Job Title: Design Manager
Location: Exeter, Devon
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum

About the Company
Sphere Solutions are working with the refurbishment division of a leading Tier 1 contractor, who specialise in delivering internal and external refurbishment projects across the South West. This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager to join a prestigious company, working on a diverse range of projects and benefiting from long-term career development within a high-profile contractor.

About the Role
As Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth coordination and management of the design process across multiple refurbishment projects. From pre-construction through to project completion, you will be responsible for managing design risks, ensuring compliance, and making sure designs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the project brief.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the design process for internal and external refurbishment projects
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, architects, and internal teams to develop coordinated design solutions.
• Review and manage design documentation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and buildability.
• Oversee design programme timelines, ensuring design information is available when required to support construction delivery.
• Identify and mitigate design risks, working proactively to resolve issues before they impact the project.
• Ensure designs remain within project budgets, working closely with the commercial team to identify value engineering opportunities.
• Attend and contribute to design team meetings, progress reviews, and client presentations.
• Ensure all designs comply with building regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.

Key Requirements (Skills & Experience)

• Proven experience managing design processes on refurbishment, fit-out, or construction projects.
• Experience working for a main contractor (essential).
• Strong knowledge of building regulations, planning, and construction legislation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Relevant construction or design qualification (Degree/HNC/HND).
• Strong understanding of technical design packages, including AutoCAD, Revit (desirable).
• A proactive, problem-solving approach, with the ability to manage design risk effectively.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum.
• Car or car allowance package included.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Part time and hybrid working arrangements are on offer.
• Company pension scheme.
• ·Access to ongoing training and development programmes.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious refurbishment projects for a Tier 1 contractor.
• Clear career progression within a supportive and forward-thinking business.

Apply Now:
To apply for this Design Manager role, contact Abbie Evans at Sphere Solutions:
📞 07736 455560
📧 [email protected]

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

£35,000-£40,000 & Car package

Exeter

Sphere Solutions are working in partnership with an award-winning housing developer to recruit an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join their Exeter office, working across sites in Plymouth and Exeter.

Playing an integral part of the team, you will report to the Commercial Manager and work closely with a Senior QS to assist the commercial delivery of new build housing sites.

Trainee level candidates are encouraged to apply, but would need to have experience.

Suitable candidates will possess the following:

• HNC/Degree qualified ideally
• Must have a good understanding and knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Good MS Office and COINS experience would be preferred.
• Proven experience within this role is essential.
• Must have a driving licence

On offer:

• Competitive salary circa £35,000-£40,000 & package depending on experience and qualifications
• Company Car or Allowance
• Annual Bonus
• Private Healthcare
• Career progression

Next steps:

For an informal discussion please call Abbie or Jo on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions Ltd is a leading construction recruitment agency specialising in providing top-notch staffing solutions to the construction sector. With a strong presence in Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with the best construction job opportunities in these areas.

Customer Care Coordinator – New build housing

Tiverton

I am working with a highly reputable house building company to strengthen their team by recruiting an experienced Customer Care Coordinator.

Working within this experienced Customer Service department, you will act as the first point of contact, providing a high quality and professional level of service to customers and the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for all enquires
• Respond to all customer queries within a timely manner
• Asses validity of warranty claims and defects
• Schedule appointment for technicians
• Order materials / obtain quotations
• Collate property information packs
• Provide required reports and analysis as required.
• Provide additional ad-hoc support to the department as required.

Key Requirements

• Experience within a similar role is ESSENTIAL with construction, advantageous would be house building or maintenance
• Must be a competent user of Microsoft 365 software and Microsoft Access
• Must have a valid UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.
• Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines and targets.

Benefits of the role

• Competitive salary depending on experience, circa £28,000.
• 1 day working from home, at the managements discretion.
• 25 days annual excluding bank holidays.
• Pension Contribution

To Apply:

For an informal discussion please call Cat or Jo on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions are one of the South West & Wales market leaders in providing recruitment services to the built environment.

Trainee Quantity Surveyor

Ivybridge

Permanent

 £25,000-£30,000

We are seeking an ambitious Trainee Quantity Surveyor to join a locally based construction company. This is an office based role near Ivybridge, working Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.

This is a great opportunity to join an experienced commercial team known for an inclusive and outstanding team culture.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial you will assist with commercial and financial functions, understanding and learning the principles of quantity surveying with a view to developing and running your own projects under supervision and guidance.

