Design Manager

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 teamsEnsuring structural drawings and designs are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easy to decipherOverseeing the design process using technical expertiseWorking with clients to ensure that their expectations are metReviewing designs with health and safety in mindAvoiding errors and reducing financial risk during constructionEnsuring designs are available to those who need them, at the appropriate timeMaintaining thorough documentation of the design processKeeping up-to-date with changing building legislation and codes of practice relating to designWorking in an office, with occasional site visits.How to become a design managerThere 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 (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityYou 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.Equivalent entry requirements explained Find a university courseFunding adviceCollege/training providerYou could complete a BTEC in building studies, building engineering or building management, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction management or architecture.Funding adviceWork experienceWork 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 experienceSkillsDesign skills and knowledgeKnowledge of engineering science and technologyAble to come up with new ways of doing thingsBe thorough and pay attention to detailAnalytical thinking skillsPersistence and determinationLeadership and motivational skillsAble to use a computer and the main software packages competentlyQualificationsTo become a Design manager you could complete a:Level 4 Construction Design and Build Technician apprenticeshipTo Become a Design Manager You Could Complete A:Level 6 SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Built Environment DesignSVQ in Built Environment Design and Consultancy Practice at SCQF level 11Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9 in Built Environment Design ManagementTo Become a Design Manager You Could Complete A:Level 7 NVQ in Built Environment Design and Consultancy PracticeHow 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 £37,000Trained with experience design managers can earn up to £84,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources