Design Manager in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire

Design Manager
Letchworth, Hertfordshire | Main Contractor | Design & Build
£45,000–£75,000 + £6,000 car allowance, fuel card, mileage and private medical cover

The Company and Opportunity

A regional main contractor with a strong reputation is looking for a Design Manager to join its team in Letchworth. The company has long-standing client relationships, a low staff turnover and a friendly, down-to-earth working environment. Projects include new build and refurbishment schemes across education, healthcare, commercial, residential and public-sector construction, generally ranging from £5m to £15m. There is plenty of secured work ahead, making this a good opportunity for someone looking for flexibility, progression and a long-term role.

Salary and Benefits

• £45,000–£75,000 salary
• £6,000 car allowance
• Fuel card and mileage
• 25 days’ holiday plus Christmas shutdown
• Additional holiday at 5, 7 and 10 years, increasing to 28 days
• Enhanced pension
• Private medical cover
• Fully funded professional memberships and training
• Annual health checks and flu jabs
• Eye tests and glasses for screen users
• EV salary sacrifice scheme
• Regular pay reviews

The Design Manager Role

This is a site-focused Design Manager role supporting delivery across two or three live Design & Build projects, with involvement in pre-construction. Typically spending two days a week on site, you will work closely with project and site teams to resolve design queries, check buildability and keep construction moving. You will coordinate architects, engineers and specialist subcontractors so drawings and technical information are practical to build, consistent and issued in line with the construction programme, working alongside commercial and pre-construction teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage design coordination across pre-construction and live site delivery on Design & Build projects
• Coordinate architectural, structural and specialist subcontractor drawings so information is consistent and ready for site use
• Attend site regularly, working with project and site teams to resolve design queries and technical issues as work progresses
• Review drawings and details for buildability, identifying coordination issues before they affect construction
• Track design deliverables against the construction programme, following up outstanding information to avoid delays on site
• Coordinate technical checks and approvals so site teams receive the information they need on time
• Keep consultants, subcontractors and internal teams aligned on design requirements and outstanding technical queries across two or three projects

Working Pattern

• One day working from home
• One to two days in the Hitchin office
• Typically two days on site
• Working hours: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, with a one-hour lunch break

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator, Architect, Structural Engineer, or in a similar design-led construction role
• A strong understanding of construction drawings, detailing and the design process
• Confidence coordinating architects, engineers, consultants and specialist subcontractors
• The ability to manage deadlines and keep design information moving across several projects
• A practical understanding of buildability and an interest in spending time on site, working with delivery teams to resolve technical issues
• A background with a main contractor, Design & Build contractor, architectural practice, structural, civil or M&E engineering business, or consultancy