 

Criteria:

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience in a Commercial administration or a Surveying role
• Good IT skills, in particular Excel
• Live within a commutable distance to Ivybridge with your own transport
• A full UK driving license will be required as some travel will be expected

 

On offer:

• Salary dependant on experience and qualifications
• Private Medical Care
• Life Assurance
• Bonus scheme
• Full use of a company vehicle and all expenses paid when visiting sites.

 

What next?

For an informal discussion please call Cat or Jo on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

 

Sphere Solutions Ltd is a leading construction recruitment agency specialising in providing top-notch staffing solutions to the construction sector. With a strong presence in Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with the best construction job opportunities in these areas.

I’m working with a respectable regional contractor to recruit a Site Manager to join an upcoming new build education project in Plymouth.

• Plymouth
• Permanent

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage sub-contractors, site labour, material hire, and agency staff.
• Work to programme and budget, reporting any issues or risks that arise.
• Ensure compliance and Health and Safety Regulations are in place and met at all times.
• Liaise with the Contracts Manager and other members of the senior management team.

Suitable candidates:

• SMSTS, First Aid at Work and CSCS Card
• Must have experience working on new build commercial projects, ideally within the education sector.
• Good supply chain management.
• Proactive approach with the ability to work professionally within a live environment
• Must be able to get a DBS clearance.

In Return:

• Salary £55,000-£60,000 dependant on experience
• £5,000 car allowance
• Annual leave – 25 days plus bank holiday
• Pension – match up to 6%
• Life assurance
• Other company benefits

Next steps:

For an informal discussion please call Abbie or Jo on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions Ltd is a leading construction recruitment agency specialising in providing top-notch staffing solutions to the construction sector. With a strong presence in Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with the best construction job opportunities in these areas.

I’m looking to speak to Contracts Managers with a Maintenance background serving both public and private sectors across Devon & Cornwall.

• Plymouth
• Permanent
• £50,000-£55,000

Our client works in the Housing, Education, Healthcare and Commercial & retail sectors to name a few and carries out general refurbishments such as roofing, fire protection etc.

As a Contracts Manager, you will work on multiple projects such as MOD Refurbishments, NHS property, Social housing and Schools.

Reporting to the Plymouth office but working across sites in both regions, suitable candidates can live in Devon or Cornwall.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the administration and operational management of contracts
• Compiling Construction Phase Plans
• Compiling RAMS
• Assisting with pre-construction, tendering and commercial entities
• Maintaining positive relationships with clients and the supply chain
• Monitoring contract performance and risk
• Ensuring projects are delivered within budget
• Allocation and management of direct labour and subcontractors
• Programming of works

Requirements

• Trade Background
• SMSTS & First Aid at work
• Experience in compiling RAMS & Construction Phase Plans
• Experience working on project values from £1000 – £500,000
• Have an understanding of contract conditions and relevant industry regulations.

Other

• Our client is open to meeting more junior candidates who have some relevant experience in contract management
• Salary up to £50,000-£55,000
• Car Allowance

Next steps:

For an informal discussion please call Abbie or Jo on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions Ltd is a leading construction recruitment agency specialising in providing top-notch staffing solutions to the construction sector. With a strong presence in Wales, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro, and Southampton, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with the best construction job opportunities in these areas.

I’m working with one of the region’s leading contractors, recruiting for a Design Manager to work with a highly experienced delivery team.

• Permanent
• Exeter

Projects will be varied, covering all aspects of construction, including industrial, commercial and education- ranging from £1m up to £10m, design and build projects, with an excellent secured workload and forward programme of works this is a great opportunity.

The role:

• Lead, manage and chair design meetings with external consultants and management teams
• Interface between the client, design teams (external consultants) and operational teams
• Manage design change and reports
• Liaison with the commercial team, relay any implications of changes to the client
• Assisting the Estimator with design change/price implications, pre-construction assistance regarding design change

The Candidate:

• Demonstrable pre/post contract experience in Design Management
• Have worked with a regional/main contractor in a similar role
• Longevity with previous employers
• Good client liaison skills, approachable and a good problem solver

On offer is an excellent salary and package, including car/allowance, company pension, life assurance and private medical insurance.

To Apply: For an informal discussion please call Abbie Evans on 01752 421888 or apply as instructed.

Sphere Solutions are one of the South West & Wales market leaders in providing recruitment services to the built environment.

With specialist consultants based in our regional offices (Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth and St Austell) we fill vacancies daily with contractors, developers, civil engineers and their supply chain in high volume with quality candidates.