Trainee Design Manager – Manchester

Bell Building Projects Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Flexible working arrangements

Hands-on project experience

Supportive team

Long-term opportunities

Job summary

Bell Building Projects Limited in Manchester is seeking a Trainee Design Manager to join our growing team. You’ll work alongside our Design Management team to learn how projects are designed, coordinated and delivered, with exposure to live refurbishment, facade remediation and new-build projects across the UK.

You don’t need prior design management experience—just a genuine interest in construction, good organisation, and a desire to develop a long-term career in the industry.

Qualifications

• Currently studying or recently completed a degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Interest in construction, building design and technical project delivery.
• Organised, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Design Management with coordinating design information across live projects.
• Support review of architectural, structural and technical drawings.
• Liaise with architects, engineers, consultants and internal teams.
• Help track design progress, outstanding information and deadlines.
• Assist with preparation and coordination of design documentation.
• Attend design meetings, take notes and follow up actions.
• Understand building regulations, construction methods and technical compliance.
• Support design information management using Procore.
• Work with Project Managers and Site Managers to understand impact on delivery.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Architecture/Architectural Technology degree (in progress)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About Us

Bell Building Projects (BBP) is a growing construction company delivering refurbishment, facade replacement, fire remediation and new-build projects across the UK.

We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, but even more proud of the people behind it. Our continued growth has created a strong pipeline of work, giving our teams long-term job security, opportunities to develop their careers and the chance to work on a wide variety of projects.

We believe in investing in our people, recognising good performance and creating an environment where everyone is trusted, supported and encouraged to progress. Whether you’re joining us on site or in one of our offices, you’ll be part of a team that values quality, collaboration and doing things the right way.

The Role

We’re looking for a Trainee Design Manager to join our Manchester team.

This is a great opportunity for someone currently studying towards a degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Structural Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or a recent graduate looking to begin their career in construction design management.

We’re open to considering part-time arrangements alongside university studies, apprenticeship opportunities or a full-time graduate position, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Working alongside our experienced Design Management team, you’ll gain hands-on experience of how construction projects are designed, coordinated and delivered, with exposure to a range of live projects across the UK.

You don’t need previous experience in design management. We’re looking for someone who’s keen to learn, has a genuine interest in construction and wants to develop a long-term career in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Design Management team with the coordination of design information across live construction projects.


• Support the review of architectural, structural and technical drawings.


• Liaise with architects, engineers, consultants and internal project teams.


• Help track design progress, outstanding information and project deadlines.


• Assist with the preparation and coordination of design documentation.


• Attend design meetings, taking notes and following up on actions where required.


• Gain an understanding of building regulations, construction methods and technical compliance.


• Support the management of design information using systems such as Procore.


• Work closely with our Project Managers, Site Managers and wider construction teams to understand how design decisions impact project delivery.

About You

We’re particularly interested in hearing from individuals who:

• Are currently studying, or have recently completed, a degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a similar subject.


• Have an interest in construction, building design and the technical aspects of project delivery.


• Are organised, enthusiastic and willing to learn.


• Have good communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team.


• Have good attention to detail and a willingness to develop their technical knowledge.


• Are comfortable using Microsoft Office, with any experience of AutoCAD, Revit or similar design software being an advantage, but not essential.

Previous construction experience is not essential. We’re more interested in finding someone with the right attitude, an interest in the industry and the ambition to develop.

Why Join BBP?

• Career Development: Gain practical experience alongside experienced construction and design professionals, with opportunities to progress into a Design Manager role.


• Flexible Opportunities: We’re happy to consider working arrangements that accommodate university studies, including part-time employment and apprenticeship routes.


• Hands-on Experience: Work on real construction projects and gain exposure to the full design and construction process.


• Supportive Team: Learn from experienced colleagues who will support your development and help build your confidence.


• Varied Projects: Gain experience across refurbishment, facade remediation, fire safety and new-build construction.


• Long-term Opportunities: We’re committed to developing talent from within and supporting individuals as they progress in their careers.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Bell Building Projects, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe that a diverse workforce brings different perspectives, experiences and ideas that make our business stronger.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and recruitment decisions are based on skills, experience, potential and suitability for the role.

Interested?

If you’re currently studying a construction-related subject, approaching graduation or looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience alongside your studies, we’d love to hear from you.