Town Hall project in Central Manchester.
As Senior Design Manager, you will be responsible for delivering Design Management on projects from pre-bid to handover with a high degree of independence, working with the senior project team.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver Design Management on projects with a high degree of independence using experience and judgement
Oversee the design performance of multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and client requirements.
Monitor design programme, resource allocation, and delivery milestones across the portfolio.
Integrate and work alongside senior project team; e.g. Project Director, Commercial Director, Construction Director etc.
Represent the business at a senior level with clients, consultants and supply chain partners
Manage high value complex projects in a variety of different sectors, client types and procurement contexts
Bid for new work collaboratively with project teams, quickly establish external relationships and secure work through reports and presentations
Manage consultant design through pre-construction period with the integration of specialist designers
Manage consultant relationships at portfolio level.
Manage process of design review and approval through documentation, documents management systems and inspections
Manage third party interfaces such as Planning and Building Control (RBCA)
Report to the Head of Design Management: Private/Public at regular intervals and key milestones on delivery of projects
Manage design through internal project governance e.g.:
Bid and conversion commitment reviews
Monthly Project in Conversion / Project in Delivery Reviews
Internal and external audits
Essential credentials
Appropriate CSCS card for the role
Professional Construction Qualifications relevant to the role (BSc or MSc in construction project management, building studies or architecture)
Essential Skills
Ability to Plan, Manage and Monitor Design in line with the duties of the Building Act Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD)
Strong written and verbal communication skills both technical and non-technical to client, supply chain, peers and stakeholders
Able to use robust judgement in weighing up multiple, complex, sources of information and clearly communicate direction
Able to direct and negotiate with consultants at a senior level e.g. business owners
Able to present technical and procedural material to audiences
Competent IT skills and experience in relevant types of programmes; Microsoft Office, PDF Editing, Presentation software e.g. Adobe InDesign, BIM Model software e.g. Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Essential Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of the design and construction process
Knowledge of relevant legislation, construction laws, the regulatory framework, industry standards and technical guides
Thorough knowledge of Construction Design Management 2015 Regulations and the roles of CDM Principal Designer and CDM Principal Contractor
Through knowledge of the Building Safety Act and roles of BR Principal Designer and BR Principal Contractor
Detailed knowledge of the RIBA Work Stages and their deliverables
Thorough knowledge of design and construction technical details
Detailed knowledge of standard forms of construction contracts e.g. JCT Design and Build, Construction Management, Management Contracting and NEC
Detailed understanding of Professional Services Agreements
Thorough knowledge of Sustainability including the delivery of relevant accreditations
Thorough knowledge of Digital project integration delivery including, digital design (BIM), common data environments and project delivery programmes.
Robust commercial awareness including contract conditions, deliverables, liability and responsibility
Thorough understanding of construction methodologies and their influencing factors, e.g. safety, fabrication, assembly, logistics, availability.
Essential Experience
Experience managing consultants to ensure design and quality assurance deliverables are achieved and recorded.
Experience of dealing with clients, contractors and construction activities.
Previous experience as a design manager/architect on a significant new build project.
Trained in all safety matters
Experience in the selection and procurement of designers on a competitive basis.
Experience in the creation and use of project control mechanisms.
Previous experience of leading a design team
Experience of negotiating Novated Appointments with Deeds of Variation
Essential Behaviours
Must lead in the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) vision and prioritise safety in every aspect of the role
Ability to initiate, establish and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, supply chain and external partners
Flexibility and openness of approach and willingness to work as a team player.
Collaboration with all levels of design managers across the business to share best practices, lessons learnt and offer cross project support
Uphold and demonstrate the company values
We will provide:
Car allowance
Up to 10% employer pension contribution
Private medical health benefit
Enhanced parental leave
Life assurance
25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days
3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave
Health and wellbeing support and initiatives
24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services
Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gym’s nation wide
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with BOVIS CONSTRUCTION (EUROPE) LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Construction project managers and related professionals (SOC 2455) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~36k in sample- Middle half £37,596–57,720
- Median £45,396
- Going rate £44,300
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–39,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at BOVIS CONSTRUCTION (EUROPE) LIMITEDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. BOVIS CONSTRUCTION (EUROPE) LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2455 going rate of £44,300. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.