Design Manager in Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Design Manager

Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Freelance | Minimum 4-month contract | Potential temp-to-perm
Full-time or part-time | Minimum 3 days per week
£350–£450 per day – negotiable depending on experience
Main Contractor | Design & Build | New Build & Refurbishment

An established, privately owned main contractor is looking for an experienced Design Manager for a freelance contract of at least four months. Full-time or part-time working is available, with a minimum of three days per week and the possibility of a permanent position by mutual agreement.

Established for more than 20 years, this close-knit business has a hands-on MD, an experienced commercial team and a strong level of repeat work across the public and private sectors.

The Role

You’ll coordinate design across new build and refurbishment projects, working with the MD, Contracts Managers, commercial and site teams, consultants and specialist subcontractors.

Projects are typically valued up to around £10m, spanning residential developments (including apartments up to around six storeys), education, healthcare, hotels, commercial schemes and extensions.

The position is predominantly office based in Hitchin, with site visits as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate consultants and specialist subcontractor design, keeping information aligned with procurement and construction programmes.
• Lead design meetings, track actions and manage technical queries, submissions and changes.
• Review drawings for coordination, buildability and alignment with client requirements.
• Work with commercial and site teams to resolve design issues and assess cost and programme implications.
• Coordinate designers’ input on Building Regulations compliance and required approvals.

What They’re Looking For

• Proven Design Manager experience with a main contractor; Design & Build experience is essential.
• New build and refurbishment experience, ideally on projects up to around £10m.
• Strong technical coordination skills, with experience managing consultants, subcontractor design and information programmes.
• A practical understanding of buildability, construction sequencing and relevant Building Regulations.
• A hands-on approach, clear communication and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Why Join?

A varied workload, direct access to the MD and the chance to make a visible contribution within an established, family-feel contractor — with flexibility over working days and potential for a longer-term permanent move.

Interested? Apply with your CV, availability, preferred working days and expected day rate.